Meet our Crew: Steven, Shinara, Charlotte & Marc
/This spring, we are excited to introduce you to four members of Billion Oyster Project’s 40-person crew. These individuals represent our Community Engagement, Education, Restoration, and Operations teams. More importantly, the unique stories of Steven Villegas, Shinara Sunderlal, Charlotte Boesch, and Marc Melendez, show that whether you grew up in New York City or India — studied at university or learned through hands-on experience, you can make a difference in your local environment and the lives of people around you.
Steven Villegas
Volunteer Coordinator
Steven grew up in Sunnyside, Queens, and attended the University of British Columbia, in Canada, where he studied Forestry and Natural Resources Conservation. He got started at Billion Oyster Project as a Research Associate Technician in 2019. He has since earned a full-time position leading one of our most important programs — the Volunteer Program, which has engaged more than 11,000 people to date! Steven has both the skills and passion to help bring hands-on education and environmental restoration to our Harbor.
“Billion Oyster Project is a super exciting avenue to re-wild oysters, and an opportunity to connect New Yorkers to a sustainable restoration project.”
Shinara Sunderlal
Education Outreach Coordinator
Shinara is an environmental educator who considers herself a global citizen. She grew up in New Delhi, India, and has spent the last 10 years living and learning in England, Costa Rica, California, and New York. Her passion for exploring the environment started in her suburban backyard and led her to experiences with Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Shinara quickly realized that her impact on creating a more sustainable tomorrow would be minimal if she didn't combine her curiosity for the natural world with her passion for working with children and educating the next generation of stewards. This notion led her to pursue a Master of Arts at New York University and continue working to protect the local landscape by building communities around the ecological solutions that oysters provide.
“Our mission is to get people’s hands on oysters. The Oyster Research Tank Program is a great option for bringing the Harbor into your classroom.”
Charlotte Boesch
Shell Collection Program Manager
Charlotte grew up in Putnam County, New York, where she fell in love with the outdoors and the beautiful Hudson Valley! If Charlotte had a superpower she would choose teleportation, so she could travel to Portland, Maine (her favorite place) every weekend! During her time as a graduate student at New York University, she studied food waste, policy, and systems, and she has since turned that passion and education into an impactful career!
“I was really drawn to the mission to restore oysters, but by engaging restaurants in that act. Restaurants are such an important part of New York City and oysters are a big part of the culture — historically and now. Utilizing shells, which would otherwise be waste, is such a smart, unique way to restore oyster reefs.”
Marc Melendez
Waterfront Manager
Marc is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn. After graduating from the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School's Vessel Operations Program in 2012, Marc spent seven years sailing around the world! Marc's vast experience on the water means Billion Oyster Project's fleet of vessels is in good hands. Marc's love for boats doesn't end with the work day. He loves sailing and is out catching wind whenever he gets the chance.
We look forward to seeing you along the New York Harbor waterfront this summer! Whether you’re volunteering on Governors Island, monitoring an Oyster Research Station, enjoying oysters at a Shell Collection partner restaurant, or taking in our coastal city from the water, we hope you share our vision for a restored Harbor — well used and well cared for by all.
In the meantime, meet the other members of our team on our Crew page, and click here to Become a Member!