MEET THE FINSTITUTE

INTERNATIONAL TEAM

Aliah Banchik

CO-FOUNDER / CREATIVE & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Aliah is the co-founder of the FINstitue at James Cook University. She oversees club operations, manages the executive team, and organizes partnerships, speakers, and field activities for the club and its members.

  • Some quick facts about Aliah:

    • She is a PADI-certified Divemaster and Assistant Instructor and has been a certified diver since she was 11

    • She is a Ted X Talk speaker and published author & illustrator of her own book on dyslexia

    • Aliah is a wildlife photographer with a specialization in underwater photography. Check out Naked 4 Nature to see her work

Luca Hoffecker

CO-FOUNDER / OPERATIONS & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Luca is the co-founder of The FINstitute International and oversees the organization’s operations, finances, partnerships, expeditions, internships, memberships, and strategic growth. He manages logistics, government reporting, charitable applications, university chapter expansion, and team oversight while coordinating collaborations, guest relations, and organizational administration.

    • Luca is a marine biologist and oceanographer from Vancouver. He completed his Master’s in Marine Biology, focusing on conservation and management from James Cook University.

    • He is a PADI Divemaster and aspiring tech diver with significant research experience diving with whale sharks.

    • Luca has animal husbandry experience, and his marine specialty includes pinnipeds and sea otters from the west coast of Canada.

  • Kiesha Lara Venga

    Program & Projects Coordinator

  • Laura Boderke

    Production & Visual Media Coordinator

  • Liat Dayan

    Partnerships Coordinator