Tanasia is a Brooklyn native. Growing up she spent a lot of time hiking local trails and fishing with her father, which started her love for the environment. She naturally gravitated towards marine science. She attended the New York Harbor School (NYHS), a public high school with a focus on maritime careers. During her time at NYHS, she fell in love with New York City’s waterways.

By the age of 17, Tanasia was a certified SCUBA diver, and assumed she’d pursue a career as a marine biologist studying sharks. It wasn’t until her undergraduate studies that she learned about environmental justice, and social sciences. She realized her ultimate aspiration is to bridge the gap between urban communities and the marine world.

Tanasia currently works at the Billion Oyster Project as the Field Stations Program Manager, where she facilitates outdoor programs at local oyster reefs throughout the city. She is also an Ambassador for Girls Thats Scuba, the largest community of women divers, a core member at Superhero Clubhouse, a New York based environmental- theater organization, and the Founder of Water Women NYC, a community group aimed at getting women to connect with water. Tanasia is currently developing a mentor program under Water Women NYC for young girls to become environmental advocates of their local waterways.