Contact Us

Drew Albenze
Chair
dalbenze@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: Los Angeles (Koreatown)
Background: Film/DVD/Blu-Ray Producer

Matthew Burke
Vice Chair
mburke@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: Venice
“I was born and raised in Santa Monica and currently reside at Venice Beach. I have lived on the westside my entire 37 years…a tru local who has seen the ups and downs at the beaches. I have been surfing for over 28 years. I also an a certified diver. I love the ocean. I also had a seat on the Board of Directors of the Michael Burke Foundation at St. John’s for several years raising money for cancer research. I believe I can make a difference and help us progress forward.”

Francine Lara
Treasurer & Fundraising Committee
treasurer@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: Mar Vista
Francine has been an instrumentail member of the Fundraising Committee in 2008. She was successful at helping raise many funds for the chapter to achieve it’s goals in 2009. Also, her and her boyfriend Rob, have been a huge advocate for clean beaches in LA.

Vanessa Meier
Task Force Coordinator
tfdirector@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: Santa Monica
Background: BS/MS Geology
“I was fortunate enough to grow up at the beaches along the Santa Monica Bay. My father, a surfer since the age of 9, raised me with absolute respect towards our oceans and all of nature. He also sparked my passion for surfing and for the ocean. My love of nature lead me toward obtaining my B.S and M.S. in geology. I believe in the power of one and in the power of generating awareness. . I was cleaning the beaches I called home before I ever began surfing because I was taught to leave places better than when I found them. Imagine if everyone felt a sense of responsibility and pride for their environment.”

Sekita Grant
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: So Cal
“As a Southern California resident I feel a duty to give back to the beautiful oceans and beaches that enrich our lives day in and day out. It is important to spend the time and energy, not only to change our own habits to reduce pollution and learn to live sustainably, but also to encourage and educate others about how they can do the same.”

Angel Scott
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: So Cal
“This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. We have been destroying what was given to us, and I find it is important for myself and others to realize change needs to be affected, preservation and restoration of habits and eco-systems are critical. When one respects oneself, the rest will follow. Through volunteering with Surfrider and all that it stands for, this is just one-step in the right direction of value creation.”

Anna Donlin
Executive Committee Member/Online Manager
a_donlin@surfriderwlam.org
Resides: Venice
“Through volunteering with Surfrider I’ve gained a greater awareness of the issues facing our coast and a sense of empowerment to help protect this valuable resource. I am ready to take on the added responsibility of being on the executive committee and give more of my time and effort to the goals protecting our ocean, waves and beaches. In addition to this, as an EC member, I hope to create space for others to get inspired, involved, and empowered by/with/through Surfrider.”