Daniel Ponce Taylor

Sustainability and Strategic Partnership Director

Why IOI:

It was a few years ago that I met Johann, IOI’s Director. We shared very similar values and we both concerned by similar issues that the Study abroad and international volunteering industry is facing. At the time, I felt IOI’s approach and mission was one that I was very aligned with. A few years later, the opportunity to be part of this thriving and dynamic team was a reality…and here I am, ready to support, promote and help achieve IOI’s mission.

My IOI role: 

I am the Sustainability and Strategic Partnership Director. I bring more than 15 years of experience in the Study abroad and international programs’ industry. My role is to help IOI find new partners, both academic and others who will help promote IOI’s programs in different corners of the world. With a full backpack of experiences and contacts, I also hope to bring crazy perspectives and ways of increasing IOI’s impact on the ground and how to engage a wider community in becoming part of the solution. I am excited to be part of the remote team that helps support staff and provide leadership on how to achieve IOI’s goals and mission.

Life prior to IOI:

Originally from Spain, I have had the opportunity of living in Australia, UK, Costa Rica and Mexico. I am passionate about conservation and sustainable development, specifically marine ecosystems, and I obtained an MSc in Sustainable development of Coastal and Marine ecosystems and a BSc in Oceanography with Marine biology.  Since early 2000 i’ve been involved in setting up and managing conservation and community development projects around the world, with a focus on sustainability and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of my relevant certifications are Child-Safe Child Project Specialist Training level 3, Emergency First Responder (EFR) Instructor Trainer, Royal Geographical Society (RGS) Off-Site Health & Safety Management Trainer, Divers Alert Network (DAN) Divers Emergency Provider (DEMP) Instruct and a PADI Dive Master.

Just me: 

I was born on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in Valencia (Spain), and moved to the Balearic Island of Mallorca a few years later, so I knew ocean exploration was always going to be a huge part of my life. Since those early days, I’ve been connected to the ocean, and as soon as I started snorkeling and diving  I knew that I had to be a proactive actor in its exploration, investigation and conservation. As a father of two little ones, I spend as much time as possible in the outdoors, teaching them the value of outdoor education, and when I can, I find time to do the other things I love, like photography or training for my next triathlon or ironman.