Carissa Bianca Ultra

Carissa specializes in clean energy transition, energy security and cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on protecting critical infrastructure. She also serves as a senior program and research associate at the Stratbase Institute, where she is part of the defense and security team, monitoring policy and providing analysis on sectoral trends. 

Carissa has held key roles in institutions focused on governance, diplomacy and social development. As a project officer for the nonprofit organization SPARK! Philippines, she led flagship campaigns on women’s health and empowerment in collaboration with foreign embassies. At the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, she contributed to peace and security programs.  

Carissa earned a bachelor’s degree in diplomacy and international relations specializing in East and Southeast Asian studies from Ateneo de Manila University, graduating cum laude.