Donate
Introducing the Fellowship
The Challenge:
The ocean is our lifeline. And the next generation of ocean leaders is inheriting the responsibility to protect it. Yet systemic barriers—such as limited opportunities and exclusion from critical decision-making spaces—often prevent young leaders from contributing their expertise and advancing their careers.
The Solution:
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF), developed by Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, is an annual program dedicated to empowering the next generation of ocean conservation and climate leaders by equipping 40 early-career delegates each year with critical skills, opportunities, and networks necessary to advance impactful initiatives.
The Fellowship's vision goes beyond amplifying youth voices; it focuses on equipping participants with the necessary tools to thrive as effective leaders and accelerate their ocean solutions and climate careers.
Since launching in 2025, 40 selected Fellows have had the opportunity to develop critical skills as leaders in the ocean sector. The program curriculum includes skill development workshops, expert mentorship, collaboration opportunities with peers, and attendance at the 2025 Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference.
In this program, 40 selected Fellows will be given the opportunity to develop critical skills as leaders in the ocean sector. The program curriculum includes skill development workshops, expert mentorship, collaboration opportunities with peers, and attendance at the 2025 Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference.
About the Program
Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship empowers the next generation of Ocean Leaders by offering online training and in-person experiences focused on these essential skills:
Leadership:
Navigate complex challenges with resilience and purpose, embracing values-driven leadership.
Storytelling:
Master the art of creating compelling narratives that inspire action, engage communities, and influence decision-makers.
Collaboration & Cultural Competence:
Build skills to co-create inclusive, culturally sensitive solutions with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and Indigenous communities.
Resourcefulness:
Hone your ability to innovate, secure funding, and manage responsibilities effectively while staying adaptable to change.
The 2025 Cohort continues to focus specifically on developing Leadership & Storytelling skills.
Fellowship Benefits
As a Fellow, you gain opportunities to:
Skill Development Workshops:
Participate in interactive workshops focusing on two key skill areas critical for emerging ocean leaders.
Personalized Mentorship:
Be paired with a mentor from SOA's network of 250+ experts to guide your professional growth.
Engage in Global Ocean Events:
Represent youth voices at the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference, where you'll connect with global stakeholders, collaborate with fellow leaders, and apply your newly developed skills to real-life situations.
Personal Development & Action Planning:
Synthesize your learnings into a practical roadmap for your next steps in ocean and climate leadership.
The 2025 OLF Cohort
The 2025 OLF Cohort runs from March 24 to December 5, 2025 with an a focus on Leadership & Storytelling.