March 17, 2025, San Francisco, CA — Sustainable Ocean Alliance announces Leadership Transition of Founder & CEO Daniela Fernandez to step down.
After 10 transformative years of pioneering leadership, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) announces that Founder & CEO Daniela Fernandez will step down from her role effective Monday, March 17, 2025.
Under Daniela’s visionary guidance, SOA has evolved from a bold idea into the world’s largest youth-led network dedicated to ocean sustainability, mobilizing tens of thousands of young ocean advocates across 186 countries.
Since founding SOA as a 19-year-old college student at Georgetown University, Daniela has propelled the organization from a campus initiative into a global movement, relentlessly advocating for ocean conservation and empowering youth to become leaders and innovators in the blue economy.
Key achievements under Daniela's transformative leadership include:
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Launching the Ocean Solutions Accelerator, providing critical funding, mentorship, and a global network to innovative ocean-tech startups poised to make significant environmental impact.
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Expanding SOA's global community to become the world's largest network of young ocean leaders, equipping them with tools and platforms to drive meaningful change.
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Securing millions of dollars in funding, scaling SOA’s impact, and establishing strategic partnerships to accelerate global solutions for ocean health.
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Elevating youth voices globally, advocating for meaningful participation in policy dialogues, including major global forums and decision-making tables.
This decision was not made lightly, and Daniela is leaving SOA in incredibly strong and capable hands. Our dedicated board, leadership team, and passionate staff remain steadfast in their commitment to our mission. SOA will continue to push forward, advancing policies, supporting ecopreneurs, and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems.
Daniela’s vision has established SOA as a dynamic and influential organization, poised to continue its trajectory of growth and impact.
We celebrate Daniela’s legacy of leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our ocean, and look forward to continuing SOA’s critical mission under new leadership.
For any inquiries related to SOA’s transition and future, please reach out to questions@soalliance.org.
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