Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, is pleased to announce the launch of The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF)—an annual program designed to support and empower exceptional young professionals in their efforts to protect and restore the health of our ocean.
The next generation is actively inheriting the responsibility to protect our ocean and planet. 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 Ocean Leaders Fellowship aims to solve these challenges by preparing young ocean professionals to lead with confidence and providing them with the tools necessary to champion meaningful, lasting change for the ocean and climate.
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 sponsored attendance at the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference.
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"The Ocean Leaders Fellowship is a transformative program designed to equip young ocean advocates with the leadership skills, knowledge, and networks they need to sustain, protect, and regenerate our ocean. Through mentorship, hands-on capacity-building workshops, and participation in global convenings, this Fellowship empowers 40 emerging leaders each year to advance their mission to safeguard our ocean and coastal communities," said SOA Founder & CEO Daniela V. Fernandez on the Fellowship.
"This program is a continuation of SOA’s work to support and elevate the next generation of ocean leaders, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to create lasting impact. None of this would be possible without the support of Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, whose deep commitment to investing in the next generation of ocean leaders is helping to shape a more sustainable future for our planet."
The Ocean Leaders Fellowship will offer online training and in-person experiences focused on these essential skills:
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Leadership: Learn to navigate complex challenges with resilience and purpose, embracing values-driven leadership.
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Storytelling: Master the art of creating compelling narratives that inspire action, engage communities, and influence decision-makers
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Collaboration & Cultural Competence: Build skills to co-create inclusive, culturally sensitive solutions with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and Indigenous communities.
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Resourcefulness: Hone your ability to innovate, secure funding, and manage responsibilities effectively while staying adaptable to change.
"A healthy, thriving ocean is essential to the well-being of both people and the planet. Its future depends on the collective efforts of all generations. By empowering the next generation of ocean leaders, we can spark new ideas, fresh energy, and innovative solutions to drive meaningful change," said Dona Bertarelli on the Fellowship.
"That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with Sustainable Ocean Alliance to support the Ocean Leaders Fellowship. Together, we’ll equip emerging changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to turn their passion into action – fostering a global community of thoughtful, inspired, and capable young leaders."
The inaugural 2025 OLF Cohort will run from March 24 to December 5, 2025 with an emphasis on Leadership & Storytelling.
The 2025 application cycle is now closed. Accepted applicants will be notified by mid-March 2025.
About Sustainable Ocean Alliance
Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a nonprofit global organization created by youth—for youth—dedicated to activating young people, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and mobilizing an ocean workforce to restore the health of the ocean in our lifetime. SOA was founded in 2014 by Daniela V. Fernandez during her first year at Georgetown University to bring youth voices and solutions to the forefront of the conversation.
Today, SOA has grown into the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders, innovators, and policymakers. To date, we have accelerated 480+ solutions (and counting) to the greatest threats facing our ocean. These solutions include 64 for-profit startups and 419 community-led nonprofit projects around the world.
About Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy
Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy is dedicated to fostering a healthy balance between people and nature, with a strong focus on environmental conservation. Through collaborations in advocacy, education, scientific research, technology, and community-driven initiatives, we aim to create lasting positive change that supports the well-being of all life on earth for a sustainable future.
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