Sea Forward Events
Women in Ocean Impact:
Hope, Inspiration, and Action for Our Blue Planet
About the Event
Women in Ocean Impact: Hope, Inspiration, and Action for Our Blue Planet
The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet — regulating climate, sustaining biodiversity, and supporting communities worldwide. Yet, it faces unprecedented threats. On May 28, 2025, Sea Forward hosted an inspiring conversation with leading ocean innovators and changemakers from around the world who are turning challenges into action.
From pioneering marine conservation efforts and sustainable solutions to fostering climate literacy and community-driven impact, the virtual event explored bold strategies to protect and restore our blue planet.
The panelists offered valuable insights into:
- How strategic funding is fueling innovation across the blue economy
- Ways to make the ocean impact space more inclusive and accessible
- Why the future of our planet depends on ocean health
- How we can flex our hope muscles
Watch the Recording
View recording alongside chat: tinyurl.com/WomenOceanImpact2025
Panelists
Meet the Speakers
CEO · Elemental Solutions
Dr. Catherine Jadot is an environmental scientist, author, and CEO of Elemental Solutions Caribbean, specializing in marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. With over 25 years of experience, she has led initiatives in coral reef restoration, biodiversity protection, and environmental impact assessments across the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. She is also the founder of the Spirulina Academy and a passionate advocate for climate action. Her upcoming book, How It Doesn’t End: Empowering Solutions to Climate Change, highlights tangible solutions for protecting our planet’s future.
Director of Ocean Strategy · Millbor Foundation
Aly Rose is an ocean advocate who brings together deep research expertise, strong relationship-building skills, and a finance-forward approach to advancing innovation in the blue economy. As Director of Ocean Strategy at the Millbor Foundation, she works to advance ocean health through catalytic philanthropy and strategic partnerships. Her career spans roles at CREO Syndicate, where she connected climate-focused investors with regenerative ocean solutions, and SeaAhead, where she supported bluetech startups and impact investing efforts. With a multidisciplinary academic background, Aly brings a global and systems-level perspective to ocean sustainability.
Founder · Clever Carbon
Michelle Li is a globally recognized climate champion and thought leader, dedicated to advancing carbon literacy and sustainability. She began her career in Silicon Valley, working with tech giants like Salesforce and DocuSign, before founding Clever Carbon, an initiative that educates individuals on understanding and reducing their carbon footprints. Michelle also established Women and Climate, a non-profit organization that fosters climate action by creating supportive spaces for women to engage in environmental discussions. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has shared her insights at TEDx, SXSW, Bloomberg, and COP28.
Moderator
Director · Sea Forward Fund
Laura Francis is the Director of Sea Forward, an organization that supports innovative and effective solutions in the ocean space. Her 27-year career in education and outreach at NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary sparked a growing interest in ocean philanthropy and impact investing, which has since become her full-time focus.
Go Deeper
Additional Resources
View our curated list of women in ocean impact, organizations, and resources shared by our webinar participants — powerful sources of hope and action for a healthier ocean.
Explore Curated List ↗Learn more about ocean impact and investing
- The Ocean Impact Navigator — 1000 Ocean Startups Coalition
- Ocean Positive Investment Market Snapshot — Investable Oceans
- Builder Vision’s Ocean Strategy: A Case Study for Systemic Investing
- Unlocking Climate Tech Capital for Blue Economy Ventures
- How impact investing is creating a difference for coral reefs and coastal economies — Impact Alpha
Learn more about Sea Forward
- Visit the Sea Forward website
- Invest in ocean health through Catacap
- Read the April 2025 edition of our Newsletter “The Current” — and subscribe here to receive future updates
- Read our latest blog on our co-investment with Heading for Change into Circulate Capital LAC
- Ocean Philanthropy 101 — Laura’s Seaze Podcast interview (Episode 24)
Learn more about the panelists’ work and organizations
Community Stories
Share Your Stories of Hope
Is there a person working in the ocean impact space who inspires you? A project or idea that gives you hope? Or a moment that renewed your faith in ocean recovery? We’d love for you to feature your story in our “Hope for the Ocean” series — whether it’s a few words, a short reflection, or a longer story. Click the button below to submit, and follow this link for some examples.
Share a Story of HopeSee what participants are saying…
Sea Forward Fund’s Women in Ocean Impact event was such a fascinating conversation. It was inspiring to hear from your incredible panelists and to see the powerful community you brought together on the call.
Participant from Rachel’s Network
Huge thanks to the inspiring Women In Ocean Impact speakers, Aly Rose, Catherine Jadot, PhD, and Michelle Li, for sharing such insightful, actionable perspectives on how funding, storytelling, and strategic partnerships can advance the Blue Economy.
Participant from World Surf League
Thank you so much to all the speakers and the organization of this event. It was a really inspiring moment, giving hope and energy to fight climate change and protect our ocean.
Participant from TideWise