Sheroes of the Ocean Educate, Energize and Inspire During Miami Ocean Week Celebration

The ocean is the blue heart of the planet. And for many, its beauty and grandeur are also its soul. Covering 70 percent of the earth’s surface, the ocean provides food, medicine, oxygen, a hospitable climate, transportation, recreation and much more. Without the ocean, there would be no life, no earth.

But it’s no secret that the ocean is in peril. Its life-giving waters are increasingly compromised by modern life. To maintain the health of the planet and the life it sustains, taking action is imperative. 

Enter the committed women out to save our seas.

For the past five years, innovative women leading the charge in ocean conservation have been recognized by the Sheroes of the Ocean initiative whose mission is to emphasize the pressing need for ocean conservation and to amplify the voices of those spearheading this effort. The organization creates a dialogue among ocean advocates for knowledge sharing and to present examples of positive action others can follow.

To date, the Sheroes program has recognized more than 25 women from around the globe, including the United States, Japan, Estonia, Mexico, Russia and Brazil. 

Shereo women are diverse in their oceanic commitments and careers. They include marine biologists, environmentalists, artists, oceanographers, educators and activists. What unites them is a respect for nature, the marine environment and a passionate commitment to protecting and preserving our seas. 

The Sheroes program is the brainchild of Ombretta Agró Andruff, founder of ARTSail, an organization that unites artists and ocean activists, along with Carolina Kleine Samson, an accomplished artist, photographer, and digital communicator.

In June, five of these accomplished Shero women, along with the program founders, gathered in South Beach during Miami Ocean Week Celebration for an inspirational panel discussion about their efforts to usher in a new wave of positive aquatic change.

Individually, each addressed a unique aspect of the multi-faceted approach required for successful ocean conservation. Together, they demonstrated how a group of passionate, trailblazing women could combine their knowledge, talents and efforts to create a comprehensive platform to address the declining ocean environment.

Moderating the discussion, Ombretta Agró Andruff introduced herself as a woman with a profound love of both art and the sea that surrounds her in South Florida. ArtSail was an effort to combine both passions to communicate her environmental concerns creatively and encourage others to take action. Founding the Sheroes program was the logical next step.

Despite the panelists’ diverse activities, many common messages emerged: the importance of taking the initiative to advocate for change beginning on a local level, becoming an informed consumer to make choices that reinforce ocean sustainability and educating future generations about the importance of the big blue heart of the planet.

Speaking first was Lauren Shapiro, a 2025 featured artist in the ARTSail Residency & Research program. As an accomplished ceramicist and educator, she integrates art and technology to communicate insights about the natural world and advocate for environmental conservation.

Acting on that belief, Lauren frequently partners with scientists and ecologists to create works that reflect the ocean and coastal landscapes. Through public art projects, she uses the power of group creativity to focus on issues threatening the environment and involve the community.

Speaking next was Danni Washington, a well-known science communicator and television personality. Audiences may be familiar with her programming on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, where she covers a myriad of stories on the ocean and the environment in general. Emphasizing the importance of connecting with people of all backgrounds on environmental issues, she stressed the need to understand an audience and to tailor a message that engages them.

While she advocates for the environment through major media, says that communication takes many forms and everyone can spread an environmental message in their own way, whether on a large or small scale.

Danni also has played a major role in passing the oceanic baton forward. In 2007 she and her mother founded the non-profit Big Blue & You to connect young children with the ocean. Today, she leads groups of high school students to advocate for environmental issues in Washington D.C. 

Panelist Dr. Shelby Thomas, CEO and founder of the Ocean Rescue Alliance International, spoke passionately about conserving the coral reef system. After studying microbiology and marine ecology at the University of Florida, she went on to establish her not-for-profit dedicated to conserving reefs through restoration, research, eco-tourism and education. 

In a unique partnership with nature, she uses manmade materials and structures to create sustainable, regenerative marine ecosystem solutions.

Coral reefs, Dr. Thomas notes. maintain marine biodiversity and wildlife which can mitigate the impact of climate change and protect coastlines, while enhancing the enjoyment of the ocean for all.

Stressing that the ocean is a unique environment that holds many mysteries, she says:

Her organization is also deeply committed to connecting people to the ocean through projects that combine science and art. For example, it recently completed a snorkel-friendly artificial reef with 50 artistic modules in Hollywood Beach, Florida. The public can not only enjoy the installation but can also participate with her organization in similar projects.

On a completely different note, Adriana Sanchez, founder of Seafood Ninja, discussed how her company helps businesses tackle environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility, and transparency in global seafood supply chains. She explained that sustainable seafood is generally accepted to mean food caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term viability of the harvested species, the well-being of the ocean and the livelihood of communities dependent on the fisheries. 

Certain organizations certify that seafood has met these criteria. However, she cautions that significant variability exists in interpreting their meaning. Sustainability is complex, and retailers often do not even know where to begin addressing the issue.

To those concerned with consuming fish that is both good for people and the planet, she suggests researching the topic as it applies to specific fish and the policies of the retailers frequented.

Capping off the discussion, Dr. Catherine Macdonald, director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami, noted that sharks are among the most ancient creatures on the earth today. They are vital to the marine ecosystem and can help fight climate change.

In part, she and her team collect data that helps track the shark’s role in the current marine ecosystem and the creature’s future. She spends long hours up close and personal with one of the inhabitants of the ocean people fear most and frequently involves students with hands-on experience collecting shark data.

On another note, addressing the panel’s shared concern for the ocean ecosystem, she admits the problems at times can seem overwhelming.

Presenters and attendees mingled after the discussion, enjoying cocktails and healthy light bites. They left energized and inspired.

The panel discussion took place at the iconic South Beach One Hotel and was sponsored by Piper & Skye, a sustainable luxury handbag brand. Piper & Skye is recognized for creating accessories with ethically-sourced materials from aquatic species that safeguard biodiversity and support ecosystem regeneration.