Many children realize early that they are heart-wired to love the ocean so they seek out a marine science education and career . Some even stick with ocean science and research, only to find themselves wondering about a life in policy. The goal of this session is to hear from one woman’s experience working her way from marine biologist(-ish) to ocean conservation policy advocate to leading an aquaculture campaign at a global nonprofit intent on developing U.S. offshore aquaculture that it is sustainable and equitable.
This presentation will cover an overview of Ruth’s professional aquaculture policy career and include her personal reflections on (1) why working in U.S. federal aquaculture policy is a great area of work as an American woman, (2) how U.S. aquaculture policy requires intentional growth informed by a large, diverse coalition to ensure the domestic industry develops inclusively and equitably, (3) challenges that women and nonbinary individuals may face as they progress in their careers and (4) recommendations on what more established professional women can do to lessen the hurdles and champion a next wave of aquaculture leaders.