Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to bridge the gap between minority individuals aspiring to build careers in aquaculture and the industry’s workforce development needs, requirements & goals. Through MIA’s empowering network of 200+ women of color globally, a variety of aquaculture knowledge, intentional resource allocation, and career development opportunities, the organization strives to facilitate & promote a more inclusive and sustainable future for the aquaculture sector.
Since MIA’s launch in October of 2020, the organization has fully funded 17 women of color in aquaculture internships nationwide [New Hampshire, Maine, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, Alaska & California]; has successfully raised awareness nationally and internationally about diversity, equity, and inclusion in aquaculture; and demonstrated the significance in building the industry’s future workforce and responsive DEI approaches. This program offers a broader aquaculture focus for all women, trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals of color, with environmental and entrepreneurial interests by providing an immersive training experience in aquaculture. Over an eight week internship, selected candidates work alongside aquaculturists at a host farms nationwide to learn regular farm operations and maintenance, and will have the opportunity to engage with aquaculturists, the MIA team, and industry connections/partners as mentors. Most importantly, MIA’s internships are specifically tailored to each applicant’s interests, ensuring maximum exposure of the intern’s desired aquaculture knowledge and hands-on skills that will assist their unique career development. Minorities In Aquaculture is allowing underrepresented and often under-resourced groups to capitalize on a local and viable career in the increasingly prevalent field of aquaculture, which in-turn, will create more qualified employees and industry leaders that are highly needed in all sectors of aquaculture locally and globally.