Amber LeBlanc

Amber is a Canadian from the east coast, where she grew up near the ocean. She recently completed a master’s in environmental studies at Dalhousie University, focusing on microplastics research, especially during extreme weather events. Passionate about science communication and social activism, she believes in the power of collective action for change.

For Amber, the ocean is integral to both her personal life and academic pursuits. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to amplify younger voices in decision-making and advocate for compassionate leadership to tackle global challenges.

Chinenye Rebone Chikwado (19)

Chinenye is an feminist and women’s rights activist from West Johannesburg. She has been active in civil society since the age of 13, working with the Black Womxn Caucus to combat gender-based violence and femicide. For Chinenye, advocacy for marginalized voices is essential. As a member of the One Ocean Youth Panel, she seeks to promote gender equality and policy change to create a more just and inclusive future.

Christine van der Horst (27)

Christine is a climate justice activist and a PhD researcher in environmental policy at the University of Bergen. Originally from the Netherlands, she is deeply concerned about the global climate and ecological crises. Through her research and activism, she advocates for stronger climate policies and equitable solutions. For Christine, the One Ocean Youth Panel is an opportunity to work towards stronger climate policies that prioritize communities most affected by environmental change. She hopes to contribute to finding equitable solutions for climate justice.

Daniel Cáceres Bartra (30)

Daniel is a marine biologist, dive instructor, and regional representative for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA). With expertise in marine conservation, ocean policy, and youth leadership, he’s passionate about creating marine protected areas and advocating for climate and biodiversity solutions. For Daniel, the ocean is central to his life, and he aims to use the One Ocean Youth Panel to amplify youth voices and work with global leaders to prioritize ocean conservation. He envisions a future where humanity restores its relationship with the ocean and fosters thriving ecosystems.

Miraflor Santos (29) 

Miraflor is a PhD candidate in Biological Oceanography at the MIT/WHOI Joint Program, studying phytoplankton responses to climate change. She is also interested in sustainable food systems and the alternative seafood industry. For Miraflor, the ocean is both a professional focus and a personal connection. As part of the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to help shift our relationship with the ocean from exploitation to stewardship and inspire responsible, sustainable actions for future generations.

Fatma Moulay (28)

Fatma is the president of Sahrawi Natural Resources Watch and works with the Human Rights Council in Geneva. She focuses on human and environmental rights, climate change, and advocates for the sustainable management of resources in occupied Western Sahara. For Fatma, the ocean is central to the identity and livelihood of Western Sahara. Being part of the One Ocean Youth Panel provides her with a platform to represent her region, amplify marginalized voices, and promote the fair use of marine resources. She envisions a future where Western Sahara plays a leading role in sustainable ocean governance and climate resilience, with indigenous and local communities driving global climate action.

Ingeborg Rønning (25)

Ingeborg works at Keep Norway Beautiful, a non-profit dedicated to preventing littering, where she focuses on marine pollution. She holds a master’s degree in marine sustainability, with a thesis on deep-sea mining in Norway, and has experience in science communication related to sustainability and the ocean. For Ingeborg, the ocean has always been a lifelong companion, connecting her to the world and its incredible marine life. She sees the One Ocean Youth Panel as a space for global collaboration and knowledge-sharing on ocean challenges. Her hope is for a healthy, thriving ocean with a fair distribution of resources.

Titilope Ajimuda (25)

Titilope is a women's rights activist from Lagos, currently studying Guidance and Counseling. With over eight years of experience in community development, she has dedicated herself to mobilizing and empowering local communities for positive change. For Titilope, the ocean has always been a source of fascination, with its power and beauty inspiring her from a young age. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to help protect ocean health and promote sustainability. Her vision for the future includes a significant reduction in plastic pollution and greater awareness of ocean conservation, ensuring a healthier ocean for future generations.

Leno Ignatious (22)

Leno is a coastal Indigenous youth activist from the Mukkuvar community in Kerala. He works with Blue Green Coastal Resources to document Indigenous knowledge and promote sustainable fishing practices. He also supports fishers’ movements against destructive fishing and coordinates the Coastal Indigenous Youth Network, which advocates for a plastic-free marine environment and better coastal opportunities. For Leno, the ocean is deeply connected to his Indigenous identity. As Indigenous voices are often overlooked in decision-making, he sees the One Ocean Youth Panel as a crucial platform for representation. He hopes to collaborate with fellow changemakers to build a sustainable and healthy ocean.

Maiara Ianira Vieira Gomes Fernandes (23)

Ianira is pursuing a Master’s in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges and holds degrees in Political Communication and Political Science. She has experience in human rights advocacy, policy analysis, and inclusive policymaking. For Ianira, the ocean is deeply tied to her cultural and spiritual identity. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she wants to promote equitable ocean governance and advocate for intersectional solutions that address environmental racism and gender equality. She is committed to fostering inclusive decision-making and ensuring young voices are heard in climate and ocean advocacy.

Laisa Nainoka (29)

Laisa is from Tailevu, Fiji, and raised on Taveuni. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work and is currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Development Studies. With a focus on social issues and community development, she is committed to driving positive change and sustainable development in her region. For Laisa, the ocean is deeply connected to her culture and identity. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to promote sustainable practices and ensure Pacific island communities are part of global discussions on ocean governance.

Emilia Maria Mathilda Berndtsson (19)

Emilia is an ocean advocate from Finland, dedicated to environmental sustainability. She has engaged in various climate and environmental initiatives, including participating in climate protests, contributing to sustainability groups, and shadowing Greenpeace activists. For Emilia, the ocean is crucial to climate action. She aims to raise awareness about ocean conservation and inspire youth to take action. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to contribute to creating a healthier planet and ocean.

Rabea Patricia Rogge (29)

Rabea is a robotics engineer from Germany, specializing in technologies for planetary exploration. Her work focuses on addressing the unique challenges of ocean exploration through innovation and engineering. For Rabea, the ocean is both a source of inspiration and a challenge. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to apply her expertise in technology to address ocean conservation and support sustainable practices. Rogge is also scheduled to be the first female austronat on a Space X Mission in early 2025.

Rofayda Fayed (19)

Rofayda is a student at United World College, passionate about environmental justice. She has worked with diverse communities and activists to tackle climate change and sustainability challenges. For Rofayda, the ocean represents both a challenge and a chance for global cooperation. She hopes to contribute to the One Ocean Youth Panel to help drive environmental change and support sustainable ocean governance.

Nivi Rosing (21)

Nivi is an Inuk from Nuuk, Greenland, who recently completed her studies in Inuit Studies at Ottawa. Passionate about Indigenous knowledge, she advocates for the recognition of Inuit traditions and the protection of Indigenous communities. For Nivi, the ocean is vital to her Indigenous heritage. Through the One Ocean Youth Panel, she hopes to amplify the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and advocate for the preservation of their relationship with the ocean.

Jahawi Bertolli (37)

Jahawi is a National Geographic Explorer, award-winning filmmaker, musician, photographer, and TV host. His work focuses on environmental and marine conservation, using storytelling to highlight the fragility and beauty of ecosystems. For Jahawi, the ocean is a source of inspiration and an essential element in conservation. As part of the One Ocean Youth Panel, he aims to raise awareness and drive action for marine and environmental conservation through his storytelling.