Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy is proud to announce a new partnership with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) to launch the Ocean Leaders Fellowship, a global initiative dedicated to empowering young changemakers working to protect and restore our ocean. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to fostering innovative solutions that address the most urgent challenges facing marine ecosystems worldwide. 

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and capacity-building resources to 40 selected young professionals aged 18-35 who are committed to make a lasting impact for ocean conservation, enabling them to develop and scale their solutions and amplify their voices for ocean health. As part of this Fellowship, they will also engage in global ocean events to connect with global stakeholders and apply their newly developed skills such as the 2025 Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference. 

“A healthy, thriving ocean is essential to the well-being of both people and the planet. Its future depends on the collective efforts of all generations. By empowering the next generation of ocean leaders, we can spark new ideas, fresh energy, and innovative solutions to drive meaningful change. That is why I’m thrilled to partner with Sustainable Ocean Alliance to support the Ocean Leaders Fellowship. Together, we’ll equip emerging changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to turn their passion into action – fostering a global community of thoughtful, inspired, and capable young leaders.” said Dona Bertarelli, Executive Chair of Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. 

“The Ocean Leaders Fellowship is a transformative program designed to equip young ocean advocates with the leadership skills, knowledge, and networks they need to sustain, protect, and regenerate our ocean. Through mentorship, hands-on capacity-building workshops, and participation in global convenings, this Fellowship empowers 40 emerging leaders each year to advance their mission to safeguard our ocean and coastal communities. This program is a continuation of SOA’s work to support and elevate the next generation of ocean leaders, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to create lasting impact. None of this would be possible without the support of Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, whose deep commitment to investing in the next generation of ocean leaders is helping to shape a more sustainable future for our planet.” said SOA Founder & CEO Daniela V. Fernandez . 

Application details

The 2025 Ocean Leaders Fellowship Cohort will run from March 24 to December 5, 2025.  Applications are now open for eligible individuals and will close February 23, 2025 11:59pm PST. We encourage applications from individuals of all identities, geographies, and backgrounds. 

Apply here

About Sustainable Ocean Alliance

Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a nonprofit global organization created by youth—for youth—dedicated to activating young people, developing and implementing innovative solutions, and mobilizing an ocean workforce to restore the health of the ocean in our lifetime. SOA was founded in 2014 by Daniela V. Fernandez during her first year at Georgetown University to bring youth voices and solutions to the forefront of the conversation. Today, SOA has grown into the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders, innovators, and policymakers. To date, we have accelerated 480+ solutions (and counting) to the greatest threats facing our ocean. These solutions include 64 for-profit startups and 419 community-led nonprofit projects around the world.

About Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy

Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy is dedicated to fostering a healthy balance between people and nature, with a strong focus on environmental conservation. Through collaborations in advocacy, education, scientific research, technology, and community-driven initiatives, we aim to create lasting positive change that supports the well-being of all life on earth for a sustainable future. 

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