Get to know Sean Russell...Sean Russell is a youth engagement strategist dedicated to empowering young people with the tools and motivation they need to make a positive impact in their communities.. Sean is the founder and director of the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, an annual event held at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL which is also modeled in cities across the United States in partnership with aquariums and conservation organizations. Through this program, Sean works to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address ocean conservation issues in their local communities. The Summit event, grew out of Sean’s ongoing work on marine debris prevention and fishing line recycling through the Stow It-Don’t Throw It Project -, an initiative he launched as a high school student.
A passionate educator and conservationist, Sean has led environmental education field programs for all ages and inspires audiences to action through presentations, workshops, and events across the country designed to motivate young people to take an active role in their communities.
Sean is a member of the National Marine Educators Association Board of Directors, and a former member of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors of Youth Service America and the Florida 4-H Foundation. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Florida 4-H Alumnus Award, Brower Youth Award, Peter Benchley Ocean Award, and Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Blue Dolphin Award for his conservation work. In his spare time Sean enjoys hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, traveling, and photography. |
After graduating from the University of Florida in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Sean has worked with a diverse set of organizations, including international non-profits, corporations, and government agencies, to elevate the roll of youth leadership in the fields of marine science, education, and conservation. Currently Sean works with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment on initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. Through this work, Sean launched and coordinates the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Youth Advisory Council and supports SeaWorld’s youth leadership programs. Sean has also served as a Youth Leadership Fellow with EarthEcho International, overseeing the implementation of EarthEcho’s inaugural Youth Leadership Council and as a Youth Programs Specialist at Mote Marine Laboratory, where he led a high school coral reef research program in the Florida Keys.
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What others are saying...
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Sean is a force of nature, laser-focused on helping youth positively impact ocean conservation. His genius is in his ability to create opportunities for youth to grow not only in their ideas, but in their confidence, presence, and ability to create actionable strategy. Sean is relentless in his quest to connect, inspire and motivate youth to act as leaders TODAY. I believe that Sean's impact is greater than any of us can know, as evidenced through the extensive network he continues to cultivate to make change. |
Sean Russell is a huge inspiration to me personally, and to so many others he has encountered. Through his tireless dedication, hard work and perseverance, he engages countless youth and adults alike in environmental conservation and activism, impacting our world in a very real way. He is an example to all of what can be accomplished with a clear vision, seemingly limitless energy, and a fantastic disregard for the boundaries of what is possible.
-Aly Busse
Assistant Vice President for Education
Mote Marine Laboratory
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Sean Russell’s passion for life under the sea knows no bounds. From a young age, he dedicated his life to galvanizing new generations of youth to understand the potential harms when humanity intersects with marine creatures from boats or beaches. I’ve seen elementary school kids look at him like a super hero, and I’ve seen adults seek out his advice on how to bring more youth into ocean conservation. Sean is a giant in the youth service movement, and I can’t wait to see how his life unrolls. |
I have been fortunate to work with Sean in a few different capacities across several projects and always look forward to the opportunity. Sean has been an invaluable asset to launching and establishing a scope of work for EarthEcho International's inaugural Youth Leadership Council. From developing criteria for member selection, to managing integration into the EarthEcho brand, to the daily management of campaigns launched by 15 busy youth scattered across the U.S. -- Sean's influence on this Council has led to a number of milestones achieved ahead of schedule by this nascent program. I am confident that Sean's passion for the project and willingness to leverage a number of his own influential partnerships has guaranteed the success for this very exciting new program for EarthEcho.
- Stacey Rafalowski
EarthEcho International
Director of Education
Sean Russell is an exemplary example of a 4-H’er who makes the best better! He truly has worked to create sustainable community change, giving with his hands, health, head and heart to make a difference. It is so awesome to see Sean now providing such experiences for other youth – he’s a true leader, he’s a 4-H’er and I’m proud to know and worked with him. |
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It has been such an honor and privilege to collaborate with one of the brightest minds in conservation. Sean Russell has demonstrated what it means to be a genuine catalyst for positive change and remains determined to empower youth in various capacities. He is an inspiration and true friend to many. |
Sean continues to amaze all that know him with his inspirational works in the US and abroad. I certainly know that Sean will continue to rock the nation and the world with his presence in stewardship, oceans, and inspiring environmental youth to act for the planet!
- Dr. Mare Timmons
Marine Biologist/Georgia Sea Grant Internship Director
University of Georgia Marine Extension Service
Sean Russell is one of the brightest, most organized and super energetic thinkers and doers I've ever met. Sean's been a star for many years and I look forward to him continuing to grow and help our ocean in countless ways in the future! |
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