Sean Russell is a youth engagement strategist dedicated to empowering young people with the tools and motivation they need to become involved in leadership initiatives. Sean 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.

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 to elevate the roll of youth leadership in the fields of marine science, education, and conservation. He launched, and continues to run, the inaugural SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Youth Advisory Council and supports the development of youth programs for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Sean also serves as a Youth Leadership Fellow with EarthEcho International, and is currently a Youth Programs Specialist at Mote Marine Laboratory, where he leads a high school research program in the Florida Keys. 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. In his spare time Sean enjoys hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, traveling, and photography.