For the past decade, Sean Russell has collaborated with international non-profits, corporations, and government agencies to elevate the role of youth leadership in ocean education, science, and conservation. As EarthEcho International’s Director of Youth Engagement, he is responsible for EarthEcho’s strategy and initiatives designed to build the capacity of young ocean advocates working to protect and restore our ocean planet, and has grown this work to engage youth leaders in over 100 countries. Sean previously managed the EarthEcho Water Challenge, a global citizen science program that has engaged over 1.6 million participants from 146 countries. In this role Sean led initiatives to increase participation around the world, develop diverse education program partnerships, and equip young people with tools to translate their water quality data into meaningful action to protect their local watersheds.

Sean serves on the National Marine Educators Association Board of Directors, is an advisor to The Ocean Project, and has served as a member of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Community Group and the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress Young Professionals Committee. He has been recognized as a recipient of the Christopher Benchley Youth Award, the Brower Youth Award, and NAAEE’s 30 under 30 for his conservation and environmental education work.