Every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us of the vital contributions women make to science, research, and conservation. At MarAlliance, a women-led organization dedicated to marine conservation, our team is proof that passion, persistence, and curiosity can change the world—one reef, one fish, and one community at a time.
This year, we asked our women leaders to share advice for young women and girls—or any women—interested in pursuing a career in STEM or marine conservation. Their insights are not only practical but also inspiring for anyone looking to make a difference.
Finding Your Purpose and Making an Impact
Advice from Dr. Rachel Graham, Founder and Executive Director of MarAlliance
For those pursuing meaningful careers, Dr. Rachel Graham emphasizes the importance of discovering your personal purpose.
“Build your personal Ikigai—the intersection of what inspires you, brings you joy and purpose, and for which you can hopefully both give back and make a living. Cultivate a skills stack and embrace learning many skills—listening is key—which will strengthen your knowledge and abilities. Over the course of a long life, you never know which skills will prove invaluable, so invest in yourself continuously.
Be humble, be kind, and steer clear of entitlement; no one reaches their goals alone, and attitude, persistence, and hard work truly make the difference. Most importantly, help others along their journey, because our sector thrives when champions lift one another up. Your purpose, your growth, and your support for others together create lasting impact.”
Start Early and Build Connections
Advice from Dr. Ivy Baremore, Science Coordinator
For students and young professionals, Ivy emphasizes the value of gaining experience early in your career.
“Seek out opportunities in the labs of professors you admire,” she says. Graduate students often need research assistants, which provides the chance to participate in meaningful projects, learn essential skills, and build professional networks that can shape your future.
Her advice: be proactive. Do not wait for opportunities to come to you—seek them out.
Every Role Can Change the Ocean
Advice from Ana Lucia, Honduras National Coordinator
“Conservation is an ecosystem of roles,” she explains. While scientific research generates knowledge, education, communication, and advocacy inspire action. If you can translate complex ideas for a child, a fisher, a policymaker, or a donor—through a workshop, talk, or exhibit—you are already making a meaningful contribution to ocean protection.
Her advice: find your role in conservation, even if it is not in the lab. Your skills and perspective are valuable.
We Need Scientists, But You Are Also Essential
Advice from Mireia Peris, Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Many believe that marine conservation is only for scientists, but Mireia disagrees. Science and conservation need diverse skills, and communication, strategy, and relationship-building are just as important as research.
Funding, grants, and community engagement often rely on people who can connect science with society. “You need scientists and lab work to generate knowledge, but you also need people who can bridge science and society, explain complex ideas clearly, and enable research through partnerships, outreach, and funding. Creative thinking, clear communication, and proactive engagement help ensure that scientific discoveries translate into real-world conservation outcomes.”
Stay the Course, Build Your Strength
Advice from Kirah Forman-Castillo, National Coordinator, Belize
Like many women in science and conservation, Kirah has faced moments of discouragement. But she chose not to let doubt—her own or others’—define her path.
“I have learned to never let anyone convince me to step off the path I have chosen. As a woman, you may have to work harder, but the strength you build along the way is what makes you unstoppable.”
Her message is one of resilience and determination. Challenges will come, and the journey may demand more from you—but every obstacle helps shape your confidence and power. Stay true to your goals, trust your journey, and keep moving forward.
Your Passion is Needed
Advice from Sobeida, Research Officer, Honduras
“No te detengas. Don’t stop.”
Sobeida emphasizes that women are fundamental to science and conservation. Passion is not a weakness—it is the driving force behind innovation and discovery. There are no limits to what women can achieve when they commit to their goals. And when obstacles arise, they can become motivation to move forward even stronger.
Her advice is clear: your ideas, dedication, and perspective are essential. Keep moving forward—you are needed in science and conservation.
Honor Your Knowledge, Trust Your Voice
Advice from Daneira Brown, Project Officer, Guna Yala, Panama
“To everyone who dreams of science and conservation—especially Indigenous women—I encourage you to trust in yourselves and your abilities. Our connection to nature and the knowledge that comes from our land are valuable and can contribute greatly to science and conservation. With perseverance, love for what we do, and pride in who we are, it is possible to open new paths and keep growing without leaving our roots behind.”
Use Your Voice, Create Change
Advice from Eden Cruz, Communications Officer, Belize
Many women entering science and marine conservation wonder if their voice truly matters. Eden reminds them that it does—deeply.
“Science doesn’t only happen in labs or in the field. It lives in the stories we tell, the communities we engage, and the connections we build.”
Her message is a call to confidence and courage. Be curious. Trust your perspective. Take up space in scientific and conservation spaces without hesitation. Whether you are researching, teaching, communicating, or advocating, your work makes a difference. Eden encourages women to seek mentors, support one another, and recognize that conservation thrives on diverse skills—from policy and education to storytelling and outreach.
Defy Stereotypes, Own Your Strength
Advice from Ceci Gutiérrez Navarro, Project Officer, Mexico
Many women entering science and fieldwork hear that it is “not for them,” that they are not strong enough, or that science is “too demanding.” Ceci knows the truth:
“When the ocean calls, you answer. You may not do it the same way, but you can—and will—get the job done.”
Her message is empowering: do not internalize others’ doubts. Step into the field, take on challenges, and trust your abilities. Women bring unique strengths to conservation work, and resilience comes in many forms.
From laboratories to coral reefs, from classrooms to coastal communities, women are shaping the future of marine conservation. The collective advice from our team is clear:
To every girl watching the waves, to every young woman wondering if she fits, and to anyone considering a career in marine conservation: you do.
At MarAlliance, we believe the future of ocean conservation depends on diverse voices, bold ideas, and fearless women who refuse to give up. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate you—and the oceans you will help protect.
