Maxwell Bracey started Diver•Sea•Fy on the idea that if people from different backgrounds had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the underwater world, they would experience a similar ideological transformation with a heightened awareness and responsibility for conservation. A transformation that benefits the planet and enhances the lives of those working to protect it.

Jada Alexander, Founder of Daybreak Beach Club, began her journey with the ocean at a time when she needed it most. As a young girl navigating personal challenges and facing racial hardships, she found herself drawn to the natural world as a source of peace and clarity. Nature became her outlet—a space where she could explore, play, and heal. Through these experiences, she regained her passion for life and a deeper sense of purpose, leading her to a path of self-discovery and renewal.

Elijah Catalan is a PhD student at the University of California, Los Angeles building a research-based career where he can help protect and empower communities disproportionately impacted by environmental conditions and underrepresented in the field of environmental science. His goal is to advance environmental justice and decolonise scientific research.

Brittney Cleveland is a marine biologist whose interest in the study of marine life started in childhood. That early drive inspifed her to pursue a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Science with a concentration in aquatics. Having conducted research in both Colorado and Southern California, Brittney now focuses her efforts on conservation aquaculture, supporting efforts to protect threatened species like the giant black sea bass, sunflower star, and white abalone snails to name a few. Her true passion lies in research and in managing microscopic animals.

Derrick Richardson is a Ph.D. student in Marine Science at UCLA, where he investigates the impacts of climate change and overfishing on global fish biomass using ecosystem modeling. He earned his B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science with a minor in Leadership Studies from Hampton University and has since been involved in outreach and science communication through the Aquarium of the Pacific’s CELP Scholars Program. Derrick is dedicated to increasing access and representation for Black and underrepresented communities in ocean science, combining rigorous research with a commitment to equity, education, and environmental stewardship.

Pa-Shun Hawkins is a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. Her research examines the intersection of social inequality and environmental degradation, and uses environmental DNA in combination with theory and techniques from social and ecological sciences to examine how human activities shape environmental change. Hawkins is an Early Career Fellow and Climate Resilience Fellow with the Center for Diverse Leadership in Science, where she helps lead community-driven initiatives. She also recently served as a graduate researcher with the Critical Ecology Lab. Hawkins is an alumna of Hampton University, where she earned her B.S. in marine and environmental science.

Kory Lamberts is a dive professional, educator, and community builder dedicated to breaking down barriers in aquatics. As Founder of the Aquatic Futures Foundation, he has built inclusive pathways into swimming, snorkeling, scuba, and scientific diving by combining environmental knowledge with community-centered action. Through leadership roles with programs like the Aquatic Summer Series and Negus in Nature, Kory has helped expand access to aquatic education for underrepresented communities. Most recently, he led the inaugural training cohorts of divers through Aquatic Futures Foundation programming, supporting the training of more than 20 divers over the past year.

Leslie is an Animal Care Specialist at the Aquarium of the Pacific where she works with and cares for various marine mammals and amphibians. Leslie supports the aquarium’s ongoing conservation efforts such as the Southern Sea Otter Surrogacy Program and Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog Program. As a community leader, Leslie is a driving force for programming that advances diversity within marine science and that builds ocean inclusivity and comfort. Holding certifications as an AAUS Scientific Diver and PADI Scuba Divemaster, she leans into her close relationship with the ocean and her deeply-rooted passion to serve her community, building bridges between the underserved and their local ocean environments.