Panelists

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• Dr. Catherine Jadot, CEO, Elemental Solutions

  • Dr. Catherine Jadot is an environmental scientist, author, and CEO of Elemental Solutions Caribbean, specializing in marine conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. With over 25 years of experience, she has led initiatives in coral reef restoration, biodiversity protection, and environmental impact assessments across the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. She is also the founder of the Spirulina Academy and a passionate advocate for climate action. Her upcoming book, How It Doesn't End: Empowering Solutions to Climate Change, highlights tangible solutions for protecting our planet’s future.​​​​

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• ​Aly Rose, Director of Ocean Strategy, Millbor Foundation

  • Aly Rose is an ocean advocate who brings together deep research expertise, strong relationship-building skills, and a finance-forward approach to advancing innovation in the blue economy. As Director of Ocean Strategy at the Millbor Foundation, she works to advance ocean health through catalytic philanthropy and strategic partnerships. Her career spans roles at CREO Syndicate, where she connected climate-focused investors with regenerative ocean solutions, and SeaAhead, where she supported bluetech startups and impact investing efforts. With a multidisciplinary academic background, Aly brings a global and systems-level perspective to ocean sustainability.​

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• Michelle Li, Founder, Clever Carbon

  • ​Michelle Li is a globally recognized climate champion and thought leader, dedicated to advancing carbon literacy and sustainability. She began her career in Silicon Valley, working with tech giants like Salesforce and DocuSign, before founding Clever Carbon, an initiative that educates individuals on understanding and reducing their carbon footprints. Michelle also established Women and Climate, a non-profit organization that fosters climate action by creating supportive spaces for women to engage in environmental discussions. As a sought-after keynote speaker, she has shared her insights on prestigious platforms such as TEDx, SXSW, Bloomberg, and COP28, emphasizing the transformative power of a carbon-literate society in driving effective climate solutions.

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• Moderated by Laura Francis, Sea Forward Fund Director 

  • Laura Francis is the Director of Sea Forward, an organization that supports innovative and effective solutions in the ocean space. Her 27-year career in education and outreach at NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary sparked a growing interest in ocean philanthropy and impact investing, which has since become her full-time focus.​​​

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