Empowering Entrepreneurs to Save Our Oceans with Daniela Fernandez

Daniela Fernandez is the Founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders from over 165 countries with the world’s first Ocean Solutions Accelerator. She is an award-winning social entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 award recipient. Being self-aware, establishing priorities, and acting without fear is what guided Daniela along her journey. Leadership to her means the ability to inspire, uplift, and empower individuals to find the best version of themselves. Daniela believes that self-reflection and building self-awareness are key to creating a foundation for young entrepreneurs – knowing who they are, and who they want to be so that they can build their organizations’ vision, mission, and culture.

At the age of 19, Daniela Fernandez founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) while being a student at Georgetown University. Today, Daniela is the CEO of SOA which has become the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders. SOA features the world’s first Ocean Solutions Accelerator – cultivating and accelerating innovative solutions to prevent the greatest threats to our planet and to protect and sustain the ocean’s health. Being self-aware, establishing priorities, and acting without fear are qualities that guided Daniela. Her fearless wisdom and willingness to take risks at a young age allowed Daniela to grow as a leader and become a global champion for her cause. As a Forbes 30 under 30, Daniela teaches young leaders to ask important questions that will help them identify their values and purpose. Daniela believes that self-awareness is a key to creating a foundation for young entrepreneurs – knowing who they are and who they want to be – so they can build their organizations’ vision, mission, and culture. Daniela’s secret weapons for motivating others are “vulnerability” and “curiosity”, specifically not having all the answers and not being afraid to ask for help, yet being willing to challenge the status quo. Daniela also attributes her success to an army of supportive mentors and advisors who always have her back. She inspires young entrepreneurs by giving them that same kind of support – providing them the resources they need to question themselves and to find answers.

Joe Hart, President/CEO, Dale Carnegie & Associates
Daniela Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance

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