Join the Marine Technology Society for a powerful discussion on advancing women’s engagement and leadership in the seafood sector.
More than 3.3 billion people worldwide rely on seafood as a primary source of protein. When women are involved in ocean food production, yields can rise by 10–20%. Yet, women make up only 4% of CEOs in the world’s top seafood companies (WSI, 2021). This webinar will highlight innovative programs and initiatives that are working to close this gap and empower women across the industry.
Speakers
Erika Montague, Chief Technologist at Schmidt Marine Technology Partners
Erika is the chief technologist at Schmidt Marine. She is an oceanographer, explorer, and evangelist of technology for a healthier ocean, with a Ph.D. in oceanography from Johns Hopkins University. Her past research has involved work with submersibles and unmanned vehicles with a focus on the development of novel, nondestructive methods for studying extreme and remote marine environments. Erika has led cruises to study bioluminescent life forms and test underwater technologies for use at the surface and down to the deepest parts of the ocean. She aims to bridge the gap between diverse stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that leverage the technology driven culture of today to empower the next generation.
María Elvira López, Portfolio Impact Senior Coordinator
María Elvira works within the Portfolio Solutions team at Conservation International Ventures, where she leads the impact monitoring and evaluation of the portfolio and supports other aspects of portfolio management including risk monitoring and performance. She is passionate about inclusive conservation practices for the benefit of people and the planet. She has a background in Environmental Justice, and International Relations, with a focus on Latin America.
Mariana Flores Vargas, Hatch Blue
Mariana is a marketing professional with a Masters in Strategic Management based in La Paz, Mexico. Her experience spans project management, corporate communications, and brand development, with a focus on fisheries and aquaculture. Currently, she leads Community Development for Latin America in Hatch Blue’s Women in Ocean Food program. Mariana’s work involves value chain analysis and strategic communication in the blue economy sector, particularly in sustainable ocean food systems and women’s participation in aquaculture.
Elena Martínez Martínez, SOS Biotech
Elena Martínez Martínez is an oceanographer and entrepreneur passionate about unlocking the ocean’s potential for a more sustainable future. She is the CTO and Co-founder of SOS Biotech, the first BlueTech company in the Dominican Republic, dedicated to transforming invasive seaweed into high-value products that drive environmental and economic impact. Through innovations in sustainable agriculture, biomaterials, and ocean-based solutions, her work creates opportunities for coastal communities while tackling one of the Caribbean’s biggest ecological challenges. Recognized by MIT Solve, the Rockefeller Foundation, and IUCN, Elena aims to redefine what’s possible when science, sustainability, and local empowerment come together.
