World-renowned conservationist and photographer Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier believes that stunning visual storytelling is the key to unlocking critical action to help heal our ocean and save our planet. Beginning her career as a marine biologist in her native Mexico, Mitty soon discovered the power of imagery in ocean advocacy work. 

 

In 2005, she founded The International League of Conservation Photographers and coined the phrase "conservation photography". In 2014, she co-founded SeaLegacy, the global marketing, education, and communication agency for the ocean using strategic communications at the intersection of art, science, and conservation to protect and rewild the ocean for the benefit of biodiversity, humanity, and climate within our lifetimes.

 

Mittermeier is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and aligns with Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative on collaborative efforts to preserve the natural world. Along with her partner, Paul Nicklen she was named one of National Geographic's Adventurers of the Year in 2018. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Smithsonian Conservation Photographer of the Year Award and the Imaging Award for Photographers Who Give Back. In 2021, she received the Seattle Aquarium's Sylvia Earle Medal and Travel + Leisure's Global Vision Award. She was named one of the 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action and has been named one of the World's Top 50 Keynote Speakers. 

 

Mittermeier received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, honoris causa, from Simon Fraser University. 

 

She is a committed impact investor and an influential voice in bridging financial returns while creating a positive social and environmental impact.