Meet the Women behind
“The Sirene Project”
It all begins with an idea.
I think it is a common misconception, that in order to be a conservationist you have to be a scientist. I believe conservation is so exciting and important because it is incredibly multifaceted. It provides opportunity for people to make a positive change in the world no matter their education, ethnicity, gender or financial means.
In order to protect our natural environment, specifically our oceans, we don’t just need scientists; we need artists, storytellers, community organizers, photographers, politicians, entrepreneurs and local communities. We are stronger and more powerful together, uniting behind a cause we all believe in.
That’s why I founded “The Sirene Project”, a platform that highlights and connects female conservationists from all walks of life, to inspire one another, exchange ideas and to be a resource for the next generation of ocean conservationists.
“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”
- Mae Jemison, first African American women astronaut in space
“The Sirene Project” created by me, Leoni
I was born and raised in southern Germany, spending my free time in the mountains; kayaking, skiing, hiking, mountain biking … it wasn’t until I was 16 years old, that I discovered my passion for the ocean.
At age 20, I move to California to gain my B.Sc. in Marine Science and later to Washington, to gain my M.M.A. in Marine Affairs.
After graduation, I realized how difficult it was to navigate the world of ocean conservation; finding a job, living a nomadic lifestyle, believing in one’s self worth, paying bills with a tiny stipend, finding my niche, …
A few years later, I decided to create “The Sirene Project”. A network of and for female ocean conservationists, with the goal to inspire one another, create opportunities, exchange ideas and to be a resource for the next generation.
Supported by me, Tatyana
For some people it was their first dive in the ocean and for others it could have been a visit to the aquarium that inspired their passion for the ocean. For me, it was a film starring what would be my favorite animal, and the inspiration to my career. My love and passion for sharks came from an unconventional place. When I was five years old, I saw the movie Jaws and instantly became obsessed with sharks. However, I realized this movie gave sharks such a bad reputation. Since then I have made it my mission to teach the importance of sharks and their role in their ecosystem.
I was born and raised in Florida. I lived in Miami before moving to Jacksonville, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Marine and Coastal Biology at the University of North Florida. During my studies, I conducted research on elevated levels of mercury in scalloped hammerhead, biological status assessment of Diamondback terrapins and American eel populations. Outside of school, I was a volunteer at an aquarium and Whitney Lab Sea turtle hospital. I would assist and care for the animals at the facility, meanwhile using the time to educate the public on ocean conservation. This year I had hoped to present my shark research at two conferences, one at my school and the other at the American Elasmobranch Society but due to COVID-19, they got cancelled. This really left a damper on my plans leaving me to really rethink how I can still be involved in the community. No matter what I’ve been staying positive!
I am honored to be part of this team as the Program Manager of “The Sirene Project.” I am excited to help Leoni’s platform grow so we can continue to inspire and showcase women who are spreading their message of ocean conversation in their own unique way! I am excited to see what is to come in this community!
Shared by me, Gaziza
I was born and raised in a landlocked country — Kazakhstan. After I graduated high school, I had no idea what I should do next. Spontaneously, I decided to purse a degree in Nautical Sciences, which was a pretty new program in Kazakhstan at the time. During my four years of university, learning theories and getting hands on experience I’ve learned many life lessons. In order to obtain my degree, I had to complete a 1 year apprenticeship on a boat, sailing the worlds oceans. Upon graduation I quickly found a job in the Caspian Sea, the north-eastern part which boarders Kazakhstan. Since, I have worked in the Oil and Gas Offshore industry and on an ice-breaking supply vessel. While working on the supply vessel, I witnessed how our precious ocean was being damaged by oil companies and fishermen trying to make ends meet.
That was a turning point in my life, I decided to quit offshore shipping to study marine science. Which brought me to Italy, where I am pursuing a Master’s in Hydrography and Oceanography at University of Genova.
Despite the fact that before starting my Bachelor I had never seen the ocean, I trusted my gut and fell in love with it at first sight! The Ocean is an important part of our lives no matter where you’re from and and what you do. It is a source of life, it is home to thousands of organisms, it is the body of water that connects us all and enables life on earth.
Sadly, companies still place financial gains over a healthy environment, causing pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. Governments are failing to implement and enforce much needed environmental protection regulations.
My call to every girl in Kazakhstan and across the globe is to believe in yourself and to purse your passion. Where you are from does not define you, the language you speak does not define you, the way you look does not define you, your gender does not define you …
Fight for what matters to you!
I’m excited to share your stories via social media as Social Media Manager for “The Sirene Project.”