National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence: Sylvia Earle’s Journey from Scientist to Ocean Advocate

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

As leader of the team of women aquanaut-scientists returning from living underwater for two weeks in 1970, I was chosen to address Congress, join Mayor Daley for a ticker-tape parade down Chicago’s State Street, and appear on Today, What’s My Line, Good Morning America and other media events that were way outside my comfort zone. Scientists who communicate to the public lose their ivory-tower mystique, but just as astronauts are compelled to tell everyone what they see from high in the sky, I felt the need to convey what I had the privilege of seeing deep in the sea. I had to choose between the path I was on as an academic scientist, wary of popular media, or overcome my apprehensions and embrace the notoriety as a way to excite people to care about the ocean. I will always be a nerdy scientist, but in July, 1970, when men were walking on the moon and I was living under the sea, I realized that I had to get out of my shell and be a voice for the silent majority of life on Earth — that is, for life in the sea.

As we look to the future, what is one key change or innovation you believe is essential for advancing equality and empowerment in your field?

The one thing that is driving positive change is knowing — humankind’s superpower. Society’s values have been shifting to accommodate the reality that intelligence, talent, character, integrity, sensitivity, leadership, courage, compassion, wisdom and other admirable qualities are not gender specific. Presently, male bias perversely persists in leadership roles, recognition and compensation, but attitudes are changing. Eventually, men will be playing catch-up in places where talented women are still being held back.

Who are three women that inspire you?

Marine biologist Dr. Eugenie Clarke, a mentor

Primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, a kindred spirit

Alice Richie Earle, mother of all mothers

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

As founder of Mission Blue, I believe the positive message of Hope leading to Action will endure and become contagious, inspiring people to individually and together, secure protection for the living systems, mostly ocean, that make possible our existence. 

As founder of ocean engineering companies, I expect future technologies, however wondrous, will respect the quintessential importance of having people experience the ocean by being in the ocean, not just in the sunlit surface waters, but in the great depths below, where 90% of life exists and must be seen to be believed.

In honor of Gloria Steinem’s 90 years of advocacy, what do you believe is her most enduring contribution to women’s empowerment, and how has it inspired your own journey?

Gloria Steinem gave voice to concerns that I experienced in the 1970s as a young woman, trying to balance social expectations with my keen desire to be the best I could be as a scientist, explorer, wife and mother. Her stature, her success, her willingness to speak up for half of the world came at just the right time to ignite long-overdue change in the acceptance of women in more than supporting roles.