Big Blue & You Inc.

Overview

Big Blue & You Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating youth about ocean conservation through arts, science, and media. It is notable as the first ocean conservation nonprofit founded and run by African American women.

Founders and Leadership

The organization was co-founded in 2008 by Danni Washington, a marine biologist and science show host, and her mother Michelle Swaby-Smith, a businesswoman. Michelle Swaby-Smith serves as the Board Chair, while Danni Washington acts as the Executive Director.

Mission and Activities

Big Blue & You focuses on empowering youth, especially young women of color, to become emerging environmentalists. The organization supports these young leaders by equipping them with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) tools for ocean advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of equitable access to outdoor spaces to engage BIPOC communities in environmental efforts.

Programs

One of the key initiatives of Big Blue & You is its Plastic Free Cities program. This program works with local businesses to transition away from single-use plastics, partnering with organizations like Ocean Conservancy, Debris Free Oceans, and Miami-Dade County's Plastic Free 305. In collaboration with NOAA, the program trains students in advocacy, business outreach, and community clean-ups.

Impact and Recognition

By involving youth in hands-on activities such as community clean-ups and business outreach, Big Blue & You aims to foster a deeper understanding of plastic pollution and sustainable business practices. The organization has been successful in engaging youth, with significant numbers of volunteer hours recorded and a marked increase in participants' knowledge of environmental issues.

Governance

As of June 2023, the board included Michelle Swaby-Smith, Ellen B. Woods, and Ovrill Dwyer. The organization's governance practices are currently not documented in detail on public platforms.

Conclusion

Big Blue & You Inc. plays a crucial role in promoting ocean conservation awareness and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders, particularly from underrepresented communities. Its innovative approach using arts, science, and media has positioned it as a unique and impactful voice in environmental education.