Meet Danni Washington: The Science Communicator on a Mission To Inspire Future Changemakers
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11th Hour Racing first met Danni through The Ocean Race’s Racing with Purpose program, of which 11th Hour Racing is the Founding Partner and Danni the Summit Series host.
A first-generation Jamaican-American, Danni has a B.Sc. in Marine Science Biology and speaks around the globe about ocean science. She hosts podcasts and science-based TV Shows, one of which is Xploration Nature Knows Best, an educational TV series featuring innovations in clean technology and design. This made her the first black woman to host a nationally syndicated science show in the US.
Danni’s advocacy for intersectional environmentalism is reflected in her work both on and off-screen. As a recognizable voice in the environmental media landscape, she uses her platform to elevate diverse voices and amplify stories that highlight the experiences of underrepresented communities.
Through her work with her non-profit Big Blue & You plus collaborations with other organizations including North American Association for Environmental Education, Pangeaseed Foundation and many more she advocates for more resources, policies and initiatives that address the needs of frontline communities.
Her mission is to invite young people and their families to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration through storytelling, encouraging them to connect with the ocean in new and meaningful ways.
Danni is a trailblazer in more ways than one, and her story is nothing short of inspirational. The energy that surrounds her is contagious and her enthusiasm and passion for science instantly captures the imagination of a crowd, but how did she end up in this field? What drives her passion? All these questions lead to fascinating answers as we discover just how important representation is, and why the role of a science communicator matters so much.
To someone who might not have heard of it before, can you define what science communication is?
In my role as a science communicator, I seek to make the ocean accessible and inclusive for people from all backgrounds. I aim to inspire others to recognize their own power to effect positive change in their communities and the world at large. Intersectional environmentalism is not just a theoretical framework—it's a lived experience that informs our worldview and drives my advocacy. By centering issues of equity and justice in my work, I strive to create a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement that uplifts the voices of all people, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
For the past 15 years, I’ve worked as a TV presenter/storyteller on various digital and television platforms in order to strengthen humanity’s connection to nature and amplify more diverse voices in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I’m particularly inspired to merge adventure and science related content within every project.
"I aim to inspire others to recognize their own power to effect positive change in their communities and the world at large."
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
As an extremely curious human, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of breaking barriers. I wanted to prove that ANYONE could be a scientist if they pursued their chosen field with their whole heart and mind. No matter your ethnicity, gender identity, age, or income, I believe everyone should be given the opportunity to become a scientist if they choose that path.
Although I originally envisioned myself working as a full-time marine biologist and researcher, my path took a turn when I realized that my natural gifts could be utilized in education and outreach about ocean conservation. My passion for science has evolved over the past 15 years into exploration and adventure all over the world.
By sharing my scientific experiences in the field, disseminating my understanding of the science information, and interviewing science experts, I’m able to accomplish my goals as a science communicator. Using the scientific method and the latest research on various topics provides an easy framework to assist with inspiring the public at large to make more science-informed decisions on a daily basis.
Where does your passion for the ocean come from?
My passion for the ocean began at a very early age. I grew up in Miami, with access to beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Despite the fact that no one in my family had experience in marine science or outdoor skill sets like snorkeling or scuba diving, my parents encouraged me to pursue my passion.
Through science camps, specialized education during high school, volunteer experiences, and multiple internships, I was able to grow my vision of a career in marine conservation. Witnessing a lack of representation firsthand, I set out on an unconventional path as a science communicator after my college graduation, and I decided to focus on ocean science education, especially for girls and BIPOC youth.
My passion for ocean conservation is deeply intertwined with my commitment to intersectional environmentalism—an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice issues. As a woman of color in the field of marine science, I bring a unique perspective to my work, advocating for diversity, equity, ocean justice, and inclusion within the environmental movement.
How important is educating the future generation in building a healthier ocean?
A healthier ocean depends on a science-informed society making better choices to build an equitable and regenerative future - a future that’s for all of us. I believe the ocean holds many answers and solutions we are seeking to help mitigate the climate crisis. Due to the overwhelming disconnect between BIPOC communities and the ocean, I believe we are missing an essential piece of the puzzle toward achieving real environmental justice.
Growing up in a diverse community in Miami, I was keenly aware of the environmental injustices that disproportionately affected marginalized communities. From coastal communities facing the impacts of sea-level rise to underserved neighborhoods burdened by pollution, environmental degradation, and lack of access to water spaces, I experienced firsthand how environmental issues intersect with issues of race, class, and social inequality.
In my role as a science communicator, I seek to make the ocean accessible and inclusive for people from all backgrounds. I aim to inspire others to recognize their own power to effect positive change in their communities and the world at large.
Intersectional environmentalism, a term coined in 2020 by Intersectional Environmentalist non-profit founder Leah Thomas, is not just a theoretical framework - it's a lived experience that informs our world view and drives my advocacy. It incorporates intersectional theory created by Kimberlé Crenshaw and is inspired by the 17 principles of environmental justice. By centering issues of equity and justice in my work, I strive to create a more inclusive and equitable environmental movement that uplifts the voices of all people, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
"No matter your ethnicity, gender identity, age, or income, I believe everyone should be given the opportunity to become a scientist if they choose that path."
What are the most effective mediums of communication in your experience?
Based on the wide array of platforms I’ve utilized in my science communication efforts (aka “SciComm”), the most effective science communication is rooted in experiential learning in-person or viewed as multimedia content.
After working on various TV shows, podcasts, live events and social media, I’ve seen curiosity flourish most when individuals of all ages have a chance to have hands-on experiences or multisensory media lessons. I’ve found combining art into science storytelling evokes emotion, encourages empathy and promotes accessible information about any scientific topic.
Science and creativity are one in the same, in my opinion. In general, curiosity, asking questions and pursuing intelligent solutions to those questions, heavily drive both pursuits.
How did your NGO, Big Blue and You, start? And what is its goal?
After winning a $10,000 grant from the surf brand Roxy, in 2008, my mom and I co-founded the ocean conservation non-profit Big Blue and You. The NGO is dedicated to sparking conversations about ocean conservation in young people through art, science, and media.
The heart of what motivates me to continue raising awareness about the ocean is the opportunity for people to find healing by connecting with the water. There’s a discrepancy amongst the BIPOC community around the world, mostly due to lack of access to clean, safe water experiences. Elders in the Black American community were not allowed to enjoy public swimming pools or most beaches during Jim Crow and that led to a lack of swimming ability. Being able to swim is an essential part of experiencing the ocean in a positive way. Today, swimming can still be an expensive skill to learn in marginalized communities of color.
Our goal at Big Blue & You is to connect children to the wonders of the ocean using art, science and media as pathways toward understanding the ocean. Through this basic understanding, young people can dissipate their fears about the ocean, feel encouraged to learn more about it and ultimately be inspired to protect it. We also want young people to be inspired to learn how to swim as well. Water is life and everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the countless benefits of exploring the ocean.
"I’ve found combining art into science storytelling evokes emotion, encourages empathy and promotes accessible information about any scientific topic."
You’ve just become an 11th Hour Racing ambassador, what are the synergies between your work and the values of 11th Hour Racing?
I’m thrilled to have been selected as an 11th Hour Racing ambassador and I’m looking forward to aligning my work as a science communicator with their ongoing efforts to amplify the plight of the ocean.
I believe that 11th Hour Racing has set a new standard for environmental stewardship and harnessing the immense power of sport to educate, inspire, and mobilize action for the ocean's well-being.
Driven by a shared commitment to protecting and restoring our planet's most invaluable marine ecosystems, 11th Hour Racing has deeply inspired me through their innovative initiatives like the Racing with Purpose program, which I had the honor of contributing to as host at nine of the twelve Ocean Race Summits.
They are an example of effective teamwork and exemplify how collective action, fueled by a shared vision of a better future, can support meaningful change on a global scale which fully aligns with my life purpose.
Never miss a moment
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Jamie Haines, sailor “I grew up on the ocean, and in order to protect it, we need to solve the climate crisis. It all goes hand in hand.”
Ian Walsh, big wave surfer “As athletes, ocean health and sustainability are at the heart of what we do – without the ocean, we wouldn’t be here.”
Steve Benjamin, filmmaker “I really want people to fall in love with the ocean, to appreciate it more, and to try to alter their behavior around it. Everything ends up in the ocean, and it’s such a dumping ground for humanity. My hope is that people see the ocean as a living entity that needs to be protected.”
Amory Ross, storyteller “How can I describe the ocean? The ocean is impossible to describe because it is endless; it is full of life, wonder, and mystery.”
