Blue Futures Pathways: Reimagining the future of the ocean through mentorship, internships & training

Location: AERL Theatre or Zoom (RSVP required)

This presentation explores how mentorship, training, and hands on experiences are shaping the next generation of ocean leaders through Blue Futures Pathways. Centered on reimagining our shared ocean future, it highlights how connecting youth with science, technology, storytelling, and seafaring opportunities, while uplifting under represented voices, can inspire new pathways toward a sustainable and inclusive blue economy. As an Endorsed Action of the UN Ocean Decade, Blue Futures Pathways connects young people across Canada with international opportunities, networking, and skill development, ensuring that no matter what path they choose, they are equipped to succeed and make an impact in the blue economy.

Speakers:
Tara Mascarenhas, Director of Programs, SOI Foundation: Tara joined the SOI Foundation in 2016 as Program Team Lead for the Canada C3 expedition that travelled the length of Canada’s coastline from the Great Lakes to Victoria via the Northwest Passage. Inspired by its legacy, Tara spearheaded Blue Futures Pathways, an initiative to engage diverse youth in Canada’s emerging Sustainable Blue Economy. As Director of Programs, she has led two life-changing expeditions from the Arctic to Newfoundland in 2023 & 2024, focused on providing young adults with opportunities to test their skills on land and water.

Tara was one of the first Canadians to receive a Sustainable Blue Economy Professional designation (SBEP) in 2025, and in 2024 was honoured as one of a hundred Canadians selected by Governor General Mary Simon to receive a King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her work to support pathways for youth in environmental careers. She has a BA Honours from the University of Leeds (UK) and is currently studying for a bilingual, Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) at McGill-HÉC Montréal, Canada.

Anna Naylor, Program Manager, Blue Futures Pathways: Anna has over 13 years of experience working and connecting youth within the Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE), and brings this passion to the SOI Foundation. After graduating from her Master’s in Marine Management in 2012, Anna co-founded OCEANS-NS, a registered not-for-profit organization that seeked to enhance and strengthen oceans education in Nova Scotia. From there, Anna continued to develop her skills and brings experience in project management, program development, and youth engagement to her position as Program Manager for Blue Futures Pathways. Anna was one of the first Canadians to receive a Sustainable Blue Economy Professional designation (SBEP) in 2025, and continues to focus on providing internships, mentorships, career opportunities/training and developing initiatives that support Canadian youth to chart their career within ocean and water sectors.
Fun Fact: Anna is an avid swimmer and scuba diver, and did the Big Swim fundraiser, where she swam from New Brunswick to PEI! Anna is happiest when she is on the water.

Rodala Aranya, Program Assistant, Blue Futures Pathways: Rodala (she/her) is a first-generation Bangladeshi immigrant and settler who holds a Bachelor’s degree from Carleton University in international development and economics. With a passion for combating climate change, Rodala has dedicated her work to supporting and equipping youth like herself with the skills, resources, funding, and networks needed to build infrastructure for a sustainable future – whether that be in the clean energy sector or sustainable blue economy! In 2021, Rodala co-founded an inquiry-based virtual summer camp for young kids, hoping to prepare our future climate leaders with the basic skills and resources they need to create the equitable and sustainable future they imagined. Her work sits at the intersection of justice, anti-racism, and decolonization, with a strong belief that the most resilient solutions come from communities historically excluded from decision-making.

Volita Yego, ECOP Canada Manager: Volita is an early career ocean professional (ECOP) with a background in law, human rights and a passion for the intersection between human rights and climate action. She has worked in ocean conservation and youth empowerment, coordinating and managing programs that inspire and equip young leaders to address environmental challenges. Bringing her experience to the SOI Foundation, Volita focuses on fostering collaboration, innovation, and capacity-building for ocean professionals. Outside of work you will find her hiking, cooking up a storm, or trying to play her piano.