Danny Washington is as beautiful as the Caribbean-American version of Steve Irwin and just as smart. For more than a decade in science communication, ocean advocacy, and television, Washington has dedicated her life to educating everyone who will listen about her “blue backyard,” the ocean.

For her, life has always been by the sea. Ever since she was six years old, she wanted to be a marine biologist. Now she’s the inspiration she never grew up with. She was officially given the title of the first African-American woman to host a science television show in America.

An award-winning thought leader, Washington’s impressive television production portfolio includes programming efforts for CBS, Fox, Amazon Prime, Discovery Channel and Facebook Watch.

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She also invests heavily in giving back. Washington works with several community-based organizations and also runs her own nonprofit, her Big Blue & You, which educates young people about ocean conservation through art and media.

We made it our mission to catch up with this super busy woman and talk about her pioneering career path.

How has your Jamaican heritage influenced your ability to be a pioneer and in many ways a ‘first’ in your field?

Washington: My Jamaican heritage has influenced my journey in many ways. The revolutionary energy that defines the Jamaican spirit is deeply resonant. Ever since I was a child, I attributed my quiet rebelliousness to my Caribbean culture. When I say “quiet rebellion,” I’m talking about a burning inner fortitude to defy the status quo and elevate something different, something better. There are many obstacles designed to keep us from achieving our highest potential. It continues to inspire my courage. From an early age, my love for the sea and nature in general was undeniable. I could only think of exploring the world of water, which occupies her three-quarters of the earth. Beyond exploration, I decided to study marine biology at the University of Miami to deepen my understanding of marine life and forge a new career path in science communication. My island roots have definitely helped strengthen my love of the ocean.Every time I visit Jamaica, I am reminded of all the reasons I love the ocean.

You’ve built a career that seamlessly blends what most people would consider conflicting fields. You are creative and a scientist. How did this unique career unfold?

Washington: In my opinion science and creativity are the same thing. In general, curiosity, asking questions, and seeking intelligent solutions to those questions greatly drive both pursuits. As a highly inquisitive person, I have always been fascinated by the idea of ​​breaking down barriers. I’m here. Because he has been privileged to work directly with scientists in a variety of his STEM fields and supports their research through his work as a TV host and science. communicator. I am a lifelong student and a creator who encourages more people to take an interest in science and use the scientific method as a simple framework to help them make more informed decisions on a daily basis. I keep finding ways.

You are definitely not the stereotypical image of a scientist or environmental activist. In a world that encourages young women to focus on the surface, what message, if you could, would you give them?

Washington: I’ve always wanted to challenge the popular stereotypes of what a scientist looks like.When I graduated from the University of Miami in 2008, I realized that anyone who pursued their chosen field with all their hearts could get into science. I wanted to prove that I could be. Everyone should be given the opportunity to become a scientist, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, age or income.

I dabbled in fashion modeling when I was about 17, but quickly realized the industry wasn’t my favourite. But God definitely has a sense of humor. Because throughout my career, I have been able to apply some of the modeling techniques I learned to my work as a science communicator today. I call this “meaningful modeling”. I personally define this as using external attributes to attract positive attention and direct that attention to a meaningful cause or message that has a deeper purpose.

Young women are encouraged to focus themselves through exercise (moving, sweating, releasing stored energy) and soul-searching/journaling to discover the ideas that inspire them the most. I recommend it. Clearness and focus are among the greatest benefits of exercise. Whenever I’m working out, my best ideas come to life and I am able to drown out the negative noise that society constantly throws at us. don’t be afraid

It’s heartbreaking that so many children and people of color (even those who live in places like Miami or the Caribbean) aren’t fully exposed or unable to indulge in the ocean. How are you using your platform to address this?

Washington: This pinpoints the core of my motivation to continue raising awareness about the ocean. My mom, Michelle, and I co-founded a non-profit organization called Big Blue & You in 2008 to tackle exactly this problem. We see disagreements among her POC community around the world. The main cause is the inability to experience clean and safe water. Our elders weren’t allowed to enjoy public pools in the Jim Crow era, leading to a lack of swimming ability. is. Even today, swimming is an expensive skill to learn in marginalized communities of color.

Big Blue & You’s goal is to connect children to the wonders of the ocean using art, science and media as pathways to understanding the ocean. Through this basic understanding, young people are encouraged to erase their fear of the ocean, to want to learn more about it, and ultimately to protect it. Water is life and everyone deserves the opportunity to reap the myriad benefits of exploring the ocean.

You’ve already achieved great success, what do you see as the next frontier for your career?

Washington: Honestly, I am most excited to continue to travel and explore different parts of the ocean. is. After everything we have gone through in 2020, I am even more motivated to see the world and all its beauty.There is so much to protect and preserve on this magnificent earth. . I also have an interest in continuing to host television and network content that captures these international adventures, and being an Executive Producer on several new content projects.

I recently launched my lifestyle brand, Mocha Mermaid, building a strong community of ocean-loving BIPOCs around the world. I’ve rarely seen illustrations or movies with black or brown mermaids in the past, but that needs to change. With the upcoming release of Disney’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid, with the gorgeous Halle Bailey cast as Ariel, we think we’re in a moment to see a shift in representation.