Cristina Mittermeier

World-renowned conservationist and photographer Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier believes that stunning visual storytelling is the key to unlocking critical action to help heal our ocean and save our planet. Beginning her career as a marine biologist in her native Mexico, Mitty soon discovered the power of imagery in ocean advocacy work. She went on to become an internationally recognized National Geographic photographer, public speaker, and founder of The International League of Conservation Photographers. In 2014, she co-founded SeaLegacy and, in 2020, expanded that work with the formation of Only One, a digital action platform built to support and uplift the ocean conservation community while driving action to achieve measurable, sustainable and equitable returns for people and the ocean.

Mittermeier is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and, along with her partner Paul Nicklen, was named one of National Geographic's Adventurers of the Year in 2018. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Smithsonian Conservation Photographer of the Year Award and the Imaging Award for Photographers Who Give Back. In 2021, she received the Seattle Aquarium's Sylvia Earle Medal and Travel + Leisure's Global Vision Award. She was also named one of the 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action and aligns with Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative.

Earlier this year, Mittermeier received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, Honoris Causa, from Simon Fraser University.