Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Gilbert.
Hi Tony, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a Miami native, I have always had a love for the ocean. Most Summers were spent in the Florida Keys, sailing, fishing, and wakeboarding. After receiving a business degree, and later a law degree, I worked in different industries. Fate finally led me to The International SeaKeepers Society where I’ve found a true passion for what I do as Program Director, engaging the yachting community in facilitating scientific research, education, and conservation of our oceans.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth, as Program Director, I’ve had many bumps along my career path, as well as twists and turns. One thing I knew was that my career path in the business world was not giving me the fulfillment I needed. That was why I decided to go to law school in my late 20’s/early 30s, basically pressing the reset button and starting over a bit later in life.
My law degree led me to assist SeaKeepers with a one-time project. At the end of that period, I knew I wanted to continue working with SeaKeepers in some capacity. A few months later, the Program Director position had been vacated, and I saw my opportunity and took it. I’ve loved every minute since, and have not looked back.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The International SeaKeepers Society?
The International SeaKeepers Society promotes marine research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the future well-being of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Our small but distinguished membership includes entrepreneurs, yachtsmen, corporations, divers, scientists, and concerned citizens building a global movement to help restore and protect the world’s oceans. As a private/public collaborative effort, the Society focuses on critical ocean issues in cooperation with government agencies, other like-minded organizations, the academic community, and the public. Our motto is “Research. Educate. Protect and Restore.”
SeaKeepers offers exclusive benefits to its members because it allows you to get directly involved in the cause you care about most. Whether you participate in a local beach cleanup, become an annual member and attend year-round events, use your vessel for oceanographic research, or donate your vessel to our mission. There is an opportunity to get deeply involved in protecting our ocean.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
In my role as Program Director, “luck” has played a small role in accomplishing our mission. What some call “luck,” I call opportunity. It’s all in how I seize those opportunities, and the hard work to follow through that brings success.
The results come from building relationships with individuals all over the world that share the same deep passion for our oceans and the education of the next generation to save our planet. What some call “luck,” I call opportunity. It’s all in how I seize those opportunities, and the hard work to follow through that brings success.
Pricing:
- Ocean Ambassador ($50)
- Ocean Ambassador ($150)
- Ocean Ally ($1,500)
- Ocean Ally ($3,500)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seakeepers.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Seakeepers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seakeepers
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeaKeepers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/seakeepers
- Other: https://www.seakeepers.org/discovery-yacht-program-application-information-sheet/
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