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, a conservation and production organization on a mission to ignite hope and change for our planet through ocean stories.
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.
Earlier this year, Mittermeier received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, Honoris Causa, from Simon Fraser University.