Science show host inspires everyone to celebrate and connect with the ocean
When Danni Washington was growing up in Miami, she was keenly aware of the environmental injustices that were affecting marginalized communities.
So she did something about it.
“In 2008, when I was 21 years old, as a young marine biologist and science show host, I co-founded Big Blue & You with my mother, businesswoman Michelle Swaby-Smith,” said Washington, who is also known as the Mocha Mermaid.
“For the past 15 years, the organization has supported emerging environmentalists — especially young women of color — and equipped young leaders with STEAM tools for ocean advocacy.”
In September, she was part of the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up, and Climate Week NYC run in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly where major players in the climate/sustainability sector were in attendance.
“As a woman of color in marine science, I bring a unique perspective to my work, advocating for diversity, equity, ocean justice and inclusion within the environmental movement,” she said.
Washington will soon host a YouTube Series called “Ocean Joy.” She also voices the role of Tantie Chantale in Disney Jr.’s “Ariel.”
She made history as the first African-American woman to host a nationally syndicated science series with “Xploration Nature Knows Best” on FOX. Now, she has a portfolio that also includes “Ocean Invaders” on PBS Nova, “Mission Unstoppable” on CBS and “Strange Evidence” on the Science Channel.
“I’ve worked as a TV presenter/storyteller on various digital and television platforms to strengthen humanity’s connection to nature and amplify more diverse voices in STEM,” she said. “I’m particularly inspired to merge adventure and science-related content within every project.”
She also works to mobilize sports, maritime and coastal communities through 11th Hour Racing, which promotes sponsorships, grantees and ambassadors.
“11th Hour Racing is part of the philanthropic organizations and initiatives created and funded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to work toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all,” said Washington.
She called the recent Miami cleanup “a movement.”
“We’re educating our community about the true origins of our trash and empowering everyone to be part of the solution. Big Blue & You was a site captain at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up on Watson Island at the Miami Yacht Club alongside partners Sereia Films and Miami Waterkeeper.
“More than 156 volunteers showed up on a Saturday morning and collected over 2,068.5 pounds of waste and marine debris. This included two discarded skiffs and other obscure objects that were dumped into Biscayne Bay.”
She said the volunteers were a mix of youth and adults.
“After collecting the trash within two hours of combing the coastline, we conducted the brand audit. We meticulously sorted and logged every piece of trash, uncovering the top polluters in our area,” she said. “This isn’t just data - it’s fuel for change.”
Washington said Big Blue & You will bring back the ArtSea Festival in 2025. This free immersive STEAM event celebrates the wonders of the ocean and invites young people and their families to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration.
She will be hosting her Mocha Mermaid Retreat in Jamaica Nov. 13-17 with a focus on women, especially BIPOC and feminine-aligned individuals, who want to connect with the ocean and celebrate the transformative power of water.
Learn more about Washington’s work at www.Bigblueandyou.org and www.11thhourracing.org and www.mochamermaid.com
LEARN TO SPEAK UP AND LEAD
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to effective oral communication and leadership development. In the last 100 years, four million members have met to deliver and evaluate their prepared and impromptu speeches in an effort to improve.
Aspiring speakers and leaders can get involved with the Mid-Day club, which meets for an hour on the first and third Saturdays at 10 a.m. and the second and fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Guests are welcome.
Zoom events are coming up, and you can learn more at www.4139.toastmastersclubs.org Or contact Joyce Rouba at 609-585-0822, or jef1rouba@gmail.com
ORCHESTRA MIAMI HOSTS ‘SPOOKTOBER’
Celebrate scary music at 3 p.m., Oct. 20 with “Rumpelstiltskin and Other Spooky Musical Stories” at the first concert in Orchestra Miami’s Family Fun Series at Pinecrest Gardens.
The concert features the premiere of the “Dracula Overture” by Miami composer Oscar Bustillo, “Revenge of the Rosin Eating Zombies” and the famous Grimm’s Fairy Tale “Rumpelstiltskin,” performed to the music of Mozart’s famous Symphony N. 40.
The concert is for kids of all ages and lasts about one hour. Attendees can wear favorite Halloween costumes for the parade and stay for free juice and cookies after the show. There is always free parking at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 SW 57th Ave. Tickets at www.orchestramiami.org or call 305-274-2103.
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.