Few people leave successful careers to pursue a passion for the oceans and in doing so, take on one of the hardest PR jobs on the planet. A passionate environmentalist, diver of 20 years and lover of the oceans, Julie Andersen evolved her special relationship with sharks to a new level after watching them disappear. Now her business is saving them.
Julie represents the new generation of conservation. A passionate grassroots activist, talented business and marketing expert, and charismatic media personality, she has developed a unique specialty in sharks – having spent the last five years swimming with them free of any cages and in the field, often in the heart of the shark fin trade, capturing data and imagery from around the world. Few know or have seen what she has. She founded two shark conservation organizations, Shark Angels and Shark Savers and has consulted to countless others on shark campaigns including PEW, WildAid and Sea Shepherd. As a Shark Angel, she works with a global network to bring about change for sharks – taking their conservation into the mainstream through collaborative community, innovative media and empowering tools. Last year, she also partnered with Rob Stewart, director of the award-winning documentary, Sharkwater, to start United Conservationists – together they are leading a “Fin Free” a movement throughout the world to ban shark fin.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Julie has channeled over 14 years advertising and media savvy into this mission. Having built an agency with upwards of 40 employees and $7 million in yearly revenue in a few years time, she brings a unique perspective and deep experience to conservation causes. She has developed innovative marketing, media and interactive strategies for clients like Porsche, Citibank, and Volkswagen, and now, applies that expertise to the business of saving the creatures that desperately needs her help. And, Julie is also a passionate filmmaker, using positive media to serve as a much needed voice working with Sharkwater / Diatribe Productions to bring the species and ecosystems we rely upon for survival into the media on the big screen, on television and where you would least expect it.
As a shark defender, Julie traverses the world representing an animal with no voice. She has been featured on media programs around the world and is a talented public speaker, serving as inspiration for children and adults around the world. Currently, she is a citizen of the world, though she tries to spend as much time in the water with her new bosses as possible, filming and enjoying her new career path.