Youth voices set the course for SOS 2025

When the Sustainable Ocean Solutions Summit opens its doors in San Francisco on November 6, it will begin with stories — told by the next generation of ocean leaders.

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Meet the SOS Youth Panel

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Malin Haara – Bridging ocean and industry

Born and raised in Bergen, Norway, Malin grew up with the ocean as her backdrop — but it was sailing aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl that transformed that familiarity into purpose. Now a Project Manager at Maritime Bergen, she works at the intersection of industry, academia, and youth engagement, helping shape the maritime sector’s transition toward sustainability. As part of the SOS 2025 Program Committee and responsible for the sailing leg from San Francisco to San Diego, Malin brings a rare combination of operational insight, leadership, and deep respect for the sea.

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Sophia Siddiqui – continuity and change

A high school student from Los Altos, California, Sophia represents the new wave of ocean advocates inspired by early exposure to science and storytelling. Her first encounter with SOS in 2023 sparked a career path toward marine biology — showing how seeing the ocean up close can shape a young person’s ambitions. Today, she explores how emerging technologies like CRISPR could help protect endangered marine species and coral reefs, blending curiosity, hope, and innovation in equal measure.

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Serena Rivera-Korver – From inspiration to action

As a venture associate at Ulu Ventures, Serena bridges the gap between innovation and impact. A returning participant from SOS 2023, she translates inspiration into tangible outcomes — working to scale sustainable solutions through capital, mentorship, and networks. Her story focuses on what motivates long-term action: how moments of insight become movements for change.

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Nicolas Lama – A new voice, a global network

From South Florida to Stanford, Nicolas connects local experience with global advocacy.

A J.D.–M.S. candidate at Stanford Law School and the Doerr School of Sustainability, he focuses on environmental law, energy policy, and ocean governance. As a Sustainable Ocean Alliance Ocean Leaders Fellow, he champions the idea that the ocean is not only a victim of the climate crisis, but a solution. His voice underscores the importance of networks like SOS: linking youth and established leaders to shape equitable, science-driven ocean policy.

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