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Danni Washington
Daniell "Danni" Washington is a marine science communicator, author, TV host and activist who is recognized as the first African American woman to host a TV science series. Currently in production, Washington is the on-camera host of a top secret National Geographic and Disney+ limited documentary series slated to be released in 2025. She was also featured in a special for Discovery’s famed Shark Week called “Deadly Sharks of Brazil,” and is the host of “The Genius Generation,” a podcast focused on the young people behind incredible inventions, entrepreneurial pursuits and scientific discoveries. Washington was a featured correspondent for the nationally syndicated CBS series “Mission Unstoppable,” hosted and executive produced by Miranda Cosgrove and Geena Davis. She also hosted “Xploration Nature Knows Best” on Fox and Amazon Prime, a STEM educational series featuring the latest bio-inspired technology and design advancements. Washington has also worked on a number of STEM-focused shows, including “Science the $#!* Out Of It” for Facebook Watch, “Strange Evidence” on the Science Channel, “Untamed Science” for Pearson and “Ocean GEMS” A Miami native of Jamaican descent, Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in marine science/biology from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, and a doctorate of sustainability science from Unity College. At age 21, she and her mother co-founded the Big Blue & You, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and educating youth about marine science through the arts and media. She also served as a naturalist at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center for four years, helping educate thousands of South Florida children about local marine ecosystems. Her children’s book, Bold Women In Science, tells the inspiring stories of 15 women who changed the course of science. In 2018, Washington was the spokesperson and host for the USA Science & Engineering Festival, which attracted over 300,000 attendees. She was the celebrity host for the Indianapolis Prize for animal conservation, and was a judge for the 2021 Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize. She’s a proud member of the board of directors for the North American Association of Environmental Education. When she’s not hosting, traveling, or on location for a production, Washington is an avid scuba diver, a stand-up paddleboarding enthusiast and a social media influencer. Washington makes appearances worldwide as her alter ego, the "Mocha Mermaid," educating children about conservation and the magnificence of our oceans. ONSITE ATTENDEE CONTENTTuesday MainstageVIRTUAL ATTENDEE CONTENTTuesday Mainstage |