The Conch Podcast features interviews

with the most inspiring people in the world of seafood.

Join Julie Kuchepatov,

founder of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE),

as she interviews people striving

to succeed in the sector, as well as those already making an impact,

and the challenges they face -

all while working to improve

the environmental and social responsibility

of the planet’s most incredible food source - seafood!


 
 

The aquaculture industry lacks diversity in leadership. Starting in the summer of 2020, the industry made sweeping commitments to DEI in response to the reckoning created by Black Lives Matter in the U.S. and abroad. However, many of these commitments are exercises in box-checking, as we have yet to see action and tangible change.

In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman is contributing to a future for this important industry by supporting women of color in aquaculture to get what they need to thrive on their own terms.

Julie is joined by Imani Black, founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA), student, and oyster farmer, representing a long legacy of watermen in her family, dating back to the 1800s.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

  • :00 Intro

  • 01:47 Where are the people of color in leadership in aquaculture? This question led Imani to start Minorities in Aquaculture, or MIA for short.

  • 5:07  Advice for starting a nonprofit: Passion for a cause is key, but ultimately not sustainable. (Another piece of advice: Google is your friend!)

  • 10:17 Tips to stay organized (Hint: Prioritize the things that make you you!)

  • 14:45 Aquaculture is the future.

  • 17:03 MIA supports women of color in aquaculture to give them what they need—on their own terms.

  • 19:02 Aquaculture is facing a labor shortage. With Imani’s support, MIA members will be prepared to step into these roles and positively impact the industry.

  • 21:24 The universe has big plans for Imani and MIA, and racism, ageism, and misogyny have no place here.

  • 24:23 Ask yourself, are your spaces promoting diversity and inclusion and not just checking a box?

  • 31:51 MIA is building a future to benefit us all.

  • 34:43  How can you support Imani, MIA, and aquaculture’s bright future for women of color?

Resources: 

  1. Learn more about Imani and how to support Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA) on Instagram and on her website Minorities in Aquaculture. 

  2. Several great people and efforts got a shoutout on this episode. Here’s where to find them: Black in Marine Science, Gardner Douglas - the Oyster Ninja, and the Aquademia Podcast.

  3. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.

The Conch Podcast is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE).

Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy.

Theme music: “Dilation” by Satan's Pilgrims

 Funding generously provided by