CHOW is where our community comes together.
Meeting the world’s greatest challenges will require us to harness the power of collective action and innovation
Every wave begins with a single drop or ripple. As these ripples move forward, they gather momentum and grow in strength. What starts as a small ripple can evolve into a powerful wave, capable of driving significant change, discovering new depths, sharing stories, inspiring action, and ultimately shaping the future. At the heart of every wave are people who inspire, challenge, disrupt, and lead. They are the innovators and forces of nature – the true wavemakers driving progress and meaningful change.
By showcasing the cutting-edge advancements and emerging leaders that are shaping the future of ocean stewardship, CHOW 2025 spotlights the next wave of transformative change across science, culture and heritage, resiliency, and innovation. As the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary, join us to explore and connect with the pioneering individuals and initiatives that are leading the charge in protecting and transforming the future of our ocean and Great Lakes.
Engage in this dynamic movement and help shape a sustainable, thriving future for our big blue planet. Together, we can drive the change we need and ensure a better future for our generations to come.
CHOW 2025 Advisory Committee Members
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Armon Alex
Co-Founder and Director
Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit
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Jeff Boehm, DVM, ACAW
Chief External Relations Officer
The Marine Mammal Center
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Kristy Clement
Chief Executive Officer
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
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Cathy Green
President and Executive Director
National Maritime Historical Society
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Mark Huang
Founder and Venture Partner
SeaAhead
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Dawn Kernagis
Director of Scientific Research
DEEP
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Dana Okano, PhD, AICP
Program Director
Hawai’i Community Foundation
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Whitney Potter-Schwartz
Senior Vice President of Communications and Operations
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
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Danni Washington
Co-Founder and Board Member
Big Blue and You
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Alissa Weinman
Ocean Program Manager
National Caucus of Environmental Legislators
About Capitol Hill Ocean Week
Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW), convened by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, is the nation’s premier ocean and Great Lakes policy conference that brings together policymakers, scientists, managers, business leaders, conservationists, educators, students, and members of the public to engage in dialogue and debate on significant issues that impact our ocean and Great Lakes.
CHOW 2025 is open to the public and free to attendees, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.
