Find a Speaker

Emily Penn

Emily Penn

Skipper and ocean advocate shares her adventures in search of a healthy ocean

Emily is an experienced skipper, ocean advocate and artist who is dedicated to exploring the huge environmental challenges we face, in particular ocean plastics. As much at home in and on the water as she is on dry land, Emily's ability to develop and communicate solutions for challenges facing today's society has been sharpened by a diverse portfolio of unique experiences.

Emily left Cambridge University with a degree in Architecture and a job offer in Australia. Deciding not to fly, she landed herself a place on Earthrace - a record breaking bio-fuelled boat. After crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans she ended up in Tonga and single-handedly co-ordinated the largest ever community-led rubbish cleanup in the South Pacific.

She went on to co-found Pangaea Explorations, enabling scientists, filmmakers and everyday people to gain access to the most remote parts of our planet via a 72ft sailing expedition vessel; collecting data on global issues and along the way discovered previously unknown oceanic gyres – huge areas of plastic pollution accumulation. Emily trawled for microplastics on a voyage through the Arctic Northwest Passage and worked on a sailing cargo ship trading western supplies for coconuts.

Emily now splits her time between running eXXpedition - a series of all female voyages focusing on plastic pollution and female health - and working on solving the ocean plastics issue with Parley for the Oceans and other corporate clients.

At the heart of Emily’s work is a mission to inspire and facilitate a community of change-makers. She runs workshops and programs that encourage us to re-think everything we do, from the social and environmental challenges we face, to happiness, efficiency, values, mass-consumption and more. Emily has followed her passion in life, not a pre-set career path, and as such she is an inspiration to all who desire the same for their lives.

An experienced public speaker, Emily has spoken around the world at TEDx conferences, universities and global companies, sharing both her adventures and an understanding of the issues relating to our oceans, human mindset and future society. Last year she addressed Presidents, Prime Ministers, Fisheries and Climate Ministers from around the globe at the United Nations General Assembly 'Sustainable Oceans and the Blue Economy' event.

Emily was honoured with the Fitzroy Award at the 2016 Ocean Awards and is also the youngest and only female recipient of both the Yachtmaster of the Year, awarded by HRH Princess Royal, and the Seamaster of the Year award. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical society and in 2017 was elected as a member of the Cordon Rouge Club.

Testimonials from Teachers

"Ms. Penn has a beautiful and natural way of connecting with her audience. First she brings them into her world with personal and personable stories of her adventures. Then she hands them a line to follow her in her travels, to bring them along, while encouraging them and giving them the tools to envision and take steps towards their own meaningful path."

– Alison Walker, EEI Program Professional, Earth Ethics Institute (EEI), Miami Dade College

"Emily gave two insightful and excellent talks to our Sixth Form Geographers. She combined a deep insight of the issue of ocean conservation with elements of Chemistry, Biology, Oceanography, Geography and Anthropology, all delivered in an easy-going informative style. Her personal journey I can only describe as fascinating and inspiring - she made a real impact on our pupils. The workshop on solving the problems of ocean plastics was very effective in a clearly developed, yet simple way. Each step brought in new issues for the pupils to consider. It added to their understanding of the topic of ocean issues. I would say that Emily is one of the most inspirational role models that young people could meet and listen to - a real insight into seizing opportunities."

– Trevor Kidson, Head of Geography, Bradfield College

"Best plastic pollution workshop ever!"

– Chris Jordan, Artist, Parley Ocean School​

"Emily was fantastic! The girls found her incredibly engaging and inspirational, and it was fantastic to hear that even with a problem as wide-reaching and intimidating as plastic pollution in the ocean, she emphasised that microactions can have a major impact. We will absolutely have her back at NHEHS in the future!"

– Catherine McHenry, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Notting Hill & Ealing High School

"We really appreciated your talk – it’s absolutely the best sign when students stay afterwards with more and more questions. I loved meeting you and we hope to host you again one day. Thank you so much for a wonderful session. It was a real pleasure to deal with you ahead of the talk as well."

– Henrietta Englefield, Librarian, Colfe’s School

"The event went very well, Emily was brilliant. Her presentation was engaging and informative, it gave the students an insight to how life doesn't have to fit into a box and there are other opportunities out there."

– Claire Chipchase, Sixth Form Administrator, Orleans Park School

"Emily Penn was absolutely fantastic, really good feedback following her speech and gives that extra energy and enthusiasm for the children."

– Emily Logan, Executive Assistant to Principal, Somerhill

Speaker File

Location

London

Topics

  • Technology
  • Primary
  • Science
  • Lifestyle
  • Careers
  • Assemblies and Celebrations Events
  • Teacher CPD
  • Climate Change

Please enquire for pricing information.

Book Now

We have a wide range of speakers from £250 to £2000 plus travel and VAT. An indication of your budget would be useful to select appropriate speakers.

Thank you for the details, your data will be stored whilst we process this request.

Our Partners

Aim Higher Apprenticeships GDST Girls Out Loud St John Ambulance