Ellie has loved the ocean since she was a little girl. Her passion began at age 6, when she first visited the La Jolla coves and fell in love with the beach and the vibrant life beneath the waves. From that moment, Ellie was determined to go to college in San Diego and live by the sea. At 18, she made that dream a reality, moving to San Diego to attend UC San Diego and major in marine biology.

As Ellie grew, her love for the ocean deepened into a commitment to protect it. She spent countless hours exploring local tide pools, especially at Point Loma, identifying the many animal species she found there, and learning about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Her curiosity led her to snorkeling and, in 2024, she earned her scuba certification, opening up even more opportunities to explore and understand the underwater world.

Now, Ellie has been accepted into a study abroad program in Australia, where she will have the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef and gain hands-on experience in marine biology. This opportunity is a crucial step toward her goal of working in conservation, specifically in restoring and protecting coral reefs. The funds raised will help cover her travel, program fees, and living expenses, giving her the chance to learn from experts and bring that knowledge back to make a real difference. Please help support Ellie's dream and her journey to protect our oceans. Every contribution brings her closer to making a positive impact on the world.