Julie Andersen

Hails from: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Currently lives in: Venice, California. Cape Town, South Africa is where my house is - but I have got scuba gear in three countries right now!
Favorite Place: Underwater with sharks of course.
Favorite Things to Do: Any sport that involves water. I come from a long line of mermaids.
Favorite Shark: Tiger Shark - with White, Whale, Basking and Hammerhead being close seconds. Ok, let's admit it - I love whatever shark I am with at the moment!

What shark are you most like and why?
A blacktip shark. They are small bundles of limitless energy and power - always active, fearlessly friendly and frisky - you never really know what they are going to do next, but they are always up to something.

If you could tell people one thing about about sharks and/or the oceans, what would it be?
Love them or hate them, we need sharks on this planet.

I have always been drawn to the shark’s watery world. Their stunning grace, power and undeniable presence have mesmerized me since we first met. Breathlessly gazing into the eyes of the animal I was taught to fear, I saw life – not a cold, cruel stare. These fascinating creatures exemplify all that is beautiful and perfect on this planet. The extraordinary power of nature. A vital reminder of what we must respect and protect.

Short Bio:
Few people leave successful marketing careers to pursue a passion for the oceans and in doing so, take on one of the hardest PR jobs on the planet. A passionate environmentalist, diver of 15 years and lover of the oceans, Julie evolved her special relationship with sharks to a new level after watching them disappear from her favorite dive spots. Now her business is saving them.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Julie has channelled over 14 years of professional experience in advertising into this mission. Having built a business from the ground up, with upwards of 40 employees and $7 million in yearly revenue in a few years time working for companies like AOL, Porsche, Citibank and Volkswagen, she brings a unique perspective and deep experience to the cause. Julie is now a full-time grassroots activist, having founded three non-profits - Shark Angels, United Conservationists and Shark Savers - during the past 5 years, and consulting to countless others including Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, PEW and WildAid.

She currently serves as Executive Director for Shark Angels and consults to several for- and not-for-profits. An incredibly active and diverse conservationist, she created and led two of the most influential shark campaigns in 2012: Operation Requiem and Fin Free - and was also recognized as a Sea Hero. Her work has been featured around the world - including National Geographic, ABC World News, Thalassa, The Sun, and Vue du Ciel. A long-time scuba and freediver, you may also recognize her as an ambassador for SCUBAPRO and SubGear. And, finally, Julie is a passionate filmmaker often using positive media to serve as a much needed voice for sharks working with both Built By Wildman and Sharkwater / Diatribe Pictures to bring sharks positively into the media on the big screen, on television and where you would least expect it. You can see her work here.