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Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ali Mariko Dressel is passionate about doing everything possible to help create societies that are sustainable, resilient, and just. After receiving dual B.A. degrees in Marine Science (with a minor in Environmental Studies) and Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of San Diego, Ali dove into the immersive experience industry and worked as a professional performer, coordinator, and manager for events, festivals, and productions throughout California and around the world. She also stayed connected with the conservation space, in which she helped with coral reef conservation in Thailand and worked on various community-centered projects with Groundwork San Diego and Heal the Bay.
Ali acquired an interdisciplinary master's degree in Marine Conservation and Biodiversity from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD. As part of her capstone project and with her background in performing arts and ocean and climate science, she launched ResilienSEA and produced an immersive ocean-themed event at the Birch Aquarium as a way to engage and connect communities with climate-based stories and solutions. As the Climate Justice Policy Coordinator with the Climate Action Campaign, Ali is honored and excited to apply her multicultural upbringing and skills in social change-oriented community engagement to help mobilize climate action that is rooted in community, policy, collaboration, equity, and justice.