Reflecting Oceana's increasingly strong presence in Europe, our newest board member is one of Spain's leading businesswomen. María Eugenia Girón joined Oceana's board of directors last fall, shortly after her tenure as chief executive officer of Carrera y Carrera, Spain's top jewelry manufacturer and one of the world's leading luxury brands.

María Eugenia has known about Oceana for several years.

"I was impressed about Oceana's team and all they've been able to do in such a short period of time," she said. "That made me to decide that it was the kind of project in which I wanted to help with my time and effort. Also I got the message that our generation would be responsible for what...happens to our plant and specifically to the seas and oceans, what we leave to our children...I could not turn away without working for the environment. I [had] to do something."

"For all my family," María Eugenia continued passionately, "the sea means a place where we are together. All of us enjoy the ocean in a different way: sailing, swimming, diving or just listening...My children and husband also were very excited with the idea of my joining Oceana and its board of directors."

María Eugenia is active as a lecturer, teacher, and adviser at various universities and business schools. She brings to Oceana a vast knowledge of strategic planning, marketing and public relations.

In 2004, María Eugenia was nominated for "Women Executive of the Year" by the Spanish Federation of Women CEOs and Professionals. Currently, she is a top business consultant and advisor and chairs the Madrid chapter of the international business group Young Presidents Organization. She's also the founder of the Madrid chapter of the International Women's Forum.