Sheyla Ravelo Perez
Georgia Field Representative
Oceana Staff
Sheyla Ravelo Perez joined Oceana as Georgia Field Representative in August 2026.
Originally from Cuba, her interdisciplinary background spans scientific communication, community organizing, environmental health, and international ocean governance and conservation. As Oceana’s Georgia Field Representative, Sheyla works to advance Oceana’s U.S. campaigns by building grassroots support, engaging community and business leaders, and developing strategic partnerships throughout Georgia. She mobilizes ocean advocates, strengthens local and state-level support for conservation solutions, and leverages community networks to protect marine ecosystems and advance lasting policy change. Before joining Oceana, Sheyla served as an Education Specialist at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, where she developed education and science communication initiatives that made complex marine science topics more accessible. Sheyla also brings experience in international ocean governance through leadership roles within the United Nations Ocean Decade Framework and collaborations with partners across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean to expand opportunities for early-career ocean professionals and strengthen partnerships that connect science, policy, and communities to advance global ocean stewardship. Sheyla is a proud University of Florida alumna who enjoys swimming, dancing, and exploring the ocean through scuba diving in her spare time. Through every aspect of her work, Sheyla is driven by the belief that conservation begins with connection, and that empowering people to understand their relationship with the ocean is essential to protecting it.
