Sarah Sorenson is a mission-driven philanthropy professional with more than 13 years of experience working in fundraising and nonprofit management for a variety of regional and global environmental/water advocacy groups. At Ocean Conservancy, Sarah leads the Individual Philanthropy team and works to connect donors and funders to the impact of their generosity. Prior to joining Ocean Conservancy, Sarah served as the Director of Development & Operations at Potomac Riverkeeper Network, a regional nonprofit working to stop pollution and restore clean water to the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers through enforcement and community engagement. She has also worked with organizations including Food & Water Watch, San Diego Coastkeeper and the Udall Alumni Association. Sarah holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Colby College and has won several awards for her environmental advocacy work, including a Morris K. Udall Scholarship. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program and an active mentor for emerging youth conservationists.

Sarah grew up in sunny San Diego and currently splits her time between San Diego and Washington, D.C. She enjoys hiking, road biking, cooking and exploring coastlines/waterways across the United States while visiting with Ocean Conservancy members and supporters.

Favorite ocean animal: Jellyfish—Believed to pre-date dinosaurs, jellyfish are both visually enticing and awe-inspiring. Did you know that some jellyfish are bioluminescent, that jellyfish have been sent into space and that there is one species of jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) thought to be immortal? Learn more about these amazing creatures here!