Kaysha Kenney leads oyster reef restoration and conservation efforts as at Orange County Coastkeeper
NEED TO KNOW
- Kaysha Kenney leads oyster reef restoration and conservation efforts as at Orange County Coastkeeper
- She overcame challenges in a male-dominated field with support from women mentors and a marine science community
- Her viral videos educate millions on oyster restoration and aim to inspire young women to pursue marine science careers
Before millions of people began watching her oyster restoration videos online, Kaysha Kenney often felt like she had to fight to prove she belonged in marine science.
“Marine science has historically been a male-dominated field,” the 31-year-old marine scientist and creator tells PEOPLE exclusively. “When I first came into leadership roles in marine science, it felt like a lot of people didn’t take me seriously.”
Today, Kenney leads major restoration initiatives as the marine restoration director at Orange County Coastkeeper, overseeing oyster reef restoration, shoreline conservation projects and community outreach programs across Southern California…