Emily Penn is the Founder and Director of Exxpedition, a non-profit organization led by women committed to raising awareness about the connection between plastics, toxic chemicals, and women's health. As a passionate ocean advocate, Emily has dedicated her career to developing innovative solutions for the pressing environmental challenges our society faces. A captivating speaker, she brings her expertise and vision to a variety of events, inspiring audiences with her deep knowledge and commitment to creating meaningful change.
An alumnus of the University of Cambridge where she obtained her BA in Architecture, Emily began her career as an Operations Manager of Round-the-World Tour at Earthrace, a powerboat run on 100% biodiesel. Emily was responsible for organising the post-race tour around the UK, Caribbean, Pacific, Australia and New Zealand to promote the use of renewable fuels. Passionate about protecting the environment, Emily went on to become the Operations Manager at Sustainable Coastlines where she spearheaded the largest community waste clean-up effort from Tongan Island. In 2010, Emily worked as a Plastic Pollution Outreach and Graphic Designer at The 5 Gyres Institute before she became the Co-Founder, Director and Skipper of Pangaea Explorations, working to connect scientists, filmmakers, and citizens to explore remote regions, gather data, and address today’s pressing global challenges.
An expert on plastic pollution, with over 15 years of experience in bringing light to the plastic issue, in 2014, Emily became the Founder and Director of eXXpedition. Emily has also worked as an Ambassador at Parley Ocean School where she encouraged multinational corporations to rethink how they use plastic, and has been a Special Advisor at Sky to support the company become single-use plastic free. In recent years, Emily became the founder of SHiFT.how, where she is using innovative technology to help businesses tackle ocean plastic pollution. Recipient of several accolades, Emily has won the 2016 Fitzroy Award at the Ocean Awards, the Seamaster Award and is the youngest and only female winner of the Yachtmaster of the Year award.
A seasoned speaker, Emily has delivered popular TEDx talks including “The Body Burden of Our Plastic Problem” and “A Shift in Thinking Will Change the World”. For her exemplary work over the years, Emily was appointed BEM in the 2021 New Year Honour’s List. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Emily is now available to book for a wide range of events where she shares her expertise on sustainability, environment, corporate social responsibility, renewable energy, and leadership. Book Emily Penn when looking for an expert on the ocean and environmental issues, today!
