AltaSea connects intern with career experience, new outlook on blue economy
By Katy Macek. Katy is a 2015 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Communications and Journalism.
AltaSea’s Berth 58 Grand Opening
I only had a short stint at AltaSea, but I couldn’t have asked for a more eventful two months to be here.
I came just after Berth 58’s grand opening and got to plan for and promote the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year, Blue Hour.
It was amazing to be part of creating and distributing marketing materials for Blue Hour 2024: Ocean Songs and seeing my words used on social media, in our emails and to describe the prizes in the Ocean Songs Auction. I could see how impactful my work was and got immediate gratification seeing it on our website and social pages.
I’ve long believed the way we communicate our stories matters, and that is especially true at a place as diverse and multifaceted as AltaSea.
I’m not your traditional intern. I graduated in 2015 from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in communications and journalism. I’ve spent the last nine years building professional experience as a reporter and editor at local newspapers in Wisconsin, along with a brief stint in copywriting.
However, I was interested in pursuing a career that directly impacted the environment and decided it was time to make a big change. So, I moved to California to pursue work in climate stewardship. I spent a year as a California Climate Action Corps fellow, reducing food waste at an elementary school and getting hands-on experience taking direct climate action.
That fellowship also introduced me to AltaSea through a virtual career fair. I connected with Janet Parga and was fascinated to learn about the transformation happening at the Port of Los Angeles. I knew from that conversation I wanted to be involved in sharing AltaSea’s story far and wide.
California Climate Action Corps meeting Jane Goodall
The most impactful part of my internship was exposing me to, and creating an appreciation for, the blue economy, which I had heard about but didn’t really grasp what it was. Now, I have a much clearer understanding.
My supervisor, AltaSea’s Senior Manager of Communications Alex Cornejo, gave me projects that allowed me to further my research and background in this field, such as compiling articles for the monthly Trending newsletter.
I also was able to put my interview skills to work on an end-of-the-year project about demystifying the blue economy. I spoke to various partners at AltaSea about their company, the work they do and what the blue economy means to them. It was an eye-opening experience for me to gain a deeper understanding of the many different technologies here — from studying and conserving kelp to 3D printing concrete structures for offshore wind projects to repurposing materials into upcycled surfboards and so much more. The blue economy is truly so many things. Stay tuned for that project in the annual Here’s the Blue Deal publication at the end of the year.
Plus, you really can’t beat an office view that is just a couple yards from the ocean. I loved being on the campus and seeing how it evolved day by day and week by week — including most recently the new AltaSea mural in the Parsons conference room!
Finally, this internship gave me new professional and personal connections that I’m hopeful will lead to future opportunities. It certainly solidified my goal to find a career that combines my communications expertise with my passion to care for our oceans, and opened my eyes to a whole new sector I could make a difference in.
I haven’t figured out what’s next for me, but I will continue to pursue opportunities that combine storytelling with climate action. I do know one thing for sure: This won’t be the last time you see me on the AltaSea campus — it’s too incredible to stay away.
Katy Macek
A journalist-turned-climate activist