​Lauren Russell is a dedicated ocean conservationist, diver, and underwater photographer based in Los Angeles. Her passion for marine mammals drives her commitment to ocean activism. Growing up in La Jolla, California, she developed a deep connection to the sea, attending summer classes at the revered Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her journey into marine activism began with a transformative trip to San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico, where she encountered the "friendly" gray whales.

Lauren's professional background is diverse and entrepreneurial with her prior jewelry company featuring an extensive charitable line - reflecting her belief in integrating philanthropy into business. Now, she dedicates herself full-time to conservation and activism, emphasizing the urgency of protecting our oceans. Lauren is an ambassador for SeaLegacy, and collaborates with global communities to raise awareness and drive action for marine conservation. Her work has taken her to remote locations worldwide, including swimming with blue whales in Timor-Leste's "super highway," to Tonga to swim with humpback whales, and diving with various shark species off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

Lauren's mission is to inspire others to protect the ocean and its inhabitants, fostering a future where marine life thrives and climate change is no longer a threat.