Kaitlyn Sephton, Global Implementations Manager
Kaitlyn Sephton, Global Implementations Manager, Future of Fish
WHO? Kaitlyn Sephton!
ROLE: Kaitlyn is a Global Implementations Manager at Future of Fish, a non-profit that seeks to help fisheries around the world become more sustainable. Kaitlyn manages projects around the world, and her current project is based in Belize. She is part of a remote team and most of her FoF co-workers are based on the west coast. There is a large social component to her work, and that requires traveling – so if you miss Kaitlyn for a week or two, be sure not to worry!
Future of Fish: Kaitlyn is proud to be part of such an interdisciplinary team, working alongside entrepreneurs, marine scientists, anthropologists, and business specialists alike. As the global demand for fish steadily increases, Kaitlyn and the rest of her team ensure that fishers are paid fairly for their work and that the local ecosystems can sustain their practices. Kaitlyn’s skills lay heavily within the environmental conservation sector, having achieved her Master’s of Environmental Science and Policy from Clark University. Ask her about the partnerships she’s made to build apps for food traceability!
BIGGEST WIN IN THE PAST YEAR: Kaitlyn joined in November and loves that she’s figured out how to work in marine conservation while still living in Vermont.
HOW? Kaitlyn cites networking as the key. Every position she’s taken so far has been the result of a connection somewhere. “Leaning on my network and many hours of emailing is the way I’ve been able to move forward” Kaitlyn says. “A big part of my network is now through VCET as well”. We’re glad to have you Kaitlyn!
CAN SEE FUTURE… Kaitlyn waits for a moment and laughs, “I hope the future has fish!”. Her other goals are to expand geographically and develop some roots in Vermont.
PIZZA OR ICE CREAM? “I might be a traditionalist, but ice cream sandwiches!” Kaitlyn answers. We explored this for a bit – cookies acting as the bread and not wafers is crucial for Kaitlyn. She recommends Ruby Jewel in Portland, OR. To my understanding it’s like a chipotle but for ice-cream sandwiches. Bad comparison? Probably.
FUN: Kaitlyn loves to run and hike! She fulfills her Vermont obligation to “enjoy skiing”, but looks forward to the trails being passable… by foot 😎. Traveling is also quite important to Kaitlyn. I ask Kaitlyn her favorite fish, she answers: “to eat? Salmon. But I love sharks. ‘Cause they’re the coolest”
