She Googled "How to Start a Nonprofit." Now Imani Black Is Building a Path Into Aquaculture for Everyone.

Ep 014: What happens when you see something that changes the entire course of your career... in the first six minutes of a Netflix show?In this episode, I sit down with Imani Black, founder and CEO of Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA). Imani spent about five years as a commercial oyster farmer on the Eastern Shore of Maryland before Googling "how to start a nonprofit" in 2020 and building what's now a global network of around 600 members. She's an oyster enthusiast, a self-described dreamer and doer, and one of the most honest voices I've had on the show. She's keeping it real about what it takes.Here's what we get into:The Netflix moment that rerouted Imani's entire careerHow a cold email (with barely any punctuation!) changed everythingWhy she says aquaculture is conservation, not separate from itThe article that "caused quite a stir" and the culture shift she's pushing forWhy representation is a first step, not the finish lineWhat "killing every version of yourself" has to do with building something newWhether you're oyster-curious or dreaming up your own path into marine conservation, this one will leave you inspired. 🦪Check out Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA) — become a member (free for women, women of color, and gender minorities in aquaculture) or a champion Imani's article Aquaculture North America: "We Don't Need More Women's Panels. We Need a Culture Shift."Follow Imani on InstagramLooking to break into the world of marine conservation, but don’t know where to start? I’ve got you! Download my free resource, the Aspiring Marine Conservationist’s toolkit at caseysnook.com/toolkit and start making waves in your career today 🌊 Podcast websiteCasey's Instagram - @caseysnook_Podcast Instagram - @thisismarineconservationSay hello! Contact Casey here.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, it’d mean the world if you took a moment to subscribe and leave a review and/or rating wherever you’re listening! Your support helps this podcast reach more ocean lovers and aspiring marine conservationists just like you. Thank you!