Marla’s journey into conservation storytelling is anything but conventional, yet her work as Expedition Creative Director for the Edges of Earth Collective has proven that creativity, passion, and an open mind can make a powerful impact on global conservation. Marla’s path has been guided by a deep-rooted passion for the ocean and a love for creative expression. Growing up near Santa Cruz, California, she spent much of her childhood exploring the coast, fostering a connection with the natural world from an early age.
Before she began telling conservation stories through her lens, Marla built a foundation in the creative industry. She began as a graphic designer, leveraging her eye for aesthetics and problem-solving to create visual narratives. After years of honing her design skills and dabbling in food photography, Marla felt an urge to align her work with her passion for the ocean. Moving from Oregon to Hawaii in 2020 reignited her love for the sea, and diving regularly gave her a first-hand look at the biodiversity and beauty below the surface. Inspired to share this unseen world, she started capturing underwater scenes with an iPhone dive case, sharing glimpses of marine life with her family and friends.
The leap to conservation storytelling came during the pandemic when Marla reached out to people working in ocean conservation. Determined to apply her design and photography skills to environmental causes, she eventually connected with her present day colleagues, to build what is now the Edges of Earth Collective. This bold initiative took them from remote reefs to coastal villages, documenting the work of ocean advocates—from indigenous leaders and scientists to fisherfolk and government officials. In each place, Marla’s content creation captures the resilience, strength, and dedication of these individuals, bringing their often-overlooked stories to a wider audience.
For Marla, the work is as rewarding as it is challenging. She finds purpose in documenting the awe-inspiring biodiversity of our planet and the communities that depend on it. “You don’t have to be a scientist to help the planet,” she says, “There’s room for everyone to contribute to climate solutions with the skills they already have.” Through her creative vision and direction, Marla hopes to inspire others to see their own potential in conservation, encouraging them to get involved in ways that feel meaningful, regardless of skill or expertise. Today, Marla has never felt more fulfilled chasing a passion on the edges of earth.
