Denise
Board of Directors

Denise Naguib

Director

(FY20–CURRENT)

Denise was born in Cairo, Egypt where she lived for half of her childhood before moving to Michigan, Minnesota, and finally Oregon. She attended the University of Oregon, earning a Bachelors of Science in Geography with an emphasis on biological and human impacts on the environment. After graduating, Denise became involved with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society as a Program Director, implementing environmental education programs at various locations.

In 2005, Denise moved to the Cayman Islands to implement Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The program’s success led The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to sign a 10-year agreement with Jean-Michel Cousteau to implement these programs at various properties throughout the brand. Denise became the Corporate Director, Environmental Programs for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and led environmental strategy for the brand, as well as supporting the growth of the Cousteau program within The Ritz-Carlton.

In January 2010, Denise joined the Global Operations group at Marriott International and continued her work on sustainability strategy for all brands, as well as expansion of the Cousteau program. In 2012, Denise was named Vice President of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity, integrating both of these important subjects in the company’s global operations. After launching the company’s new Sustainability and Social Impact platform and goals in November 2017, Denise is working on a variety of projects including responsible sourcing, developing solutions for recycling and food waste, and supporting efforts to increase spend with diverse businesses globally.

Denise currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board for WEConnect International, the global organization supporting women businesses around the world, Chair of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Procurement Council, and on the Board of The Conference Board’s Sustainability Center. She most recently served as the Vice Chair of the Global Business Travel Association’s Sustainability Committee, and the Chair of The Conference Board’s Sustainability Council: Innovation and Growth.

Read More

open ocean
,

2023: A First Step in Protecting the Elusive High Seas

This past year focused on protecting the part of the ocean that is outside of the jurisdictional reach of any specific country and is, arguably, so enigmatic that experts in the field are still striving to understand it. When it comes to the high seas, there is a large part (64%) of the ocean that no one truly owns and that no one country can protect on its own. Which begs the question, “how do you protect something that doesn’t belong (only) to you?”

, , ,

No-Mining November: The Ocean Foundation’s ISA Council Check-In

The International Seabed Authority’s third set of meetings held in Kingston, Jamaica wrapped up last week with little fanfare and fewer decisions. The Ocean Foundation participated in the meetings for the third time this year, continuing to speak with delegates on our key goals.

,

Don’t Shade the Ocean

We need sound legal tools to address side effects from climate geoengineering projects that could endanger the marine environment. These unwanted impacts include the ability of the seas to produce food and oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and excess heat.