Lydia Nelson

Secretary

Lydia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University Maritime (Cal Maritime) and a minor in Marine Science. She is from a small town on the Central Coast of California and currently lives and works in the Bay Area, California. In addition to serving as the Board Secretary of Black in Marine Science (BIMS), she is the Associate Director, Ports and Communities at Ocean Conservancy. She is most proud of the diverse team she built to work with front line community leaders, amplify advocacy efforts, and resource projects that reduce the impacts of air pollution. Lydia has a proven track record of stepping into challenging roles, assessing where we are and developing a plan to reach the desired outcomes. Her career in the maritime industry has moved her through many sectors including non-profit ocean conservation organizations, local government air quality agencies, and corporations. Most recently, she produced and managed technical studies relating to low and zeåro carbon shipping, with a focus on zero carbon fuel infrastructure needs, green ports, and ship design and operation. 
Family is very important to Lydia and are the roots of her faith, curiosity, interest in the world and her sense of purpose. In her free time, she enjoys her membership to the Cal Academy of Sciences, learning new languages, playing the piano, and traveling abroad as often as possible. She is a proud member of the Society of Women Engineers. Lydia is excited to be part of the BIMS board where she is committed to the mission of celebrating black marine scientists and inspiring the next generation of thought leaders.