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The Ocean Sewage Alliance (OSA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jasmine Fournier as our new Executive Director. With a rich background in public health research, a passion for environmental policy, and a deep love for the ocean, Jasmine embodies the spirit of our mission—advancing equitable and holistic actions that benefit both people and nature.
Jasmine’s journey to OSA has been paved with academic excellence and a commitment to making a positive impact on our environment. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania before delving into the realms of microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology at Tulane University, where she recently served at the Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research.
Beyond her impressive academic accomplishments, Jasmine's commitment to coastal conservation is evident in her role as Vice Board Chair for Healthy Gulf. This non-profit organization works tirelessly to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Her dedication to the cause is a testament to her desire to create meaningful change in the face of climate-related stressors.
Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, OSA steering committee Chair, warmly welcomes Jasmine, stating, "Jasmine brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our cause at a time when the urgency of holistic and intersectional ocean action is growing. Her dedication to merging science with actionable solutions resonates with our mission and the collaborative effort with our dedicated members. We are thrilled to have her lead us into this new chapter of ocean and coastal resilience."
Helen Fox, Vice-Chair of the steering committee, echoes Stewart's sentiment, expressing, "Jasmine's background and commitment to environmental advocacy and science-based initiatives make her a perfect fit for OSA. Together, we look forward to advancing our mission of eliminating sewage and wastewater pollution from our ocean. Jasmine's leadership will undoubtedly catalyze cross-sector collaboration and scaling up toward this goal.”
"I firmly believe in the transformative power that emerges when science and action join forces to tackle environmental challenges head-on,” said Fournier. “My journey, deeply rooted in research, aligns with OSA's mission to protect our ocean, waterways, and coastlines from the imminent threats of sewage and wastewater pollution. Together with the OSA team, steering committee, and our global partnership, I am dedicated to leveraging scientific insights to craft effective policies, implement practical solutions, and share compelling stories that amplify the urgency and importance of preserving ocean health."
Residing in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Jasmine is intimately aware of the unique challenges faced by coastal communities and the complicated role of urban, rural, and tribal engagement in sewage and wastewater. Her proximity to the Gulf of Mexico has fueled her passion for protecting these vital ecosystems. With Jasmine at the helm, OSA looks forward to building on the momentum and building blocks of the last two years. As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to engage with the movement. Join us at upcoming events, support our projects, become an active member, and stay informed about our efforts to create a future where our ocean and waterways are free from sewage and wastewater pollution.
Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy, Helen Fox, and the entire steering committee express their excitement and commitment to supporting Jasmine in her role. Together, let's create a lasting impact and foster a world where holistic ocean and coastal resilience is not just a mission but a reality. Welcome aboard, Jasmine, as we continue our shared journey towards a cleaner, healthier ocean.