Meet the people who continue to shape the way I think about travel, conservation, and community.
Introduction
People often ask where I learn about sustainable tourism or how I stay up to date on topics like conservation, responsible travel, and community-based tourism.
The truth is, I don’t rely on just one source.
Throughout my journey—from Disney Dreamers and The University of Tampa, to studying abroad at the University of Oxford, volunteering with conservation organizations, and building Bloom Travel Collective—I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible researchers, storytellers, photographers, and changemakers from around the world.
Some I’ve met in person. Others I’ve followed online for years. Every one of them has influenced the way I think about travel and the impact we can have on the places we visit.
If you’re looking to learn more about sustainable tourism, these are some of the voices I recommend following.
🌍 Industry & Tourism Leaders
These are the people helping shape the future of responsible tourism through marketing, branding, leadership, and innovative thinking.
Jamie Burr
Responsible tourism marketing consultant and strategist. Co-founder of Latitude, a global community connecting people working to move responsible tourism forward.
I first connected with Jamie through a mutual connection while studying abroad at Oxford. From the very beginning, I admired how authentic he is online. Jamie has shown me that LinkedIn doesn’t have to feel overly corporate—it can be personal, educational, and genuinely enjoyable. Watching both him and Latitude grow has been incredibly inspiring, and his workshops continue to introduce me to people doing meaningful work around the world.
Sarah Vidal
Founder of Cultured Creative, specializing in branding and strategy for responsible tourism businesses.
Sarah’s work completely changed the way I think about branding. Every newsletter she sends leaves me inspired, and her free resources have been invaluable as I’ve built Bloom. She’s a reminder that strong storytelling starts with a clear brand identity—not simply posting on social media.
Matthew Beaudin
Former Executive Chef at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and now Vice President of Culinary for Higher Education
I had the pleasure of meeting Matthew during an evening lecture at The Florida Aquarium, and before he even took the stage, I remember looking him up on LinkedIn and thinking, “27,000 followers…what could possibly be so great about this guy?” After hearing him speak, I completely understood. His stories from around the world captivated the audience, but what stayed with me most was his reminder that when passion is at the core of your work, people listen. He has built an incredible platform by simply sharing what he loves, and he’s a wonderful example of someone who not only talks about sustainability—but lives it every day.
Follow: LinkedIn
🔬 Researchers & Conservation
Some of the most influential people in my journey have been researchers who helped me understand that conservation is about people just as much as wildlife.
Professor E.J. Milner-Gulland
Conservation scientist and Professor at the University of Oxford.
While studying abroad at Oxford, I had the opportunity to sit in on meetings led by Professor Milner-Gulland through the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science. I remember feeling completely out of place at first, but she welcomed me and my perspective coming from an advertising and public relations background. Those experiences introduced me to interdisciplinary conservation and completely changed the direction of my interests.
Follow: LinkedIn
Diogo Veríssimo
Behavior change specialist and researcher at the University of Oxford.
Diogo was introduced to me after one of my Oxford tutors suggested I explore the field of social marketing and behavior change. That conversation sparked an entirely new area of interest for me. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with him on projects through the IUCN Behaviour Change Task Force, an experience I’m incredibly grateful for. His work continues to demonstrate how communication can become one of conservation’s most powerful tools.
Follow: LinkedIn
Rachel Deanault
Primate Zoological Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
During my senior year of high school, I was selected as one of just 100 students nationwide to participate in the Disney Dreamers Academy. Although the program looked different than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it led to one of the most meaningful relationships in my life—being matched with Rachel as my mentor.
Rachel was the first person to introduce me to the world of conservation. At the time, I thought I wanted to become a zoologist, but through countless conversations over the years, she helped me realize my passion wasn’t working directly with animals—it was connecting people with wildlife through communication, education, and storytelling.
Over the past six years, Rachel has watched my interests evolve into conservation communications and sustainable tourism. Her mentorship helped shape the path that ultimately led to Bloom Travel Collective, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Follow: Watch Rachel on Disney+
📸 Storytellers & Creators
These creators continually remind me that photography, film, and social media can become powerful tools for conservation.
Jack Randall
British zoologist, wildlife filmmaker, and founder of Made in the Wild, an adventure company.
I had the opportunity to meet Jack after he returned to the University of Oxford to give a lecture, where he shared his journey from studying zoology at Oxford to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable wildlife presenters. Mentored by the legendary Steve Irwin, Jack’s passion for wildlife is contagious, and his ability to educate through storytelling is something I deeply admire. His Disney+ series, Out There, is one of my favorite wildlife shows—especially the episode “The Kangaroo Mob…”
Anna Crocitto
Florida-based wildlife and nature photographer.
I first discovered Anna’s photography through volunteering with Conservation Florida and immediately fell in love with her ability to capture Florida’s wildlife in creative ways. Watching her career grow has been inspiring, and her work constantly reminds me to slow down and notice the beauty in the places around us.
Follow: Instagram
Sam Bentley
Content creator sharing positive sustainability stories from around the world.
Social media often focuses on what’s going wrong. Sam reminds me to look for what’s going right. His videos prove that conversations around sustainability can remain hopeful, engaging, and grounded in real solutions. He’s one of my favorite examples of using digital platforms to create positive change.
🌱 Environmental Justice & Climate
Protecting our planet also means understanding the people who call it home.
Leah Thomas
Environmental communicator and author of The Intersectional Environmentalist.
Leah’s work helped me realize that conversations about sustainability cannot exist without conversations about people. Her creativity, optimism, and ability to make environmental justice approachable continue to influence how I think about communicating complex topics.
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Marine biologist, policy expert, and conservation strategist.
As someone who lives in a coastal community, I appreciate how Dr. Johnson connects science, climate policy, and storytelling. Her work has helped me better understand the relationship between healthy oceans, thriving communities, and sustainable tourism. She is also the co-founder of a non-profit think tank called Urban Ocean Lab.
🌸 Bloom Reflection
Looking back, one thing stands out.
None of these people arrived in my life by accident.
One introduction led to another. One conversation sparked another curiosity. One opportunity opened the door to countless others.
That’s the beautiful thing about travel, networking, and lifelong learning—they have a way of connecting people who may have never crossed paths otherwise.
Bloom Travel Collective exists because of the lessons I’ve learned from these individuals and the communities they’ve helped me discover. I hope this list inspires you to follow their work, stay curious, and continue building your own network of people who challenge you to think differently.
One connection leads to another, and before you know it, your world becomes a little bigger.
Photo Credits: Unless otherwise noted, all photographs of individuals featured in this post were sourced from their official websites or public social media profiles.