WaveWorks Alliance is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to careers in the ocean economy. By connecting educators, employers, and workforce leaders, we help align training with industry needs and amplify existing programs, especially in communities that are often overlooked. Our goal is to build a strong, sustainable, and future-ready maritime workforce.
Denielle Christensen, Executive Director & CEO
Denielle founded WaveWorks Alliance after spending 21 years immersed in the commercial marine sector through WorkBoat Magazine, International WorkBoat Show, Pacific Marine Expo, and National Fisherman Magazine. It was there that she saw firsthand the incredible demands placed on these industries and the growing workforce challenges they face. More recently, Denielle worked in the offshore wind industry, where she saw those challenges intensify as traditional trades were asked to adapt to new technologies and skill requirements. That experience brought her back to the marine sector with a renewed purpose: to help meet these challenges head-on by building a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
Dustin Varnell, Co-Founder & Board of Directors
Dustin Varnell has joined WaveWorks Alliance as a co-founder and Board Member. Dustin is a Master Mariner and cofounder of Spirit Advisory, with over 20 years of leadership in maritime operations, offshore energy, and marine robotics. A Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate, he has directed complex vessel operations and construction projects both domestically and internationally. His career includes roles advancing offshore energy operations and technology. Dustin now serves WaveWorks Alliance Board of Directors, bringing a global perspective and a deep commitment to shaping career opportunities in a field that has offered him remarkable experiences and meaningful work. His decision to join this effort reflects a passion for giving back to an industry that has shaped his life, and a recognition of the urgent national need for skilled maritime professionals.
Together, with the board of directors, we’re building a national alliance that connects people, programs, and possibilities—ensuring that ocean-related careers are visible, viable, and accessible to all.
The ocean economy is expanding rapidly, driven not only by traditional maritime transport but also by emerging sectors such as offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology, deep-sea exploration, and ocean data services. As of 2025, over 80% of global trade still relies on maritime transport, yet the broader ocean economy is undergoing a technological transformation that demands a new generation of skilled workers. Innovations in autonomous vessels, underwater robotics, AI-driven ocean monitoring, and sustainable aquaculture are accelerating, but the industries supporting these advancements face a critical shortage of talent. According to the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Mariner Workforce Strategic Plan for FY 2023 to FY 2027, a 12.3% vacancy rate across its workforce, with nearly 43% of employees projected to be retirement-eligible by 2029. This talent gap—spanning engineering, data science, environmental science, and advanced manufacturing—threatens the resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness of ocean-related industries.
WaveWorks Alliance exists to address this challenge head-on. We believe the solutions already exist in the form of outstanding local and regional programs, passionate educators, and innovative workforce initiatives. Our role is to convene these groups, amplify their efforts, and bring their proven strategies to a broader national audience. By connecting individuals, especially those in underserved, non-coastal, and rural communities with education, training, and career pathways, we are
building a robust, future-ready workforce. Our work ensures that the next generation is equipped not only to fill these critical roles but to thrive in them, driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across the ocean economy.
Target IndustriesAs a neutral convener, WaveWorks Alliance will support all pathways, ensuring individuals can explore and pursue opportunities that best align with their interests, skills, and aspirations.
We will bridge the gap between local efforts and national opportunities, strengthening workforce development and ensuring broad access to skill-building pathways. Through partnership and advocacy, we work to connect individuals at multiple levels with meaningful careers that offer financial stability, growth, and fulfillment, while building a resilient future for ocean-related industries.
WaveWorks Alliance inspires and empowers individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to pursue fulfilling careers in the marine trades and ocean-related industries. As a national convener, we collaborate with regional and local stakeholders and organizers to amplify their workforce development and training programs, share best practices, and identify replicable strategies for broader efficient implementation.
Our mission is rooted in collaboration, not competition. Through partnerships with educators, employers and industry advocates, we raise industry awareness and talent development for the growing ocean economy by promoting opportunities, early exposure, and access to skill building opportunities that align with existing and emerging industry advancements.
We envision a strong workforce pipeline that provides individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with access to fulfilling and lasting careers. This pipeline supports growth across ocean related industries by driving innovation, broadening opportunities, and fostering a sustainable workforce.
Through a national alliance of educators, advocates and industry leaders, we build a resilient and robust ocean-related workforce that adapts to evolving needs and ensures long-term success.
WaveWorks Alliance introduces students of all ages and the public to ocean-related careers through adult learning, high school outreach, engaging educational materials, and a dynamic social media presence. We deliver compelling stories that resonate with a wide spectrum of audiences, breaking misconceptions and showcasing industry benefits. Targeted outreach at career fairs and industry events fosters connections and raises awareness, ensuring pathways to ocean-related careers are visible and accessible. Additionally, WaveWorks Alliance provides comprehensive exposure to education and training opportunities nationwide, helping individuals discover programs that align with their interests and career aspirations.
WaveWorks Alliance collaborates with industry partners nationwide to enhance visibility and ensure careers remain viable and competitive in diverse geographic markets. Industry connections are strengthened by working with partners to link employers with qualified job seekers and academic candidates. Increased awareness and engagement create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. Employer engagement helps expand the talent pool and advance collaborative industry growth, supporting workforce development across all regions.
Students, non-traditional learners and job seekers receive direct support through job and training search tools, funding sources, and scholarships. Networking opportunities connect individuals with employers while promoting a deeper understanding of career opportunities to improve retention. Educators play a critical role as well; WaveWorks Alliance collaborates with accredited institutions and organizations across the country to promote training programs and establish direct job pipelines, ensuring that ocean-related workforce development is accessible on a national scale.