Jessica Patterson DEMA’s 2023 ‘Wave Maker’
December 16, 2023The recipient of DEMA’s Wave Makers Award for 2023 has been announced as Jessica Patterson. To learn more about the award, you can visit DEMA’s website.
The Wave Makers Award, introduced in 2017, aims to acknowledge professionals who have made a significant contribution to the diving industry within their first five years of work. You can find a list of past recipients on the Wave Makers Award page.
This award serves as a reminder for the industry to promote a culture that encourages innovation and engagement among new professionals.
The three finalists for the 2023 Wave Makers Award were Jon Brunson from JBO Production, Inc., Jessica Patterson from Ohana Dive Company, and Cynthia Rosselle from One Ocean Scuba.
DEMA members for 2023 were given the opportunity to vote for their preferred finalist by reviewing the biographies and short videos submitted by each candidate. Ultimately, Jessica Patterson was chosen as the recipient of the 2023 Award.
Jessica has been working at the Brevard Zoo for five years as the coordinator of the sea turtle healing center. She has also been part of the Ohana team for a year and has collaborated with PADI to establish Ohana as an Eco Diving Center.
Her dedication to the ocean and turtle care is unparalleled. Jessica has organized educational tours showcasing her work at the zoo, including trips to South Florida. She was even invited to Atlantis in Nassau to assist with the care of sick turtles at their aquarium. In addition to her research efforts, she ensures the turtles are nursed back to health before being released.
