MEHGAN HEANEY-GRIER
Marine Educator – Ocean Explorer –
(Imperfect) Conservationist
As a lifelong ocean explorer Mehgan has more than 25 years experience working both above and below the waterline. She is an accomplished athlete, professional speaker, marine educator, conservationist, expedition leader, stunt diver, and television personality.
In 1996, Mehgan pioneered the sport of freediving in the United States by establishing the first U.S. freedive record for both men and women, in the constant weight category. This significant contribution to the world of diving and exploration earned her a place as one of the original inductees, and the youngest-ever at time of induction, to the Women Divers Hall of Fame, and also as a Fellow in The Explorers Club.
Throughout her eclectic water-based career, Mehgan has performed underwater stunts for Hollywood films such as: Pirates of the Caribbean and Into the Blue; and has been featured in numerous television shows and publications worldwide such as: Life, People and Outside Magazine. Recruited by Discovery Channel, Mehgan was part of an elite team of explorers and starred in their original series, Treasure Quest: Snake Island.
Mehgan has been keynote and guest speaker at Universities and Colleges, trade shows, conventions and non-profit venues like The University of Colorado and The Explorers Club headquarters in Manhattan, NY. An established micro-influencer on social media, Mehgan was named by Huffington Post as one of “28 Badass Women You Should be Following on Instagram”, and has been showcased in Instagram’s Los Angeles gallery exhibit of, “Top Game-Changing & Inspiring Women”.
Mehgan holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Anthropology. She’s also a mom, a mentor and positive role model for young people around the world. As an ocean advocate, explorer, and storyteller across multiple media platforms, Mehgan is dedicated to raising awareness and empowering the next generation of ocean stewards to engage and tackle the critical issues facing our oceans today.