Each month, we spotlight a different member of our team, diving into their motivations, passions, projects they’re currently working on, and more!
Our next Q&A feature is on Isabel Romero, a Junior Project Manager originally from the south of Spain, in Cádiz. She also briefly lived in Norway. Isabel is currently contributing to several initiatives in the blue bioeconomy sector.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently involved in the Algae Industry Study, where my team provides recommendations on various algae-related topics for the European Commission. My role includes conducting research, interviewing experts, and synthesising findings.
I also lead a work package in I3Seaweed, focusing on go-to-market preparation, exploitation roadmaps, and ecosystem building. This involves coordinating tasks and collaborating with companies to create a knowledge hub and a networking centre hosted on Blue Bio Match.
Starting June 1, I will be responsible for Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication in the MULTIPLY project—this includes preparing the website, shaping the communication strategy, and more. Additionally, I am contributing to EU4Algae 2 by co-authoring a report on the algae industry roadmap.
What drew you to SUBMARINER?
After finishing my degree in Biology and a master’s in Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainability, I wanted to move from the laboratory to real-world action. I wanted to work directly with people and apply my coordination and communication skills. I’m naturally chatty and good with people, and I saw this change as the perfect chance to combine my scientific background with my personal strengths.
I worked with one of SUBMARINER’s member companies in Norway for almost a year. When my contract ended, I had the chance to join SUBMARINER itself. It felt like the perfect place to develop professionally, learn more, and contribute to the growth of a sustainable blue economy.
What other types of jobs/industries have you worked in?
I’ve had a very varied career! I started working as a playground monitor in a ball pit park, then moved on to giving private tutoring lessons and working as a call centre agent for a mobile phone company—a great role, though it was mentally exhausting.
Later, I worked in a laboratory, analysing animal samples, identifying diseases, and determining biological sex. I also gained experience as an event hostess and brand promoter for many different companies.
After that, I moved to Norway, where I first worked as an au pair. Then I held all sorts of jobs in the hotel and catering business. I was a waitress, kitchen assistant, brand ambassador for a winter tour, bartender, barista, and floor manager. It was a fun and educational time. I met a lot of people and learned about the industry.
At that time, I was also doing a master’s degree in Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainability, which later allowed me to work at NIVA (Norwegian Institute for Water Research). After that, I got a new job at SUBMARINER.
What is your favourite part of your job and why?
The most appealing aspect of my job is its versatility. I enjoy the variety of communicating with other organisations and companies, conducting research, and implementing ideas alongside project coordination. It’s a very international environment, so I get to work with people from different countries, travel, attend events in various places and build connections with like-minded individuals who share the common goal of creating a more sustainable world.
The flexibility to work remotely is also a big plus for me as a foreigner — it allows me to visit family and friends more easily. I enjoy the working atmosphere, and since we’re involved in many different projects, there’s always something new to learn. I get to shift between tasks and learn quickly, but in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming or stressful.
Which of your professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
I see myself as someone who is always learning and growing. Since joining SUBMARINER, I have had to adapt to a new work environment and take on the role of Project Manager for the first time. I’m proud of how quickly I’ve adapted and how confidently I handle situations where effective communication is essential.
I learn quickly, am always open to taking on new tasks, and genuinely enjoy challenges — they push me to grow and bring out the best in me.
What is inspiring you lately?
I’ve been deeply inspired by the power of collaboration to drive sustainability. There are so many untapped opportunities, and we must start recognising and acting on them. One of my key motivations is promoting industrial symbiosis, where one company’s waste becomes another’s raw material—circularity in its purest form.
I’m also motivated by the idea that future generations can grow up with a different mindset—more conscious, responsible, and connected to their environment. I love working with people, opening up dialogue, and giving them reasons to expand their perspectives.
On a personal level, I’m especially passionate about communication, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to link this passion to sustainability work. Using communication as a tool to inspire change, build awareness, and connect ideas motivates me every day and aligns deeply with my values.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: “Sometimes you need to stop and think about what you’re doing, so that you can move forward more easily.” This is true in many areas of life. Sometimes it’s hard to decide, especially when it means doing something new. It might feel like you’re losing something when you take a step back, but you’ll often find that this process makes you grow and learn, and that’s how you end up in places you wouldn’t have reached otherwise.
For example, I had a steady job in a restaurant in Norway that paid well and was happy. At one point, I was offered a promotion with more responsibilities. It was tempting, but I had a bigger goal: to start a master’s degree and change my career to sustainability. If I’d taken the promotion, I would have moved further away from that goal. I decided to say no, work fewer hours, and focus on my studies.
A year later, after finishing my master’s degree and work experience, I found my current job. It matches what I believe in and what I want to do in the future. Looking back, I can see that I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone to move forward.
What brought you to Berlin?
In 2024, after finishing a contract at NIVA (Norwegian Institute for Water Research), I was looking for a job. A colleague introduced me to our current CEO at SUBMARINER. They offered me a job, and it was funny because I didn’t realise the company was based in Berlin! I loved the mission and the role, so I applied right away. It wasn’t until I received the offer that I realised it was in Berlin.
My life was already settled in Norway at that moment, so it was a shock. But I’ve always been interested in Berlin, and I was even more interested in the job. I just did what felt right, and here I am!
Where is your favourite place to travel, or where would you most like to go?
Andalusia is where my heart truly lies—in the sun-kissed south of Spain! I absolutely love the culture, the people, the weather, and the food—it’s a place that brings me so much peace. After years of living abroad, I’ve come to treasure the richness of my roots even more deeply.
Norway is pure nature at its best! I absolutely love being just 15 minutes away from lakes, forests, and the sea! The best thing about it? You can feel the unique calmness of nature right around you, and it’s so close and accessible!
Argentina is an absolute must-visit! I love the diversity of the landscapes, the warmth of the people, and—yes—the enchanting Argentinian accent. Patagonia is an incredibly peaceful place.
Where would I love to go next? Asia is calling! I’m dreaming of the Philippines, maybe even Bali, and I’ve always wanted to explore Vietnam by motorbike. I could find beauty and charm even in the world’s most remote corners.
