Meet the Team - Isadora Jalil
Meet the faces behind YSCS! Introducing Isadora, our new youth rep on our board of trustees! 👇
What are you looking forward to about being a YSCS board member?
“YSCS’ work touched me personally, having completed Turning the Tide 2025. I see this role as an opportunity to give back in a way that is meaningful. I am truly looking forward to supporting and contributing to their work, helping to make a difference for other young people passionate about our seas. I am also excited to connect with like-minded people, learn from fellow trustees, and gain invaluable experience in running a charity.”
What marine issues in Scotland are you most passionate about and why?
“I am particularly passionate about ensuring effective fisheries management. Fishing contributes to many livelihoods in Scottish coastal communities but are also key to maintaining ecosystem health and are at the base of many food webs. We need to manage fishing in a way that keeps both nature and people in mind, and I am especially interested in finding ways to ensure this and making sure that the policies that are put into place actually work and are followed through.”
Why do you think it’s important for young people to have a voice in marine policy?
“With climate change and so many environmental challenges to tackle, it’s more important than ever for young people to have a voice in shaping the future of our planet and our seas. I know it can be intimidating to get involved as marine issues are complex, and you can often feel like you lack experience and credibility. But I believe young people bring the creativity, passion, and new perspectives that are needed to challenge the status quo and rethink how our seas are managed, and how we want them to be for the future.”
What advice would you give to other young people passionate about our seas?
“If you are like I was – passionate about our seas but not sure where to start – try getting in touch with organisations that resonate with your values and advocate for something you care deeply about. Participating in Turning the Tide with YSCS was a great first step for me: I met like-minded people who inspired me and showed me different approaches to marine advocacy, learned how I could take action, and explored how all of this could tie into my passions and skills. I also found that attending events is also a great way to meet other inspiring people to learn from. Most importantly, keep learning and stay inspired, curious, and passionate. You have more power than you realise.”
Tell us about your favourite coast or sea spot in Scotland
“Over the past two years in Scotland, I’ve mostly been based in Oban, and the beach near Dunstaffnage Castle quickly became one of my favourite spots. I lived just next to it for about a year and spent so much time there, soaking in the view after a long day and sometimes even swimming in the (very) chilly Scottish sea. It’s where my love for the Scottish West coast really grew.
There’s also a stunning white sandy beach at the southern tip of Skye, near where a good friend of mine lives. I’ve only been a couple of times, but it’s so peaceful and pristine. We usually go there after our final exams, and spend our time kayaking and swimming. I am not much of a runner, but it’s what I imagine catching your breath after a long run feels like.”
Isle of Skye