Anesti Vega is an Army combat veteran with the 101st Airborne Division and 7th Special Forces Group. Since service, he is an award-winning filmmaker turned oceanographer, expedition leader, and scuba instructor. Anesti serves as a field researcher at the forefront of ocean exploration, as well as a science communicator and educator in the areas of marine science, scuba diving, and water safety, with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion for marginalized communities.
Anesti is the Scuba Council Chair for Diversity In Aquatics, a 100% volunteer-based international NGO dedicated to educating, promoting, and supporting swimming, water safety, and healthy aquatics activities for vulnerable populations, as well as serves on the Diversity & Outreach Committee for the AAUS Foundation. His most recent accolades are being awarded the 2022 Diversity In Aquatics President's Award, being named the 2021 John Beakley Marine Science Educator of the Year, as well as Sea Hero of the Year 2021 by Scuba Diving Magazine.
Anesti is very blessed and thankful for the success so far and continues to stay motivated and utilizes the confidence, discipline and respect learned from his elders and his experience toward everything that he will continue to do. His dedication to leaving the world a better place builds a strong foundation for not only his family, but for his community and future generations as well.