Kate Fleming is the founder and director of Bridge Initiative, a nonprofit uniting art and science to inspire environmental action. After witnessing climate change firsthand in Antarctica, she launched the Bridge Initiative in 2018 to use public art as a tool for advocacy. A Parsons School of Design graduate with a background in luxury fashion, she brings a creative approach to climate awareness.

Kate Fleming also is on the advisery board of The Reefline, a seven-mile underwater public park and artificial reef in Miami Beach. Her work has earned support from organizations like the Knight Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, fostering collaborations with artists and environmental leaders worldwide.

Bridge Initiative seeks to connect art, culture and creativity with climate change in an effort to shift the collective consciousness and make our planet a priority. It is a space where scientists and artists come together to raise awareness on behalf of planet Earth through collaborative campaigns.

The ocean has shaped my life in profound ways. Growing up along Biscayne Bay, I spent hours peering into its shimmering waters, watching parrotfish dart beneath the surface and seahorses cling to seagrass. I would sit beneath the shade of sea grape trees, mesmerized by pelicans gliding overhead. The ocean wasn’t just a view—it was my playground, my sanctuary, and my greatest iinspiration.

As I grew older, I realized that this beautiful world I cherished was under threat. Pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change have dramatically altered the bay I once knew. But my early connection to the ocean instilled in me a deep responsibility to protect it. Artists like Christo and Jeanne-Claude, whose Surrounded Islands project transformed Biscayne Bay in 1983, showed me the power of art to ignite awareness and action. Today, I channel that inspiration into my work, using creativity to bridge the gap between science and public engagement in conservation.

Leaving my career as a fashion designer to start my nonprofit, Bridge Initiative, was both thrilling and daunting. I had to step into a world dominated by scientists with PhDs, and as someone who studied art, I struggled with imposter syndrome. At times, I questioned whether I belonged in the conservation space. But my passion for protecting the environment pushed me forward, proving that you don’t need a scientific background to make an impact—you just need dedication and the right perspective.

Carolina’s designs are effortless and elegant. I love that I can jump out of the ocean, throw on a kaftan, and instantly feel put together. Her prints are stunning, and her pieces transition seamlessly from casual to refined, making them perfect for my lifestyle.

The Beach or the Standard Hotel on Biscayne Bay is where I feel most at home.

I start my day on my balcony with a cup of coffee, looking out over Biscayne Bay. If the weather is good, I paddle board; if not, I go to yoga at The Standard.