Tara Roberts

Tara Roberts, a National Geographic Explorer in Residence, has dedicated recent years to the exploration and documentation of Black scuba divers searching for slave shipwrecks around the globe. This captivating journey was shared with the world through a six-part narrative podcast by National Geographic, "Into the Depths." Roberts' exploration and insights also adorned the cover of the March 2022 issue of National Geographic magazine, marking her as the first black female Explorer to grace its cover.

Prior to her ventures with National Geographic, Roberts honed her editorial skills with esteemed publications such as CosmoGirl, Essence, AOL, Ebony, and Heart & Soul. She also established her own magazine, targeting women "too bold for boundaries." Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create a successful social enterprise, which provided support for young women changemakers, inspired by her solo backpacking trip around the world. Her impressive communication skills were further utilized during her tenure as a director of communications at Ashoka.

Already an accomplished journalist and explorer, Roberts is set to release her book, "Written in the Waters", in late January 2025. This work delves into underwater archaeology, with a focus on Roberts' personal journey exploring slave shipwrecks. The book's release will be accompanied by a feature on Good Morning America and recognition in Elizabeth Gilbert's book club. Roberts, an alumna of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, also holds the distinction of being a fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab from 2019 to 2021, and is a cum laude graduate of Mount Holyoke College.