Dona Bertarelli is a philanthropist, investor, and accomplished sportswoman. She co-chairs the Bertarelli Foundation, driving real change in marine science and conservation, human health research, and support for local educational and community projects. In addition to being a Patron of Nature for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), she chairs her own philanthropic initiatives and is a World Economic Forum Friend of Ocean Action. She co-founded and skippers Sails of Change, the professional sailing team based in La Trinité-sur-Mer, France.
From 1992 to 1997, Dona served as Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs at Serono. Building on her role there, she helped establish the Bertarelli Foundation, which she continues to co-chair alongside her brother. In 2003, the American Infertility Association honoured her with the Kokopelli Prize for her contributions to philanthropy and education. She is a member of the board of B-FLEXION, and as an investor with assets in hospitality and real estate, she remains focused on long-term value creation.
For over three decades, Dona Bertarelli has been a dedicated advocate for ocean protection, environmental conservation, animal welfare, education and social causes. Working in partnership with others, Dona has launched multiple impact-focused programmes and initiatives. Her commitment to the ocean has earned her the Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship, the Prince Albert I Grand Medal from the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, and distinctions as a Commander of the National Order of Honorato Vasquez of Ecuador and a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor of France.
For over three decades, Dona Bertarelli has been a dedicated advocate for ocean protection, environmental conservation, animal welfare, education and social causes. Working in partnership with others, Dona has launched multiple impact-focused programmes and initiatives. Her commitment to the ocean has earned her the Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship, the Prince Albert I Grand Medal from the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, and distinctions as a Commander of the National Order of Honorato Vasquez of Ecuador and a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor of France.
From 2020 to 2023, Dona served as Special Adviser for the Blue Economy at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and in 2021, she became a patron of Nature for the IUCN. The following year, as part of a joint initiative with the IUCN, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), she helped launch the Sports for Nature Framework which promotes biodiversity protection and restoration through sports.
