Volunteer Spotlight: Ronnie Rossetti
Ronnie Rossetti first discovered Florida Oceanographic Society after attending the International Ocean Film Festival at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart. Inspired by the films and motivated to make a difference for our oceans and waterways, she reached out the very next day to ask how she could volunteer.
She joined the volunteer team in 2024, beginning as an Exhibit Guide. Eager to learn everything she could about the animals at the Coastal Center, Ronnie immersed herself in training—and quickly found joy in sharing that knowledge with guests. Whether she’s teaching kids about animals in the Invertebrate Touch Tank or introducing families to the animals in the Ocean EcoCenter, her enthusiasm is contagious. In fact, it’s hard to tell who gets more excited—Ronnie or the kids.
But she didn’t stop there. Wanting to do even more, Ronnie began conducting weekly water-quality testing in the Indian River Lagoon, proudly calling it her “real scientist” moment. She also helps clean the stingray tank each week and gets rewarded with one of her favorite tasks—feeding the rays. Since joining the team, she has already contributed more than 220 volunteer hours and shows no signs of slowing down.
Originally from New Jersey, Ronnie spent the 1980s and 90s living in Fort Lauderdale, though her work kept her moving around the country. When she decided to return to Florida in 2024, she searched the entire state before falling in love with Hutchinson Island. She spent most of her career as a software trainer and retired in 2020.
Ronnie once dreamed of being an actor and even attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City before life took her in a different direction. Today, she pours her energy into volunteering—her favorite “hobby”—and supports several organizations throughout the community. “Volunteering is so rewarding and keeps me active,” she says. “Since I hate exercising, it’s a win-win.” She also loves to travel. This year alone, she visited the Galápagos Islands and Alaska, where she also served as a volunteer Ranger at Katmai National Park, living among brown bears. For 2026, she has even bigger plans: a gorilla trek in Uganda and her eighth trip back to Alaska.
Ronnie’s passion, curiosity, and dedication make her an unforgettable part of the Florida Oceanographic family.
SNAP SHOT
BORN: Orange, NJ
COLLEGE: Yes, but changed schools and majors so many times that she never earned enough credits to earn a specific degree.
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Leftovers in Jupiter, love their sweet potato encrusted fish and coconut tres leches. Also enjoy The Nest, new owners are so nice.
RECENT BOOKS/FAVORITE AUTHORS: Last book was In Wild Trust by Jeff Fair. Favorite author is Ken Follett.
RECOMMEND MOVIES, TV, SERIES: The last movie she saw was A Complete Unknown, which she loved. There is nothing she would go out of her way to watch on TV.
