Background
Julia Graeter is a Visionary & Thought Leader in WHALENESS, Founder & CEO of we.are.tohorā, and an International Keynote Speaker. She is a Marine Conservation Leader, Whale Sound Journey Facilitator, and Experience Designer — weaving science, creativity, and activism into transformative experiences that connect people to the ocean.
ABOUT
Born in Germany and now residing in New Zealand, Julia Graeter has dedicated her life to marine conservation, merging her background in Information Design with her passion for whales and ocean advocacy. As the Founder & CEO of we.are.tohorā, she leads immersive retreats, whale sound journeys, and exhibitions that inspire awe and action, fostering a deeper connection between people and the marine world.
Julia’s work spans hands-on whale research, marine mammal rescue as a trained Medic, and wildlife photography. She has worked with both live and deceased whales, embodying the full circle of life in her conservation efforts. From founding Clean Up Munich to lending her voice as a Committee Member to Māui & Hector's Dolphin Defenders, she is collaborating with scientists, conservationists, and community leaders on global ocean initiatives. A certified Marine Guide through the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) and a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher, Julia brings a holistic approach to her work — offering a rare blend of scientific insight and creative storytelling.
A powerful and engaging speaker, Julia captivates audiences by exploring the profound relationship between whales, planetary health, and human wellbeing. Whether addressing global conferences, leading intimate retreats, or guiding whale sound journeys, she empowers people to reconnect with nature and take meaningful action for ocean conservation.
Through her work, Julia sparks curiosity, ignites action, and empowers individuals to rethink their relationship with the natural world. She leads with passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief that the health of our oceans is deeply intertwined with our own.
Information Design & Information Sharing
Speaker & Thought Lead
In 2024, Julia Graeter established the Concept of Whaleness – wellbeing created by whales for the planet and its people. As a thought leader, she speaks about the power of whaleness in her keynotes and presentations and reaches people all around the world.
Speaker Training
Julia Graeter trained with Speakers Institute at an intensive 3-day bootcamp and is part of a 1-year masterclass program.
B.A. Information Design
B.A. Information Design, Stuttgart, Germany. Information design is the practice of presenting information in a way that fosters an efficient and effective understanding of the information. Information design takes on an important role in the flow of data and information. It’s essentially a way of putting together chunks of relevant information to make it easy to understand for users.
Conservation Efforts & Whale Research
Founder & CEO, Experience Designer & Facilitator
In 2023, Julia Graeter founded we.are.tohorā. Since then, she has served as CEO, Experience Designer, and Facilitator, hosting events and inspiring people across New Zealand. we.are.tohorā is a dedicated environmentally conscious organisation that is focused on raising awareness about whales, the ocean and the environment by offering immersive events and retreats, connecting people back to nature and themselves.
Marine Guide
In 2024, Julia Graeter completed her Marine Guide Training with WCA (World Cetacean Alliance).
Head Research Assistant
In the Season 2022 Julia joined Cook Islands Whale Research as Research Assistant and returned 2023 as Head Research Assistant to study migratory humpback whales in Rarotonga.
Committee Member
Since 2022 Julia Graeter is active at the Māui and Hector’s Dolphin Defenders committee.
Marine Mammal Medic
Trained as Marine Mammal Medic with Project Jonah in 2020, Julia Graeter is an active medic at local strandings around New Zealand ever since. She is also cooperating with DOC (Department of Conservation) for professional ID photography for research purposes.
Founder & CEO, Facilitator
In 2018, Julia Graeter founded Cleanup Munich and run bi-weekly clean up events in Munich. 2022 she stepped back as CEO and handed the organisation over.
Holistic Wellbeing & Mental Health
Mentor & Facilitator
Since 2020, Julia Graeter if facilitating a diverse range of events and coaching & mentoring programs.
Yoga Teacher Training
In 2019, Julia Graeter finished a 200h Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, laying her foundations of breathwork and meditation facilitation. In 2022 Julia added a Yin Yoga Teacher Training.