Zita Cobb

Cobb is an eighth-generation Fogo Islander. Cobb has six brothers, and her father was a 7th generation inshore fisherman. She grew up in a household with no electricity or running water. Cobb studied business and graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa. == Career ==

Cobb started working with various oil companies in Alberta, and traveling in Canada and Africa. In 2001, she exercised stock options worth US$69 million, and left the company to sail around the world for 4 years. == Fogo Island Inn ==

In 2006, Cobb and her brother Anthony founded Shorefast, a Canadian social enterprise., == Honours and awards ==

On June 30, 2016, Cobb was made a Member of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston for "her contributions as a social entrepreneur who has helped revive the unique rural communities of Fogo Island and Change Islands through innovative social engagement and geotourism." She has been recognized with honorary doctorate degrees from Carleton University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, McGill University and University of Ottawa. Cobb was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in May 2018. On November 12, 2019, Cobb interviewed 44th President of the United States Barack Obama for a public event at the Mile One Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, which was hosted by the St. John's Board of Trade. == References ==