What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation and how did you get involved
I’m a core volunteer for the San Diego Chapter’s Clean Border Water Now (CBWN) program. The CBWN team is working hard to expand outreach and engagement, and I am happy to be part of that. Earlier this year I termed out of the Executive Committee, where I served as the Administrative Coordinator and one of the event organizers.
I joined Surfrider in the fall of 2023 after attending the Paddle for Clean Water. At the time, it had been a year since graduating college and I was bartending in Oceanside. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in marine biology mixed with policy, and I was desperate to get involved and help make real change. My boss connected me with a friend who happened to know the San Diego Chapter Chair at the time, and that’s how I found my way to Surfrider.
From day one, the energy, the mission, and the people drew me in. I knew I had to be part of it. The ocean gives so much to us, and it’s time to give back.
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
I grew up in Minnesota where environmental issues were much different and seemingly more
easily contained than California’s. Since moving to San Diego, I have witnessed the urgent
threats the coast is facing: coastal erosion, loss of coastal access, offshore oil and gas drilling, species decline, ecosystem degradation, sea level rise, water pollution... the list truly goes on.
One issue I became aware of and deeply passionate about early on is the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis (known as the CBWN campaign at Surfrider). It’s been eye-opening to see how complex and long-term this crisis is, and it’s alarming that I didn’t hear about it until joining Surfrider. Not only is this an issue of water quality and basic human rights, it’s an issue that spans borders and languages.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?
I never viewed myself as an event planner, but my time on the Executive Committee consisted of helping plan the 2024 Paddle for Clean Water, the Night for the Sea art gala (2024), and Surfrider’s first-ever drag event, Sirens of the Sea.
Sirens of the Sea was especially meaningful to me because it highlighted the intersection of
queerness, art, the ocean, and environmental justice. The goal was to create an event where
the queer community could feel seen (within the Surfrider community and beyond), celebrate
our connection to the sea, and build joy around activism. Sometimes we just need a little fun
and connection to remind us what it is we’re fighting for.
Do you have any personal experiences where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
I believe environmental issues are social justice issues. I have seen how the communities most impacted by climate change are the ones whose voices are left out of decision making. How certain communities get funding for environmental issues while others are made to suffer. Indigenous communities have been removed from the land they once stewarded, and the coast has deteriorated because of it.
As mentioned before, the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis is directly impacting the
environment and people. Families rely on the watershed for water, food, and sustenance, yet the river is contaminated. These families have never been a priority in the eyes of decision
makers, and that is why I am so grateful that non-profits like Surfrider exist to be loud and persistent.
What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment?
I want to say that I have felt extremely welcomed in Surfrider, but know that isn’t always
everyone’s experience. I think we can continue to grow by showing that Surfrider isn’t just for surfers — it’s for scientists, advocates, artists, musicians, educators... anyone who cares about protecting the ocean. It’s important to continue bringing in new voices and celebrating diverse communities. Surfrider does a great job at fostering an environment where new types of outreach are encouraged, but there are always ways to make it more accessible. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the stronger our impact becomes.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
It doesn’t matter what you know, the ocean could always use more friends. There is a place for you at Surfrider whether you surf every day or have never touched a board! The Surfrider community will welcome you with kindness, excitement, and a bit of silliness. It is easy to feed
into hopelessness, but organizations like Surfrider are here to make real change. I know that
has given me hope.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
Without a doubt, the highlight has been the community. When I joined the Executive Committee, I lacked confidence in my voice and experience, but leaders like San Diego Chapter Manager Joana Guerra and the rest of the team were genuinely excited to hear what I had to say. Their encouragement helped me grow, and I am excited to continue encouraging others. I have made lifelong friends with people I may have never crossed paths with if it weren’t for Surfrider.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am just extremely grateful. Grateful for the people at Surfrider, for the sense of purpose this community has given me, and for the chance to keep learning!