Activist Spotlight: Jessica Clark With the Cape Fear Chapter

When and why did you choose to get involved with the Surfrider Foundation?

I’ve always been passionate about taking care of our planet and feeling connected to water. The ocean has always been my happy place since I was a kid!

When I moved to Wilmington, NC, I knew I’d be happy being so close to the ocean on a regular basis. After meeting some cool like-minded people in 2024, I joined the Cape Fear Chapter as a way to make an impact on my community through my skills as a marketing coordinator — helping put together newsletters and other promotional materials for the chapter. When the chair position opened up in early 2025, I was more than happy to step in and continue the legacy that previous chapter chairs had built.

What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?

Single-use plastics and other items have always been something I’ve been passionate about limiting and finding creative solutions to find alternatives. I toured my local county recycling plant through a community service project an was able to learn more about what items are recommended to use more or less of, as well as gaining education on the trash and recycling processes so that I can make more informed decisions. I also follow a plant-based diet and do my best to choose brands and purchasing decisions that minimize harm to animals and our planet as a whole.

What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?

This past year, with the help of our awesome Cape Fear Chapter leadership team, I launched a surfboard recycling program where damaged, unsurfable boards could be dropped off at different locations along our coasts. Once we’ve collected enough boards, a team of local artists will each be gifted a board to bring new life to it through painting, sculpture, or other art mediums.

Additionally, our team’s Aquatic Love and Learning in the Water program continues to change lives. The ALL in the Water collaboration seeks to address the legacy of historical inequities that have prevented marginalized communities in our region from safely enjoying our beloved waterways. The growing community of organizations and individuals on our team seek to strengthen participants’ connection to and appreciation of water through free summer camp offerings to our youth who have never had the opportunity to enjoy our oceans and beaches in the ways they deserve.

ALL in the Water participants, summer 2026.

Do you have any personal experiences or campaigns/issues where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?

One common misconception when many people address the concept of sustainability is that it only addresses things like pollution or climate change, when in fact sustainability also addresses socioeconomic challenges, community wellness, and societal injustice.

It is all interconnected in ways that scientists, community organizers, and so many other professionals across the country are able to quantify every day. The policies and social injustices that many believe impact few truly do impact us all. We are all here on this planet together and it is our duty to protect it, just as it protects and serves us, but also to protect and love each other.

What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment? 

By continuing to eliminate barriers for systemically marginalized communities to enjoy and advocate for our ocean, waves, and beaches. When we start asking the right questions to the right people, with intention and a willingness to learn and grow and be humble, we can break down those walls that prevent so many of our fellow Americans and global community from feeling the power of connection and gratitude for this planet we call home.

What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?

Surfrider is one of the best environmental organizations to become involved with if you want to dive right into positively impacting your community in ways that are measurable and real.