Surfrider Welcomes 2026 Student Club Leadership Council

After a competitive application process, we are excited to announce the onboarding of 14 students to Surfrider's 2026 Student Club Leadership Council (CLC) cohort! The CLC advises Club Network staff on how to best support the future generation of ocean activists, foster stronger connections between clubs across the country, and provide targeted feedback on new endeavors to help ensure Surfrider’s programs, campaigns, initiatives, and communications are relevant and reflective of the values of today’s students.

The CLC is composed of two core components: (1) leadership development and virtual skill-building trainings; and (2) hands-on high-level engagement in existing Surfrider policy campaigns and major events. This 1-year program offers the opportunity for participation in federal or state lobby days, conferences, and/or engagement in a larger policy campaign.

This experience is a fantastic opportunity for outstanding club leaders to further develop their leadership & advocacy skills, resume, and personal/professional network, while working more closely with Surfrider staff at the national level.

Allison (Harper) Wilbricht: Vice President, Frank W. Cox High School Surfrider Club (VA)

"I want to be able to contribute to the Surfrider Foundation at a higher level than just within my school. Being involved with Surfrider has shown me that student voices are powerful, and joining this council will give me an opportunity to help contribute to the different resources, ideas, and projects that can reach clubs around the country."

Audrey Kim: President, Gretchen Whitney High School Surfrider Club (CA)

"As the President of my school’s Surfrider Club, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful youth-led coastal activism can be, and how much more impact we can create when clubs across the country work together. In the CLC, I want to help strengthen that national network, expand existing programs, and launch new initiatives that make Surfrider’s resources even more accessible, equitable, and action-driven."

Charlotte Marriott: Policy Chair, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Surfrider Club

"I am incredibly passionate about ocean conservation, and I am hoping to continue to better my leadership skills to make more effective change through UH Surfrider, and in my post-graduate career. I recently took the initiative to begin a policy action program within our club to focus more on what we can do to support policy campaigns, whether that be on a local, statewide, or international level. Joining the Student Club Council will help me build a stronger foundation for myself to be a strong leader in this developing movement within our club."

Dara Farnoush: Co-President, University of California Davis Surfrider Club

"Advocacy and/or legislative work is what I hope to do after I graduate, so this program is very beneficial for me to get to know more about advocacy and to expand my network across the nation while meeting like-minded peers. I have been a member of a Surfrider club since my freshman year of high school, and on the board of a Surfrider club every year since my sophomore year of high school, which has made me feel very connected with Surfrider as an organization."

Emily Kong: President, Oak Park High School Surfrider Club (CA)

"The CLC’s purpose aligns with and invigorates my passion for conservation and the goals of increasing student participation. I will add every lesson and knowledge shared by those on the council to my toolbox as a leader and ensure that every hard-earned insight is utilized to help out my community in environmental conservation. Through this council, I hope to continue educating and encouraging others to participate in environmental conservation."

Gracyn Green: President, Annapolis High School Surfrider Club (MD)

"Over the last three years of being a club president, I have been amazed at just how many students and people can come together to work towards the same mission. I want to continue to learn to be a better club leader, and I believe that being a part of the Student Club Council will build that for me. I have participated in a number of lobby events, but I am interested in bettering my skills to continue to make change in my community."

Hannah McClintock: Vice President & Outreach Coordinator, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Surfrider Club

"Surfrider's Student Club Council is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for conservation efforts as me. I also believe it will present a chance for me to gain more insight into the expectations of leadership within the Surfrider community. Through this process, I am constantly learning and feel as though I have just as much to share as I do to learn. "

Lillian (Frankie) Just: Vice President, University of Florida Surfrider Club

"Surfrider has given me a strong sense of purpose—seeing the real impact we make by educating college students and engaging with our local community to promote sustainability and coastal stewardship. I want to learn how to bridge the gap between environmental science and decision-making at the local and federal levels. The council offers an invaluable opportunity to grow as an advocate while contributing to Surfrider’s mission on a larger scale."

Maya Schwartz: Education Committee, University of California, Santa Barbara

"Surfrider is an amazing organization that speaks to me due to its wide range of programs, opportunities, and strong core values. With Surfrider, I would love to be a part of the reason that some of my favorite places are protected and kept safe for years to come."

Merrick Walder: Outreach Coordinator, University of Florida Surfrider Club

"Working alongside an amazing team at UF Surfrider, I’ve focused on sharing our passion for the ocean with local schools, businesses, and other students. My goal in life is to tell the story of our oceans and the creatures that call it home, primarily through filmmaking. There is nothing in the world I love more than getting to meet people who also feel a strong connection to the ocean and learn about their connection and mission to conserve the sea."

Millicent (Millie) Bourne: President, East Lake High School Surfrider Club (CA)

"I live less than 10 miles from the Mexico border, where my family, friends, and
community are directly impacted by the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. This issue has
made me committed to raising youth awareness so we can create meaningful change to
address this ongoing ecological disaster. Joining the Surfrider's council will be an incredible opportunity to strengthen my skills in activism, community organizing, and youth outreach, and elevate awareness about the Tijuana River Crisis on a national level."

Ryan Diaz: Co-President, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

"The Student Club Council will provide me with the pleasure of serving my planet at a unique national level, with ample opportunities to connect with students and staff. Given this opportunity, I would be able to learn how to better serve my community and demonstrate leadership skills to not only lead my team to success but also provide my community with a newfound sense of urgency in the overarching goal of planetary and oceanic protection. Given the opportunity to learn in-depth at the national level, I would be fortunate and grateful to pass the torch to my successors in my local grassroots network."

Samantha Paul: Education Director, University of North Carolina Wilmington

"Joining the Surfrider's Club Council will offer me the opportunity to grow as an individual, a leader, and an advocate. I've always believed that true change begins when individuals come together to voice shared passions, concerns, and visions for improvement. I hope to represent the students who share similar values of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community engagement."

Sophia Holtam: President, La Costa Canyon High School Surfrider Club (CA)

"I am more passionate than ever about making a positive impact on our world. In a society that can feel like it is growing more distant from preserving our environment, the community I have built through Surfrider reminds me that we, if we work together, can make a difference. This is what draws me to Surfrider's Club Council. Having the opportunity to collaborate with students and adults outside of my community is something I look forward to, so that I can witness large-scale change beyond my city."