Get to Know Team Azul’s Newest Team Members: Tomas Valadez & Richelle Poblete

31 July 2023

Azul welcomed its California Policy Associate, Tomas, and its Operations Associate, Richelle, in March 2023. From the West Coast to the East Coast and back in representing Azul and working with its Rising Leaders Initiative, these two experienced associates have been making waves in their work with Latinx to conserve the ocean and coast – and behind the scenes in their respective offices. 

Follow along in this Azul Q&A blog as they offer a glimpse into their expertise, what being a part of Azul means to them and show us their connection to nature and culture in the outdoors in photos.

 

 

Tell us about your work at Azul, the background that brought you to the team this Spring and what you enjoy:

Tomas: I’m Azul’s California Policy Associate, responsible for representing Azul with decision makers in order to amplify Azul’s mission in California. Prior to joining Azul, I worked in the office of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. I was a vital member of his district staff in Fresno. Through my work with the Senator, I was able to gain extensive experience helping communities, especially those who are historically excluded and marginalized. 

My background in government, along with my long standing passion for environmental justice and ocean conservation enabled me to become an instrumental team member at Azul.

Richelle: With my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, 10+ years of experience in administrative support, accounting/finance and having worked with various levels of management from C-level executives to department management within corporate companies – and small business on personal levels – I understand the importance of providing excellent support to executive management and fellow team members alike. I’m Azul’s Operations Associate and work alongside our team’s Senior Director of Operations. Throughout my professional experience, I have developed and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong organizational skills, with the ability to adapt to different situations, self-starter, proficient, quick learner, and team player.

I enjoy spending time with family, learning the art of photography/videography and being actively involved in volunteering with my church as Multimedia Director for the San Diego region.  

 

How do you connect to Azul’s mission?

Tomas: Azul’s mission speaks to me. I have seen firsthand the underrepresentation that our Latinx communities face, and also how our own cultural values are instrumental in our efforts to conserve our environment. Amplifying our communities’ voices and giving them a platform that they wouldn’t otherwise have is something that I feel honored to be a part of.

Richelle: Azul’s mission uplifts me to help in facilitating, that their voice matters.  It moves me to encourage the youth to learn and seek out opportunities that may be available to them, especially in learning to conserve and protect the ocean. 

 

Team Azul is a passionate one, how do you connect with colleagues and those you work alongside?

Tomas: I feel extremely proud to contribute to the great work that Azul is doing in not only fighting for our marine resources, but ensuring that Latinos have a voice in the fight as well.

Richelle: Joining Team Azul has opened my eyes to ocean conservation on a global scale.  I am inspired by the amazing efforts of Azul, from its grassroots beginning, educational values and being surrounded by a team coming together sharing the same passions.  

 

Founded in 2011 to bring Latinx perspectives and participation to ocean conservation, Azul is in its 12th anniversary year, advancing environmental justice and equity-focused policies and advocacy initiatives in the state of California, across the nation, and at international levels. Azul continues to be the only ocean conservation organization in the nation to focus specifically in working with Latinx communities to protect the ocean and coasts.

Learn more about Azul by visiting www.azul.org.