Azul’s Rising Leaders Initiative Graduates 2024 National Cohort of Ocean Justice Advocates in Washington, D.C.
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Media Contacts
Betsy López-Wagner, López-Wagner Strategies, betsy@equitablecomms.com, 708-717-9408
Jo Vicente, López-Wagner Strategies, johana@equitablecomms.com, 240-454-3493
Azul’s Rising Leaders Initiative Graduates 2024 National Cohort of Ocean Justice Advocates in Washington, D.C.
The ocean justice grassroots non-profit, Azul, is bringing more Latine and community activists of color into the movement to protect our communities, ocean, and coasts.
WASHINGTON, DC (June 5, 2024) — This week, Azul proudly graduates its second Azul Rising Leaders Initiative cohort of national ocean conservation advocates during Semana Azul (Azul Week) – a high-energy annual advocacy gathering of #LatinosMarinos and ocean justice advocates in Washington, D.C.
During Semana Azul 2024, 10 Azul Rising Leaders Initiative participants – including one participating program alumni – convened in the nation’s capital for an immersive program designed to foster their learning, while connecting the leaders with policymakers to advocate for ocean justice.
Azul’s virtual and in-person curriculum began this spring and featured talks by Azul staff and guest speakers, a week of service and in-person programming for Azul Rising Leaders to implement their learnings into advocacy action, time with experienced Latine ocean leaders during La Mesa Azul, a provocative blue roundtable discussion, and so much more—including attendance at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice, a symposium hosted by Azul and its field colleagues on Tuesday.
Equipped with the necessary tools ranging from a foundational understanding of advocacy and policy, communications and digital tools, as well as community organizing frameworks – these leaders are poised to drive and develop ocean justice campaigns as they return to their respective communities across the nation, from Washington State to Illinois to New York and Texas to carry out work and be active stewards.
Azul is the only U.S.-based organization specifically focused on and working with Latinxs to protect the ocean and coasts. Drawing on its rich history of fusing Latinx conservation traditions and ocean justice values, Azul is building on 13 years of grassroots ocean justice organizing and policy successes.
“Azul is proud to be a part of the leadership development journey of this cohort of multigenerational Latine and advocates of color who celebrate their cultural heritage while advocating for ocean justice solutions that will benefit their communities and our world,” said Azul’s Founder and Executive Director Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš.
“As part of the #LatinosMarinos network, I recall collaborating with Azul to unlock my own leadership potential – now, it’s an honor to support these rising leaders, and their remarkable accomplishments,” said Oscar Rodriguez, Azul’s #LatinosMarinos Organizer. “They have shown dedication to learning about ocean justice and will help our Latinx communities drive change.”
“I am fighting to protect the ocean so that future generations can experience the same ocean our ancestors have also fought to protect,” said Azul Rising Leader Maritza Lauriano Ortega of Everett, Washington – 30 miles north of Seattle. “Environmental issues impact certain populations disproportionately, like ours, and it’s important to include everyone who typically gets left out of the mainstream environmental and ocean movement.”
“I am excited to be in a space created for us and by us, where we can meet other young leaders across the country who work day in and day out to protect our ocean and environment,” said Azul Rising Leader Alondra Rodriguez Solis of Cathedral City, California near Palm Springs. “As a Latinx community, we are at the forefront of caring for our oceans – which we do with love and care. We have a right and deserve a say in ocean conservation efforts and policy. Nada sobre nosotrxs, sin nosotrxs.”
“Our communities are at a high risk of experiencing environmental disasters, and we are vastly underrepresented when it comes to holding positions of power,” said Azul Rising Leader Kevin Hernandez of Brookfield, Illinois – 15 miles west of Chicago. “I’m proud to have been selected for the Azul Rising Leaders Initiative because I want to represent my community and ensure that I am helping to create impact.”
“I feel Latinos are usually not heard, and that needs to change,” said Azul Rising Leader Jorge Ivan Gomez Wei of Fair Lawn, New Jersey – approximately 17 miles north of Newark. “Our voices are so important. I hope to learn new leadership skills and how to talk to my legislators in the best way so that they will listen to my community about our needs.”
“It’s important that our communities’ needs and demands are front and center in ocean conservation to bring light to, and directly address, historic inequities,” said Azul Rising Leader Nancy Torres of Carson, California – 10 miles northwest of Long Beach. “I’m fighting to protect the ocean because the environment and our public health are interconnected.”
“La población latina en Estados Unidos puede desempeñar un papel vital en la protección y sostenibilidad de nuestros recursos marinos,” said Azul Rising Leader Natalia Valencia Jimenez of East Patchogue, New York on Long Island. “Lucho para proteger el océano porque su salud es esencial para la biodiversidad, el equilibrio climático y el bienestar de futuras generaciones.”
“It is important to ensure our communities’ needs and demands are front and center in ocean conservation,” said Azul Rising Leader Ashley Muñoz of Fort Worth, Texas. “Ocean conservation, while a complex issue, is rooted in our cultural identity. I am joining the 2024 Rising Leaders Initiative to learn more about how to participate in ocean conservation work and bring my wisdom back home.”
“For a really long time, our stories and care for the ocean have been purposefully left out to erase us,” said Azul Rising Leader Jennifer Quiroz-Morales of Seattle, Washington. “The struggle for liberation, whether for a community or the water we depend on, is all interconnected. So why not start with your community?”
“I fight to protect the ocean because humans and marine life alike all have a right to a sustainable, enjoyable seascape – not just for those with the privilege and wealth to do so,” said Azul Rising Leader Robert Matthew Vergara of Daly City, California, in the San Francisco Bay area. “Our communities’ needs and demands must be at the forefront of ocean conservation. Sharing our stories and lived experiences is critical in forging the path toward a thriving environment.”
“Our communities are often left behind to bear the brunt of pollution. Solving the climate crisis requires those impacted the most at the forefront of conversation,” said Azul Rising Leader Caren Aguirre of San Diego, California. “It’s our time to lead conversations on ocean conservation.”
“Our communities’ needs and solutions must be front and center in ocean conservation — that’s why I fight to protect the ocean. Together, we can raise awareness and inspire others to take action for a better future for generations to come,” said Azul Rising Leader Yulisma Martinez, a 2023 program graduate and 2024 participating alumni of San Diego, California.
ABOUT AZUL
Azul is an ocean justice organization working with Latinxs to protect the ocean and coasts. Founded in 2011 to bring Latinx perspectives and participation to ocean conservation, Azul has long advocated for ocean justice and equity at the international and national levels, as well as in the state of California, where the organization is based. Learn more at www.azul.org.
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