Highlighting Hispanic/Latinx Ocean Fighters

It September! I can’t believe fall is upon us! I absolutely love the fall it’s my favorite season besides the Christmas season! I love how the leaves change colors and how the air feels crisper and cooler. Another reason why I love the fall is because of Hispanic and Latinx heritage month! So on today’s blog, I want to explain the importance of this and also highlight Hispanic and Latinx individuals who are making a difference for the ocean and marine life.

Hispanic and Latinx heritage month is September 15 to October 15. This is where we celebrate culture and highlight the accomplishments of those in the community while shedding light on discrimination. This is also the month in which many of the countries have their independence. The countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in which they declared independence in 1821. Both my parents are from El Salvador so this month is important and significant to us. I enjoy hearing stories from their childhood growing up in El Salvador as well as the journey they took to become U.S. citizens.

What’s the difference between Hispanic and Latinx? I get it, sounds a bit confusing, and to be honest, at first I didn’t think there was a difference. I have used them interchangeably which can but it depends on the person. Hispanic means that you speak Spanish or are a descendent of a Spanish-speaking country. Latinx means that you are a descendant from Latin America but that doesn’t necessarily mean you speak Spanish. The x just symbolizes that it is gender-neutral. For example, if you are from Brazil you are Latinx but not Hispanic because you are from a Latin American country but don’t speak Spanish. Another example is if you are from Spain you are Hispanic but not Latinx because you are from a country that speaks Spanish but not from a Latin American country. I hope that makes sense or clears things up I will also leave this helpful video here. So in my case, I am both so I can use both terms interchangeably.

So now that you have an idea of the difference I think it is so important to highlight those who are fighting for the ocean and marine life.

Cristina Mittermeier

Cristina is the co-founder of SeaLegacy and Only One. SeaLegacy is a collective of photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers working on the behalf of our oceans. Only One is a platform where stories, solutions, and community action to protect the ocean and tackle the climate crisis. As a Mexican ocean advocate, it is so clear she is doing everything in her power to make the ocean issues known and finding solutions that others can engage in. Cristina is a marvelous photographer capturing breathtaking ocean pictures. I have admired Cristina’s work since I first learned about her. It makes me want to work harder in the efforts I am taking to fight for the ocean and marine life.

Mark Magaña

Mark is the founding president and CEO of GreenLatinos. GreenLatinos is a national network of Latino environmental and conservation advocates. He is the first Latino to have served as senior staff at both the White House and in Congressional leadership. As a Latino environmental advocate, it is clear that he is paving a waving for other Latinos to be a part of. GreenLatinos is an amazing non-profit really making a difference for the environment and conservation while using the Latino voice to do so.

Daniela Fernandez

Daniela is an Ecuadorian Latina and the founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA). She is an entrepreneur, a thought leader, and an ocean advocate. She was Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019. Daniela has really demonstrated the power of entrepreneurship while also using her voice for the ocean. SOA is a nonprofit organization that develops leaders, cultivates ideas, and accelerates solutions to the ocean’s greatest challenges. SOA has done so much to make sure that our ocean’s issues are at the forefront of those who need to know about it.

Melissa Cristina Marques

Melissa is a Puerto Rican Latina, a shark scientist, a science communicator, tv presenter, and an author. Melissa has been seen in a variety of places including Good Morning America, National Geographic, and Discovery Channel to name a few. She does a brilliant job at making science appealing to the general public. I have read some of her work and it is fun, entertaining, and educational. It is exciting to see her next steps on this journey. One thing for sure is her love of sharks and the importance of ocean conservation.

All of these Latinos are so inspiring. I hope to make my own impact on this world as they have done. Let me know of other Hispanic/Latinx who are also making a difference for the ocean and marine life?