Donate

Tag: #conservation

A Summer of Comunidad, Conservation, and Advocacy Afuera

Yo cuento because our voice is más strong together.

por Jazzari T. Taylor

This past summer was a season of celebration, empowerment, and a deepened commitment to comunidades and conservation. As Policy Advocate with Latino Outdoors (LO), I’ve been inspired by the stories, cultura, and connections diverse communities have with the outdoors — lands that remain sacred to Indigenous peoples. Latino Outdoors is more than an organization; it’s a movement to close the “nature gap” by creating equitable outdoor opportunities for all. Our advocacy focuses on advancing environmental justice, equitable access, and expanding the conservation movement, aligning with initiatives like 30×30 and Justice40. This summer, we built collective momentum, fostering trust, honoring ancestral ties to the land, and inspiring Latine nationwide to connect with nature that is inviting for all.

Proposed  National Monument Designation – Protecting Culture, Biodiversity and Expanding Access Outdoors

Latino Outdoors is committed to expanding the conservation movement in ways that prioritize culture, community, and equitable access to public lands. Our vision is grounded in creating spaces where everyone, especially historically excluded groups, can experience the outdoors. By centering the voices of Indigenous peoples, Latine communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups, we aim to build a conservation movement that is truly inclusive and community-driven. The proposed California national monuments – Chuckwalla, Sáttítla – Medicine Lake Highlands, and Kw’tsán – represent powerful opportunities to protect vital landscapes while advancing environmental justice and ensuring that the outdoors remains a place for healing, joy, and belonging for all.

The Chuckwalla National Monument proposal embodies a vision of inclusivity, as celebrated during the Orgullosamente Outdoors event on June 21, 2024. Latino Outdoors partnered in hosting the “Queens in the Desert” bus tour through Coachella Valley, featuring vibrant drag performances by Valentine Anger, Kitty & Kit Tapata, Ethylina Canne, MuthaChucka, and Burna Cross. Despite the heat, 56 participants stood resilient, celebrating cultural pride and nature’s healing power. Spanning over 600,000 acres, Chuckwalla is home to rich biodiversity and sacred spaces for Tribes. Protecting this area not only ensures access for Latine and LGBTQ+ communities but also honors Indigenous stewardship. Advocacy efforts have occurred on the ground and in Washington, D.C., with Latino leaders reinforcing the importance of Chuckwalla’s designation before Congress and the Biden administration. Latino Outdoors remains committed to uplifting Indigenous voices and ensuring this land remains a place where all communities can find peace and belonging.

The Kw’tsán National Monument proposal speaks to the interconnectedness of people, wildlife, and landscapes across arbitrary borders. Located east of the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, Kw’tsán holds deep spiritual significance for the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe. The 390,000-acre monument would not only safeguard biodiversity and wildlife but also formalize Indigenous stewardship through a cooperative agreement. Throughout the summer, our work has underscored how these landscapes and the stories they hold are deeply connected, revealing a larger narrative about the environment and our place within it.

In August, I joined an EcoFlight over the proposed Sáttítla – Medicine Lake Highlands National Monument with Pit River Tribe leaders, highlighting the area’s cultural significance. The deep blue lakes and timber are crucial to the Tribe’s culture and spirituality. At the same time, Medicine Lake is a vital water reservoir for California that reaches communities as far West as San Francisco. However, the land faces threats from industrial development. Latino communities in nearby Shasta County are growing in presence and connection to the region, making inclusive advocacy even more critical.

We urge President Biden to designate and protect Chuckwalla National Monument,  Sáttítla – Medicine Lake Highlands National Monument, and Kw’tsán National Monument to protect the Tribe’s ancestral lands, biodiversity, expand equitable access opportunities outdoors and sustainable management practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge.

BLM Recreation Summit

In July, I attended a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) meeting in Reno, Nevada, focused on developing the BLM Nevada Recreation Action Plan. With increasing demand for public land access, the BLM is rolling out its Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation to enhance management and stewardship. Last October, I participated in a virtual roundtable hosted by the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, where community participants emphasized the need for diverse staff, multi-language resources, and accessible community engagement.

At this recent meeting, similar feedback emerged, but there remains a gap between ambitious goals and available resources like funding and staffing. This highlights the need for ongoing involvement in policy decisions impacting public lands. The “Respect. Connect. Protect.” campaign is a collaboration between BLM, the Conservation Lands Foundation, and the Friends Grassroot Network, which aims to promote safe and responsible recreation while fostering a deeper connection to public lands. Latino Outdoors is proud to support this initiative, which integrates relatable messaging to inspire respect for nature and broaden the conservation movement. We encourage you to share feedback with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at blm_nv_blueprintstatesummitfeedback@blm.gov to help address community needs and protect public lands.

Parks & Open Spaces

Our advocacy for parks, oceans, and natural areas in California serves as a model for other states by demonstrating how the intersection of art, culture, and environmental stewardship can inspire inclusivity and resilience in public spaces. In early September, I joined José Gonzalez and partners with California State Parks for the “Art in the Park,” highlighting the need for spaces that reflect diverse histories and cultures. Collaborations with artists like Andrea Campos, and working with agencies like the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) during Latino Heritage Month showcases how this approach not only connects communities to nature but also fosters a more profound sense of ownership and responsibility for protecting natural resources.

I’ve been honored to serve as a Coalition Chair for the California Parks Now Coalition for the last two years. With the support of over 30 organizations, we’ve been instrumental in advancing critical legislative priorities that emphasize equity, environmental justice, and public health. This summer, we worked together to write letters to representatives and Governor Newsom, urging support for bills that promote outdoor equity and ensure access to natural spaces for everyone, regardless of background or location.

One most recent success is AB 2939 (Rendon), which was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsome, establishing a framework for small, non-commercial outdoor equity programs to access parks without facing extra restrictions. As of September 22, 2024, this bill has been “chaptered” by the Secretary of State after passing both houses of the Legislature and being signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, ensuring streamlined park access for disadvantaged communities. Meanwhile, SB 1091 (Menjivar), focused on promoting green schoolyards and accessible outdoor learning spaces, is awaiting the Governor’s signature. This bill will support the development of greener, more resilient schools, especially in underserved areas.

As we move forward, the CA Parks Now Coalition will continue to work with legislators, building relationships and advocating for the critical funding necessary to maintain and expand access to our natural spaces, making the outdoors available to all. This serves as a model for a community-first movement focused on parks and public spaces across the nation.

Yes on Prop 4

Latino Outdoors joined organizations across California to advocate for the passing of YesonProp4 (SB 867), which placed a historic $10 billion climate bond on the November 2024 ballot. Latino Outdoors officially endorsed California’s Yes on Prop 4 this summer, joining over 200 organizations advocating for critical climate and environmental justice investments. The bond will fund parks, climate resilience, and environmental justice initiatives to protect California’s most vulnerable communities.  Learn more about what this means for the future of California here. 

Proposition 4 aligns with Latino Outdoors’ core values by promoting climate resilience, social equity, and access to outdoor spaces for underrepresented communities. With its passage, this bond will address wildfire prevention, flood protection, and climate adaptation needs, benefiting communities facing extreme heat, poor air quality, and water scarcity. While this proposition is specific to California, it serves as a model for climate action nationwide, highlighting urgent responses to global warming concerns that impact communities everywhere. These investments are set to empower communities by making the outdoors safer and more accessible for all. It’s now our responsibility that these funds are allocated accordingly and go directly into communities most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) Coalition

The Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) advocates for equitable access to outdoor spaces for children and families, with Latino Outdoors proudly partnering in this mission. Representing Latino Outdoors in this coalition is Melodie Mendez, the New York & Northeast Regional Coordinator. I am proud to have Melodie on the Latino Outdoors support staff and connect with her on OAK advocacy opportunities throughout the summer and moving forward.

Melodie amplifies the voices of Latino communities in discussions about outdoor access and environmental justice. Together, OAK and Latino Outdoors work towards fostering inclusivity in outdoor recreation and advocating for policies that support access to parks and natural areas.

The Futuro of Conservation and Advocacy Afuera Needs Your Support!

This summer of community, conservation, and advocacy highlighted the power of our voices to create change. Together, we can break down barriers and work toward inclusive outdoor spaces. In September, I participated in Latino Conservation Week (September 14-22) as a panelist at the Raíces y Futuro event with Nature Nexus Institute, sharing my story and emphasizing the Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF) in Latino Outdoors. The LCJF shows how we can drive meaningful change and guides the Latino Outdoors Advocacy Priorities approaches to create meaningful change in our comunidades.

I also attended the “New Era, New Leaders: 5 Years to 30×30” conference in Puerto Rico, hosted by the America the Beautiful for All Coalition. Set in Puerto Rico’s ancestral Taíno homelands, this gathering underscored the importance of inclusive conservation that respects local communities. Connecting with Puerto Rican organizations Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, María Fund, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Derecho UPR, DRNA Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico (DRNA), Corazón Latino, La Maraña PR, EarthEcho International, we discussed the disconnect between government actions and community needs, where federal funding and external pressures shape land management decisions. True environmental justice means empowering these communities to lead.

As we aim for the 30×30 goal – conserving 30% of U.S. lands, waters, and oceans by 2030, frontline communities, including Latino communities, must be prioritized. We explored how the Justice40 initiative, which directs 40% of federal investments to disadvantaged communities, can close the equity gap. The LCJF advocates for conservation that addresses systemic injustices, ensuring Latino communities have access to nature and resources. This conference reaffirmed that conservation must focus on land and water and empowering those who care for it. The future of conservation is rooted in justice, and we must amplify the voices of those most affected for a more inclusive movement.

Your voice matters, and as we transition into 2025, staying engaged is ever more pressing to protect and support an organization where “…Latino communities enjoy nature as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place” (Latino Outdoors Vision, 2024). Whether it’s advocating for equitable access to parks, supporting Indigenous rights, or pushing for climate justice, every effort counts. Here are five ways you can join the movement:

  1. Join Us Outdoors to explore and connect with nature.
  2. Share Your Story to inspire others and highlight the importance of outdoor spaces.
  3. Vote to make your voice heard in local and national elections.
  4. Know Your Representatives and engage with them about issues that matter to you.
  5. Give Back – Donate to support the critical work of organizations like Latino Outdoors.

Together, we can amplify our impact and ensure that the outdoors remains a welcoming space for all.

When times get tough, there are two prerequisites for moving forward: a new sunrise and an undeterred voice.

Seguiremos aquí.

We will not be deterred from our mission, and we will continue to support each other as we move forward, guided by the belief that every person has a right to feel safe, welcomed, and valued in the outdoors and beyond.

En comunidad,

LO National Support Staff

Meeting Mt. Tumanguya

por Elias Naser


On July 1, 2024, six Latinx individuals, led and organized by Latino Outdoors’ Los Angeles outings leader Elias Naser, began their ascent up to Mt. Tumanguya (aka Mt. Whitney). Tumanguya is the name given by the Northern Paiute tribes, in rough translation, “old man” or “guardian spirit”, of the highest peak in the lower 48 states of the contiguous United States sitting at 14,500ft (4419.6m). It is situated inside the Sierra Nevadas and the Great Basin Divide in California. 

The six explorers, Elias, Remigio Mateo (LO Los Angeles), Ruby Aguirre-Gutierrez (LO San Francisco Bay Area), Rosa, Alonso, and Danny, set foot at the Whitney Portal the day before ascending (June 30, 2024) to acclimate at approx 8,333ft (2540m). The portal serves as an entrance into the “guardian spirit.” The six explorers on day zero also recognized and acknowledged the lands home to the Northern Paiute and Shosone peoples who were there, are still there, and forever will be the original stewards of this beautiful and prosperous landscape.

Mt. Tumanguya can be summitted in a day, yet Elias was able to secure the overnight permits after years of applying for the US Forest Service lottery. At the Portal Campground, Ruby (LO San Francisco Bay Area) expressed thoughts and feelings of excitement, nervousness, and anxiety, yet feeling grateful for the adventure. The party ate in the town of Lone Pine, right below Mt. Tumanguya, gathering there prior to the ascent up to the Portal campground. The sound of the rushing water of Lone Pine Creek next to the party provided soothing white noise. The smell of an extinguished campfire where they all gathered to express their gratitude for being present with one another on an incredible journey they would all share and never forget.

Day 1 (July 1) was full of excitement, and they all made a plan to rise by dawn and get moving with all their equipment. Many of them had an average of 35 lbs on their backs while ascending approximately 3800 ft (1158m). The first day they passed by Lone Pine Lake as their first stop, then “Entering the Whitney Zone” to ascend to take a break at Outpost Camp. They made their way to Mirror Lake, dipping their feet or body to freshen up. Danny and Ruby enjoyed the dip in cold clean water, looking up they were able to witness the peak’s edge of Tumanguya. This location was the last of the trees before the ascent up to Trailside Meadow, which had water rushing down with beautiful Sky pilot plants growing adjacent to the water melt coming up from Trail camp. The granite slabs of Tumanguya were caused by a fault system that runs along the Sierra’s eastern base, which felt like being on a lunar landscape. The last 2 – 10 million years of this granite rose underneath what is now the “guardian spirit”, enabling glacial and river erosion to reveal what they saw.

The temperature conditions were perfect all the way up. Remi was the first to make it up to Trail camp, our most experienced hiker ascending Tumanguya multiple times, with Alonso was right behind him. Elias and Rosa were at the back of the group enjoying the views. The stars came out, showcasing the Milky Way clearly near midnight. The 7.5 miles (12.1km) were not easy, especially with the backpack weight, yet Elias described the satisfaction of being at Trail camp as an accomplishment in itself. He expressed the sights of snow along the peaks leading up to Tumanguya. With food in their belly, they hit the sleeping sacks, ready to rise when Sol showed its face. Alonso was able to stay up snapping great pictures, with his media-rich equipment, of those hiking through the night on their one-day excursions (typically between 12-16 hours). 

Day 2 (July 2), was a split party up to Tumanguya, with Remi, Ruby, and Alonso leading the way at sunrise, Elias, and Danny right behind. Rosa’s main goal was to make it to Trail camp where she heard the “old guardian spirit” call her name to make it up for the ultimate goal. Upon the ascent known as the 99 switchbacks that rose 1700 ft (518 m) in about 2 miles at about 13000 ft (3962 m), the air was a lot thinner yet they witnessed some spectacular sights. Remi described viewing Guitar Lake about a mile to the summit, 

“we are quite a special life form on this planet, where we are able to live and experience such beauty and share it with great amigxs!” 

Ruby described Day 2 going up in elevation surprised by her own body’s strength. Danny and Elias made their way up the 99 switchbacks, as the two have been friends since high school, sharing stories of their youth playing music in a band together, and discussing their next adventure in Mt. Rainier National Park. As all party members summited Tumanguya, all felt the energy radiating from this amazing source, believing great weather conditions throughout the trip were in part from the positive energy placed on day zero (June 30). 

The sights from the top were nothing but spectacular, imagining what the first peoples of this land may have witnessed and experienced when up there. One can only imagine as well how far Nuestra Madre Tierra heals herself, while human-made climate changes are affecting her without a solution in sight from our “progress” in human development. Chief Seattle of the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples, who Seattle, WA is named after, once stated,

“The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” 

Upon this reflection, Elias came to the conclusion that, although this moment in time, however short or long it is, we will need to protect our sacred earth for generations to come, in urgent speed. The mandated use of wag bags which they abided by, was simply one piece in the solution to respect the “old man”, yet the urgency to preserve nuestra madre tierra is even more prevalent as human-made climate change is affecting so much and for generations to come. 

Upon their last night at Trail camp before finishing out the trip, rest was a priority but so was celebrating the ascent up the tallest peak in the lower 48 contiguous states. LO leaders and party members were humbled, fatigued, and excited to get back to “civilization” all while reflecting on the strength and resiliency of what their bodies just went through. 

Day 3 (July 3) back to the Portal campground from Trail camp, they hit the ground running at sunrise, ready to witness the trail coming down. The Tumanguya portal store was their reward where they had a real cooked meal. They were grateful to come back unharmed, confident, and with a sense of accomplishment in their hearts. This was something special for Elias, who had a vision and organized a party worthy of Tumanguya’s spirit.

They couldn’t have done this without our collaborated support for one another to push through, and for the help Latino Outdoors, as an organization, provided this party of six explorers. They are forever grateful to experience meeting Tumanguya with their tired yet strong feet.

Elevation Gain: 6769 feet (2063.2 meters)

Distance Hiked: 22.8 miles (36.7 kilometers)

Cute Pikas Spotted: Six

Inside Green Careers

por Dr. Xochitl Clare

Graciela Cabello
Dr. Xochitl Clare

Graciela Cabello is a board member for Wilderness Youth Project and Director of Youth and Community Engagement with Los Padres ForestWatch where she runs the Outdoor Connections program. Graciela was born and raised on the Central Coast of California where she currently lives and supports LatinX communities via her work.

As an early career Afro-Latina marine biologist simultaneously entering and mentoring BIPOC individuals in green careers, I find it essential to look to our community leaders on how to ensure green careers are viable options for my community. 

While working with the Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) this Summer, I had the opportunity to reconnect with WYP Board Member, Graciela Cabello, one of our prominent community leaders in Santa Barbara, CA. In this interview, we delved deeper into the complexities of navigating a green career in outdoor access. We also discussed our passions on increasing LatinX community access to outdoor spaces. In this interview, Graciela shares her history with organizing for Latino Conservation Week (LCW) and many pivotal moments along her journey. Read more for our conversation below! 

This is the transcript of segments of a conversation held on August 2, 2023 between Dr. Xochitl Clare and Graciela Cabello. Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity and accuracy.

Interview Transcript:

“Tell me about your current job”

“I wear many hats at [ForestWatch]. My role is constantly changing and I’m constantly doing different things. Aside from our core work of advocating to protect the forest, the one thing that is consistent is that I help connect youth and families to the forest and public lands. What that translates to, is doing outings: like hikes, walks, even rock climbing, you know, a lot of different outdoors things. But that also means I get to use many different mediums to connect people. And so that can be like: doing presentations at schools or hosting webinars. It also means that I get to be really involved in some of the communications, and film that support this movement.”

“It’s LO’s 10 year anniversary celebration and birthday! How did you initially become involved with LO and in bringing Latino Conservation Week (LCW) to your community?”

“It was Latino Conservation Week that led me to where I am right now in the outdoor access space. In the summer of 2014, I was looking for organizations to volunteer for, and I saw a flier for Latino Outdoors’ outing for Latino Conservation Week (LCW) [in the Bay Area]. I reached out to the founder, Jose Gonzalez, and was quickly connected with the work after that.” 

“After volunteering for almost a year during the Latino Outdoors startup phase, the founder offered me a position as the national director (and first official employee). I got to be part of the building of LCW events during the first years. So, when I started doing work in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, it was, just, already part of me. I had been inspired by all the community leaders across the country, and I kept seeing the incredible momentum that goes into [LCW].”

“July became Latino Conservation Conservation Week month for me. And during the COVID-19 shutdown, we were limited in what we could do. So we did presentations, Instagram live sessions, webinars. [When] we were allowed to go back outside, we did a huge camp out for people and that was super amazing. So it just changes every year.”

“Has this work been healing in any way? How so?”

Graciela Cabello: “Absolutely! I just feel so much closer to my ancestors when I do this type of work. I come from a long lineage of people that were really connected to the land. So when I am able to reconnect my community to nature, and to land, it sort of makes me feel closer to my ancestors and then to my own parents. Supporting youth experiences in nature is a really healing thing and it makes me feel really, really, aligned with who I am and where I’m going. So, I mean, I’ve had tons of moments where, you know, like, these healing moments where [I’ve felt] messages of ‘this is where you’re supposed to be’”

“Recently, we hosted a campout where a family from Oaxaca, Mexico joined us. This region of Mexico is known for having one of the highest indigenous populations. Coincidentally some of my family is from Oaxaca, and so, in some ways, I saw my family in them. It was beautiful to see how the grandmother, who was approximately seventy years old, and had just flown in from Mexico the night before, was also able to attend. I was worried that some of the walking on trails and the river bed would be hard for her, but it turns out the opposite was true. Being in that environment was very natural to her. She ended up ahead of the group moving very comfortably because she’s used to that type of environment back home. What made the occasion extra special was that this was the first time she was seeing her daughter and family since before the pandemic. So for them to connect as a family out in the natural world as they would back home, and for me to be able to help provide this bonding experience for them by the river–was a really healing experience. I thought of my own grandmother and all the similarities we share with that family.”

“For those trying to carve their paths in the outdoor non-profit space: What’s it like to serve on a board for a non-profit organization? How can early-career folks support non-profits in this way?”

Graciela Cabello: “Every [non-profit] board is different and [has] different stages. Some of them are in a startup phase or in like a working phase, and some of them are already pretty established. They all have sort of different roles for board members. [As a Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) board member], we meet once a month for about nine months out of the year, we have very specific board duties.”

“I would just encourage you to figure out what’s important to you and your community. What are some of the changes you want to see, and what are some ways you can get involved with nonprofits that interest you before joining their board? [While] volunteering isn’t always an option for [getting involved with] every organization, serving on a board is a different type of “volunteer work”. I really enjoy it because [WYP] aligns with my values and I’m supporting my community in a way that works towards the hope I have for the future – which is envisioning a world where all children have access to nature. And when you’re ready to join a board, familiarizing yourself with some of the main duties of a board can be helpful.”

“Are green jobs viable for BIPOC persons with financial challenges or concerns? Did you have fears about this when you started out? How did you overcome them?”

Graciela Cabello: “I absolutely had fears. I [worked] for a big, like, major corporation for a while and when I switched careers, I had to take a huge pay cut. I realized that a lot of the folks that go into green careers come from a background that has afforded them to work in this space. Many had incredible, [but low-paying or no-pay], internships during the Summer because [they] could afford to do that. Or they could afford to take a low paying job in their first years out of college and then grow into a better paying position. But I feel like there’s a lot of people that can’t do that. [In my past work in business marketing], I had made it into a certain pay range. So when I did not see [that same] pay range for an environmental education job, it was really concerning.”

Graciela Cabello: “Having been in this field for some time now, what I’ve learned is that many folks carve out their own path. Which is not something you see in other sectors. I’m amazed by the number of folks who are self-employed and doing pretty well. So [it’s important to find] a way to monetize your skills and your knowledge so it doesn’t have to come from an organization. You can basically create and build anything and get paid for it as long as you know how to communicate the importance of your idea[s]. Find the right place or funder or organization that’s going to pay you for it. Even if that means like on a contract basis or like, you know, being self-employed in some way.”

“How does your work help you fulfill your goals and dreams?”

Graciela Cabello: “I mean, it’s so many different things. I don’t know that I can summarize it, but I mean, at the core it’s social justice, environmental justice, community building, movement building, and policy all in one. It allows me to give back to my community in a way that feels meaningful to me.”

“You know, I didn’t major in environmental studies. I didn’t set out to have a nature based career. I actually majored in business. When I was a young girl, I knew that I cared about protecting the environment. I just didn’t really know how to explore that interest. I didn’t have any mentors or any guidance into how I could nurture that curiosity. For me, as a kid, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I didn’t know. I just knew I needed to have a job that provided a living wage and one where I wasn’t burdened by the financial stress I had grown up with. And so business seemed like the thing to do.”

“At some point, I realized after I had a job in media for almost ten years and I had

the privilege of going out and exploring all these really beautiful places, I noticed that oftentimes I was the only person of color in these spaces. I started to ask these questions: ‘Why is this the case, why is there this disparity?’And that’s how I sort of shifted careers into doing outdoor access and being part of the movement for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the environment.”

“When I got to come back to the Central Coast and work with BIPOC identifying and Latine families in the place that I grew up in, in the forest that I grew up going to— it felt like this full circle moment. It felt like this is where I was meant to be.”

Xochitl Clare is a marine biologist and performing artist dedicated to climate change biology, education, and environmental storytelling. She is a first-generation Latina African American with island heritage (Jamaica and Belize) – where the importance of life at sea is in folktales, music, and food.