As a Puerto Rican, born and raised on an island surrounded by the sea, my relationship with the ocean has always been about much more than admiring its beauty. The ocean is part of our identity, culture, and way of life. That is why participating in Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) 2026 through Hispanic Access Foundation was a deeply meaningful experience.
From the moment I arrived in Washington, D.C., I found a space to learn, connect, and share experiences with people committed to protecting our oceans and coastal communities. As a Caribbean islander, many of the conversations about coastal resilience, climate change, and marine conservation reflected realities that we experience every day in Puerto Rico.
One of the most memorable moments was meeting representatives from the Pacific Islands. Although we are separated by thousands of miles and two oceans, we discovered that we share very similar challenges. We talked about the impacts of climate change, coral reef protection, cultural preservation, and the need for island communities to have a stronger voice in decision-making. This exchange reminded me that, regardless of distance, islands share the same struggle and the same responsibility.
Another valuable aspect was the opportunity to meet with members of Congress and their staff. These conversations allowed us to highlight the challenges facing Puerto Rico and emphasize the importance of investing in the protection of our natural resources, coastal resilience, and the communities that depend on the ocean. Being able to bring our experiences directly into spaces where public policy is discussed was both inspiring and necessary.
CHOW also allowed me to connect with Latino leaders from different regions working in conservation, environmental justice, and community development. Beyond the formal sessions, personal conversations demonstrated the power of building relationships and sharing solutions to address common challenges.
One of the most important lessons I am taking away is that marine conservation cannot be separated from people. Protecting the oceans means protecting communities, local economies, cultural traditions, and opportunities for future generations. It also reaffirmed the importance of including Latino and island communities in conversations about environmental and climate policy.
As I return to Puerto Rico, I bring back new tools, knowledge, and partnerships. I hope to apply these experiences by strengthening environmental education, promoting community engagement, and continuing the conservation work we carry out through Surfrider Foundation.
Capitol Hill Ocean Week demonstrated that gatherings like this are much more than a conference. They are spaces where leadership is strengthened, collaborations are born, and collective solutions are built. Thank you to Hispanic Access Foundation for creating opportunities that expand the participation of Latino leaders and ensure that our voices are heard.
As an islander, I returned home with an even stronger conviction: from the Caribbean to the Pacific, our communities are united by a shared cause. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for our oceans and for the generations to come.
