As a Hispanic Access Foundation’s Conservation Network member, Martina recently represented the organization at the Restore America’s Estuaries Summit in Washington, D.C. It was a transformative experience that solidified her dedication to advocating for Latino representation in conservation spaces. Martina’s poster presentation at the summit—the only one focused on a minority group—sparked engaging discussions. She also had the opportunity to present Miami-Dade County’s coastal resilience strategy and its plans for nature-based solutions.

 “It was empowering to showcase innovative, community-focused work and to represent Latinos in this space,” she shared. “Attending the summit reinvigorated my commitment to advocating for Latinos in conservation.”

While she found the experience intellectually enriching, she also noted the absence of Latino representation in the attendee pool. “The restoration and conservation space is vast, but it’s clear that more work needs to be done to ensure it’s inclusive,” she remarked. She left the summit inspired to continue making space for Latino voices in conservation—and to keep storytelling at the heart of that mission.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Martina dedicates time as a visiting educator at a STEAM summer camp for underprivileged students in Miami. She is also a freediver and a community organizer—roles that further fuel her commitment to environmental justice and equity.

“Conservation is not just about protecting nature—it’s about creating spaces where all voices contribute to shaping a better future,” she says.

With a growing portfolio of impactful projects and a vision rooted in equity and inclusion, Martina Potlach is redefining what it means to be a conservationist. Her background and her blend of storytelling, science, and design are not only shaping coastal resilience strategies but also inspiring the next generation of Latino changemakers.