What is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation?
I am the Vice Chair of Surfrider Cape Fear!
When and why did you choose to get involved?
I started working with the Cape Fear Chapter in the fall of 2023 after reaching out to the chapter leaders and asking how I could get involved. Wilmington has a lot of environmental non-profits to donate your time to. In the end, I chose Surfrider because my personal mission aligns with that of Surfrider and I was inspired by the people involved.
The Cape Fear chapter is a passionate, open-minded, supportive group, who are committed to the work without letting egos get in the way. It felt like the perfect community to join in the fight for a healthier environment.
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
In both my volunteer work and career, I’ve witnessed the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. It’s a challenge that deeply affects coastal communities, including Cape Fear, and I have committed myself to finding and advocating for solutions on a local, national, and global level through my work.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?
As Vice Chair, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to many of Surfrider Cape Fear’s projects, such as the ALL in the Water initiative, the Clean Waves Tour, and more recently, our Rise Above Plastics campaign. These projects have not only helped to raise awareness about critical environmental issues but also brought our community together to take action and protect our coastal resources.
Do you have any personal experiences or campaigns/issues where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
Our chapter’s ALL in the Water initiative has been especially eye-opening for me. This project has highlighted the connection between access to water and equity, showing how environmental protection and social justice are deeply intertwined.
What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment?
Surfrider can continue to build partnerships with diverse community groups, amplify underrepresented voices, and ensure that everyone feels empowered to take part in protecting our coastlines. Inclusivity starts with listening, learning, and actively creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
Surfrider is more than an organization — it’s a movement of passionate people working together to protect the places we love. Everyone has a role to play, and small actions can lead to meaningful change when we unite as a community.
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
The highlight of my experience has been seeing the tangible impact of our efforts — whether it’s cleaner beaches, stronger community connections, or inspiring others to get involved. Watching people come together to protect what they care about has been incredibly rewarding.
