MARIA LUJAN ACHIRICA
New York,USA
Summary
My passion for a threatened environment, especially the ocean, propelled me into the realm of sustainability. While my initial connection was forged by love for the ocean, my commitment has deepened because I've come to understand the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
INTERN
Peace Boat Us
09.2024 - Current
- Support initiatives that promote peace, sustainability, and international exchange, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Assist in organizing and coordinating programs that encourage cross-cultural dialogue and foster global cooperation on key issues such as climate action, human rights, and ocean conservation.
- Collaborate with a diverse team to develop advocacy campaigns, educational workshops, and community outreach activities that amplify awareness and action toward sustainable development.
- Engage in research and communication efforts to support the organization's mission, including drafting reports, creating content for social media, and contributing to grant proposals and fundraising activities.
- Strengthen partnerships with NGOs, government entities, and other stakeholders to advance peace and sustainability initiatives.
Chair
Surfrider Foundation at UH Manoa
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Company Overview: The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network
- Led a dedicated team of board members and volunteers in advancing the mission of Surfrider Foundation
- Launched and managed community engagement campaigns advocating for the establishment of a National Marine Sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Islands, south of the main Hawaiian islands
- The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network
Campaigns Coordinator
Surfrider Foundation Oahu
11.2020 - 12.2023
- Coordinated island wide campaigns within the Surfrider Oahu chapter
- Worked towards reducing the impacts of plastic on the coasts around Oahu
- Participated in legislative sessions, helped in the process of drafting Bill 40, which is one of the strongest single-use plastic ban in the nation, later approved by the Honolulu City Council
- Worked with decision makers to ensure full and fair beach access for all people to enjoy
Volunteer/Crew
Sail Caribbean
06.2019 - 07.2023
- Participated in research of living and environmental conditions of sea turtles and proposed solutions to habitat issues caused by human induced climate change
- Tagged turtles and studied previously tagged turtles behaviors and moving patterns
- Worked with local communities to implement a sustainable aspect to their lifestyle
- Participated in community lead beach cleanups
Impact Intern
The Conservationist Collective
05.2022 - 02.2023
- Used media as a tool to uplift environmental projects around the world
- Lead science communication projects to build a bridge between science and the general public
- Lead environmental education workshops tailored towards young high school students
Vice-Chair
Surfrider Foundation at UH Manoa
11.2021 - 05.2022
- Company Overview: The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network
- Communicated strategic planning results to the chapter chair
- Organized community events
- Worked towards the organizations goals and mission
- The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network
Education
BA - Psychology
University of Hawaii Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii12.2023
Master of Arts - Climate + Society
Columbia University Climate School
New York, NY09.2025
Environmental and Oceanic Humanitarian Studies
University of Hawaii Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii12.2023
Skills
- Communication Skills
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Leadership Skills
- Problem Solving Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 10/11/01
- Nationality: Mexican
Accomplishments
5ta Semana de Capacitación de Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
February 2023
• Closed the fifth Climate Week for the Veracruz Environmental Protection Agency by giving a conference focused on the importance of youth representation on climate change conferences.
HILL DAY, Washington, D.C.
March 2023
• I was chosen by the Surfrider Foundation, to participate in conferences and meetings with state and federal representatives at the United States Capitol. Where I was able to talk though current action plans to minimize human impact on the marine environment, slow down coastal erosion on Oahu, and adapt the Hawaiian islands to climate change induced threats such as sea level rise.
Certification
The Health Effects of Climate Change, Harvard University
April 2023
Women's Leadership
Yale School of Management
Issued Apr 2024
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
INTERN
Peace Boat Us
09.2024 - Current
Chair
Surfrider Foundation at UH Manoa
08.2023 - 12.2023
Impact Intern
The Conservationist Collective
05.2022 - 02.2023
Vice-Chair
Surfrider Foundation at UH Manoa
11.2021 - 05.2022
Campaigns Coordinator
Surfrider Foundation Oahu
11.2020 - 12.2023
Volunteer/Crew
Sail Caribbean
06.2019 - 07.2023
BA - Psychology
University of Hawaii Manoa
Master of Arts - Climate + Society
Columbia University Climate School
Environmental and Oceanic Humanitarian Studies
University of Hawaii Manoa
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