Meet the creative minds of our Advisory Panel!

At Isla Mar, we believe that a collective vision drives a greater impact. That’s why we are honored to have a diverse group of professionals that share our passion for science, education, conservation and well-being of our communities. Read on to learn more about our newest Advisory Panel members!

Our Advisory Panel brings together visionaries, scientists, community leaders, artists and strategists who guide us with their experience and long-term vision. Without further ado, here are the 10 members of this counseling team:

Carlos E. Diez

Carlos Diez is an advocate for marine turtles, an active biologist and supporter of community-led conservation initiatives. He has conducted and collaborated in sea turtle conservation studies all around the world. Currently, Carlos directs the development of community-based groups to assist the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources in the conservation and recovery of sea turtles and their habitat, and is part of the IUCN Sea Turtle Specialist Group. Carlos advises Isla Mar on the various angles of community outreach and engagement of citizens in science.

Shannon Holloway

Poet, activist, and Dharma coach with a knack for free diving and prescribing strategic financial guidance, Shannon Holloway has an extensive career with artistic and cultural organizations. Her expertise lies at the unique intersection of finance and art, blending strategic insight with creative vision. Her interdisciplinary approach is one of her major strengths, track record spanning business strategy, marketing, fundraising, financial management, compliance, reef squid synchronization, growth strategy, and change management. Shannon advises Isla Mar on financial and fundraising aspects, helping guide our growth strategies.

Rebecca Calisi-Rodríguez

Neuroendochrinologist and animal behaviorist, Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodríguez has dedicated her career to understand how stress affects living organisms. During the pandemic, her research focus shifted towards stress healing, and in 2022 The Green Care Lab was born. This lab is a space for research and wellness in an animal sanctuary in California, blending therapy and natural settings, acknowledging the profound link between nature and human wellness. Dr. Calisi-Rodríguez advises Isla Mar on ways to connect humans and nature through our programming and services.

Francisco López Mújica

Francisco López-Mújica, also known as “Paco”, combines graphic design and community conservation. He is currently the president of Arrecifes Pro Ciudad, an organization responsible for co-managing the Isla Verde Reef Marine Reserve since 2012. Through manuals, environmental comics, posters, coloring books and games, this dedicated educator spreads awareness of conservation-minded topics. In addition, as an active community leader, he directs the Water Quality Monitoring Program at the Isla Verde Reserve with a weekly sampling and results publishing to bring awareness to his community. Paco advises Isla Mar on citizen science engagement and program development.

Elena Mercedes Rodríguez

An islander from eastern Puerto Rico, Elena was raised amidst nature and agriculture. She is an educator, a mother, and agriculturist at heart. Her passion for community engagement led her to Nonprofit Management studies at Sagrado Corazón, where she spearheaded the Sabrosa Siembra project, inspired by California's school gardens. She also founded Kale Mamá, an educational and well-being initiative. Her work focuses on fostering a healthy connection with the earth from an early age. Elena advises Isla Mar on nature-centered educational initiatives for our youth program.

Kelly Meagher

As a Savannah College of Art and Design alumni, Kelly Meagher is an artist, muralist and designer who has called Rincón her home since 2010. She has created more than 30 murals in Puerto Rico, Florida and The Bahamas and has more than 15 years of experience creating digital and analog art. Her art seeks to educate and mobilize, her 2025 goal being able to create public art that can help educate our local communities about environmental issues and other topics relevant to promoting progress for our island.

Kelly is advising Isla Mar on ways to incorporate artistic expression into our youth and adult education programs.

Julie North

Julie North is a consultant that develops agrotourism projects in unique destinations all over the world. With a Master's in Environmental Policy and Law from the University of Denver, she specializes in sustainability and regenerative processes to increase economic vitality in local communities. She recently returned from an extended duration in the Philippines, where she worked in alleviating food security issues and drove innovative approaches to small business development. Julie is advising Isla Mar on grantwriting, funding sources and solutions and fundraising strategy.

Tomás A. Carlo Joglar

A professor of Biology and Ecology at Penn State University, Dr. Carlo is a boricua de sangre verde with a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Ecology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. He studies animal-plant interactions, seed dispersal mutualism, parasitic plants, Caribbean flora, and tropical forest community ecology. He has conducted field research in Puerto Rico, Spain, Argentina, Perú, Bolivia, and Brazil. Dr. Carlo is advising Isla Mar on the ridges to reefs concept connecting terrestrial and marine interactions through education and science.

Luis Méndez & Waleska Sallabery

Luis Méndez y Waleska Sallaberry are pioneers in holistic well-being in Puerto Rico. Both visionaries introduced the Natural Awakenings magazine to Puerto Rico, making it the island's leading publication on natural health and sustainability. They also founded the event Expo Calidad de Vida, the region's top wellness event, and launched the Natural Health Network, serving over 250,000 members. Their dedication to holistic living led to the creation of Semillas, the first Green Flag-awarded eco-school. Luis and Waleska are advising Isla Mar on networking and community engagement, helping build awareness of our programs and services.

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Not only does this team represent a variety of impressive talents and trajectories, but also a shared vision of the well-being of our islands, our oceans, and our communities. We are profoundly grateful to have their wisdom and support as we continue to grow as an organization dedicated to holistic island science and transformative education.