Our Isla Mar family continues to grow and we invite you to learn more about our newest team members - our dedicated Board of Directors. In this post, we meet each member and learn their background and their commitment to guide us in our mission to steward island science, conservation and education in Puerto Rico.
Berliz Morales Muñoz
Berliz was born and raised in Aguada. She studied at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in History from the Social Studies Department. During this time, she also did additional studies in Environmental Planning at UPR Río Piedras where she met scientists, planners, and environmental leaders that led to new collaborations and her admiration for their social and environmental work. In 2013, she graduated from the Research Center in Marine Sciences and Limnology at the University of Costa Rica, where she earned a Master's degree in Integrated Management of Tropical Coastal Areas (also known as Coastal Area Management).
For the past 15 years, Berliz has worked in aquatic security (drowning prevention (bathers), diving accidents (fishermen)), citizen participation in decision-making processes regarding protected areas, development and implementation of co-agreements (for example, the co-management agreement between the Tres Palmas Management Board and DNER), environmental education, citizen science, among many other diverse applications of education and community engagement.
Berliz has helped create and manage non-profit organizations.
She was an influential part of creating and managing the local non-profit organization Amigos de Tres Palmas. During her tenure at the Sea Grant program, she advised community groups about the process of incorporating a nonprofit organization and coordinated workshops and work sessions to request the required documentation to be eligible for post-María disaster recovery funds.
Currently, Berliz is the Manager of the East team of Community Navigators at Hispanic Access Foundation. They assist community-based organizations and non-profit organizations in identifying subsidies or grants available through the US Forest Service. She then helps these groups in writing their proposals and application process.
What inspired Berliz to join our Board of Directors?
“I believe in the mission, I share their vision, and I recognize the great environmental work they do and the great potential it has to promote the conservation of our marine, coastal, and terrestrial resources.”
Berliz is eager to be part of this new chapter. She is particularly excited about projects aimed at conserving terrestrial ecosystems and strengthening existing programs. She also loves that Isla Mar incorporates children and youth into our education programs.
José Vargas Santiago
José (Cheo) was born and raised on a coffee and fruit farm up in the mountains of Mayagüez. Based on this upbringing, José was able to appreciate the natural world around him from a young age. He started his studies at UPRM in the Geology department, but later changed paths and finished his Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Industrial Microbiology. Later, between volunteer work (with mostly birds) and non-profit educational projects, he was inspired to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Management with a concentration on the Management and Conservation of Natural Resources. Shortly after graduating, he started working with our colleague Dr. Hector Ruiz, of HJR Reefscaping, where he has been for eleven years.
“All these experiences have led me to have my interests related to both marine and terrestrial fauna and flora, but above all, the conservation of the natural resources of the Borincano archipelago.”
Cheo has been affiliated with non-profits for more than fifteen years. He volunteered and was part of the Board of Directors of the Caborrojeño Pro-Health and Environment Committee, and volunteers at Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas. In both cases, he had the opportunity to educate visitors about the importance of conserving natural resources.
What motivated Cheo to join Isla Mar's board?
Having previously collaborated with Isla Mar's co-founder, Dr. Chelsea Harms-Tuohy, in monitoring and restoration projects, he was able to witness the dedication and integrity that Chelsea brings to her work. His admiration extends to our other co-founder, Dr. Evan Tuohy, with whom he has worked in the field on countless projects and initiatives — “both Chelsea and Evan share a deep commitment to conservation and education, underpinned by their knowledge”. It was this shared passion and dedication that inspired Cheo to join Isla Mar’s Board, eager to contribute his expertise and experience to help their organization thrive. Looking towards the future, he is most excited about being able to lend his hand in this new ambitious, and dynamic chapter that lies ahead for Isla Mar.
Cassandra Reyes-Jones
Cassandra was born near the beach in California. Thus the ocean has always been part of her life. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences at UC Santa Cruz and a Master’s in Environmental Policy at George Washington University. Currently, she runs a small consulting business with her partner. She seeks to fully embrace the incredible natural environment of Puerto Rico at every opportunity —whether it's enjoying the pristine beaches and diving among the coral reefs, exploring the mountains and waterfalls, or delving into the history of the island's natural landscape, she finds joy and inspiration in all that our island has to offer.
“ I feel fortunate that we live in a community that finds value in our natural surroundings.”
As an event planner, Cassandra has had numerous experiences with non-profits. She has assisted with planning annual conventions and meetings for national non-profits, she’s been a part of supporting new communities trying to build new non-profits from the ground up, and in her own time, she has volunteered at a variety of non-profits as a tutor, supporting annual gala planning, and providing daily task assistance. She believes supporting local non-profits is a great way to be involved and also help grow and improve our communities.
What drew Cassandra to join our Board of Directors?
For many years, Cassandra has witnessed Isla Mar’s growth and mission to support local communities and the surrounding environment. “They understand that community education is the key to ensuring that the marine environment around us is available to all, now and for the future” — and she feels it’s an honor to be a small part of our organization as we continue to grow and help our community thrive. Looking into the future, she is most excited about Isla Mar providing opportunities for all ages to learn about the ocean and develop an appreciation for what it provides. Watching the development of our youth program has inspired Cassandra. She believes that as Isla Mar continues to grow, then the opportunities for local youth to learn and appreciate the marine environment will also flourish.
We are incredibly thankful for the dedication and vision of our Board members. Throughout the interview process with them, it was very clear that our Directors not only lead with their experience but also with their hearts. Their commitment to our organization's mission is what will spur us towards a lasting impact in island conservation and education.
Comments