Yadira has been deeply involved in coral restoration projects across South Florida. Through the support of Hispanic Access Foundation’s DIVES Program, she earned her PADI Open Water Scuba Certification, enabling her to join reef clean-ups and coral outplanting efforts. This hands-on work has been pivotal in her conservation journey, intertwining technical expertise with a personal passion for protecting marine ecosystems.

Her dedication was showcased at the Restore America’s Estuaries Summit in Washington, D.C., where Yadira represented Hispanic Access Foundation alongside her colleague and scuba diving partner, Martina Potlach. Presenting on coral reef conservation and diversity outreach marked a milestone in her advocacy efforts. “It was a big surprise to find we were the only ones blending coral reef conservation with diversity outreach at the summit,” she reflected.

While the Summit offered invaluable insights into restoration and conservation strategies--such as blue carbon, managed retreat, and living shorelines–it also underscored the critical gap in Latino representation. Yadira noted, “Though Latinos were often the subject of outreach efforts, they were not the presenters.” She advocated for practical measures, such as providing translations, to bridge this gap and foster more inclusive conservation spaces.

Yadira’s work doesn’t stop at the professional level. At Miami Dade College’s Earth Ethics Institute, she integrates environmental literacy into classrooms, oversees urban garden conservation projects, and mentors students in ecological initiatives. Through this work, she fosters a sense of community ownership and a shared commitment to sustainability.

Looking ahead, Yadira is committed to advancing nature-based solutions in South Florida, such as artificial coral reefs, oyster reefs, and mangrove buffers. Inspired by innovations like Reef Balls and wave-dispersal artificial reefs, she’s building connections with environmental engineering firms to expand the impact of her projects.

“Going to the beach and being near the water is a big part of Latino culture,” she says. “It’s a missed opportunity not to engage these communities in conservation efforts.”

With the support of Hispanic Access Foundation, Yadira continues to spotlight the intersection of culture and conservation, advocating for equitable access to natural spaces and the inclusion of Latino perspectives in environmental decision-making. Her journey is a testament to the power of combining personal passion with professional expertise to drive meaningful change combining ecological restoration and community building.