What People Are Saying About Upwell 2026

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice, held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC on June 2-3, 2026, was a powerful, transformative experience that resonated deeply with all who attended. Upwell is a cherished convening focused on equity, justice, and power, bringing together advocates, policymakers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, community organizers, and students. By creating a space that centers human connection and shared values, Upwell allows participants to explore how ocean conservation intersects with climate change, racial justice, and community leadership—fostering a sense of community that leaves attendees feeling inspired, seen, and empowered. 

 

Of the hundreds of participants at the 2026 Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice conference, many were members of the America the Beautiful for All Coalition. Our diverse alliance of over 300 conservation, public health, and environmental justice organizations advocates for equitable access to nature, with a specific focus on empowering frontline communities and communities of color. 

For coalition members, Upwell offered a transformative experience centered on joy, community resilience, and justice.   After the conference I asked members of our coalition to share a reflection on the conference.  They said that the event taught them about creating belonging, holding doors open, and redefining success in the movement.  I already wrote a blog about some of the highlights, here are more of their statements, unedited for length:

Angelo Villagomez speaks during the deep sea mining panel

"The Upwell community is bigger, stronger, more organized, better equipped, tougher, absolutely fearless, and more prepared than ever before. We are still here. We belong in these rooms. We are still rising. And we are just getting started."  -Angelo Villagomez

 

Mark Losavio, Kat So, and Ayana Melvan embrace during the conference closing ceremony

"Aquariums stand as the bridge between the people and their favorite ocean places and we’re proud to bring those communities to D.C. to speak about those places to the very people with the power to protect them."  -Mark Losavio

 

Kat So and Janisha Shrestha during the conference closing ceremony

"Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice not only highlights important ocean policy issues through a justice lens, but is a space where the experts, advocates, and the next generation of leaders can find community. As the conference chair, it was my honor to be a part of shaping it. 

The ocean community is stronger when we share power and opportunities. It's not enough to open the door for others, but we must bring others through with respect, kindness, and compassion. That is the spirit of Upwell." -Kat So

Suraida Nañez-James, Evelyn James, and Angelo Villagomez pose with cardboard cutout Jason Mamoa

"The challenges we face are real, but so is the power of coming together. Every conversation, every story, and every shared commitment at Upwell reminded me that lasting change happens when we build bridges, listen deeply, and lead with hope. I left feeling energized, grateful, and even more committed to ensuring that all communities, especially youth and those of us too often left out of decision-making, continue to have our voices heard. Together, we are stronger, and together, we are making an impact now and for the generations that will come after us." -Suraida Nañez-James

Raiana McKinney mentoring participants during one of the skills building sessions

"Successful ocean conservation must center justice. Now more than ever, we need a clear understanding of how extractive activities like seabed mining will impact our ocean’s health and the communities that rely on it.  Upwell isn’t just another conference – it’s a space that fosters a community dedicated to shaping and advancing the next chapter of the ocean justice movement." -Raiana McKinney

Kristin Butler and Jordan King

"There’s something special about walking into a room full of your friends, their friends, and soon to be new friends, all uplifting each other. A room where you feel like you belong. You get to have honest conversations about difficult topics and dream up the future that we'll shape together. This is the only way we’re going to conserve our ocean. If we don’t nurture spaces like this, where we can find joy in the madness of this world and let lived experiences drive how we do marine conservation, we’re going to burn out and get our solutions wrong. We’re changing how marine conservation looks and feels, and I can’t wait to see how our movement grows between now and Upwell 2027." -Kristin Butler

Andrew Thaler shows Angelo Villagomez how to ensure your phone doesn't run out of battery

"Meeting the young people fighting to protect their communities, oceans, and planet is a powerful reminder that we all must work harder to ensure that we are giving them the best chance for a healthy, equitable, sustainable future. We have a duty, not just to our future, but to theirs." -Andrew Thaler

Héctor Varela-Vélez and Puerto Rico Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero

"Participating in Upwell was a very enriching experience. I was especially impacted by the strong presence of Latino, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander participants because, although we come from different places, we share many of the same concerns and challenges when it comes to ocean conservation and protecting our coastal communities.

It was inspiring to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and find common ground that can help us build collective solutions. It became clear to me that when we unite our voices and efforts, we become stronger advocates for our natural resources and for a more sustainable future.

I will also carry with me the sense of community that was present throughout the conference. Seeing people feel free to express themselves, cheer, laugh, celebrate, and share authentically was truly unique. That energy, joy, and sense of belonging made the event much more than a conference; it became a space where people could genuinely connect and remember that we are not alone in this work.

I leave Upwell feeling hopeful, motivated, and convinced that collective action is one of our most powerful tools for protecting the ocean and the communities that depend on it." -Héctor Varela-Vélez

 

"Ocean advocacy starts at home through lived experiences. Upwell provides the platform through which our collective stories are shared so our community can turn them into action." -Mickey Rogers

"One point that stuck with me was how someone on the "Decolonizing Ocean Conservation" panel spoke about increasing territory visibility and co-creating ocean solutions. 

As the rest of the conference progressed, I saw how Upwell fostered visibility, inclusion, and collaboration. Many of my conversations centered on people's proactive ideas and policy experience. I learned so much, connected with many like-minded people, and (I) left feeling inspired and excited to continue the work to protect the ocean." -Lia Escober

"Upwell is powerful. This community understands the ocean is life, culture, and joy. We are in trying times where our national leaders are absurdly, dangerously out of step with what people want for our oceans and marine life. But we reminded each other that we're in this together and can push back. During the offshore drilling session, we were given beautiful postcards depicting Rice's whale, salmon, sea lions and more so we could write comments against expanding drilling for the public record. It's good to remember what we're working so hard to protect. If we must be in bad times, at least we're with good people." -Jewel Tomasula

"Upwell was a breath of fresh ocean air. Sitting in these rooms, listening to the speakers, I realized how rare and invaluable it is to hear this wisdom and knowledge from frontline and Indigenous ocean communities. I learned that Puerto Rico set a global precedent in declaring coral reefs as critical ocean infrastructure, (which should be obvious, but they took the first step). I learned about countless regreening initiatives in Guam and Saipan, which invest and educate the youth of the island. I learned about how access to the beach, access to its knowledge and access to the beauty of the ocean can and does transform disadvantaged communities for generations. 

Upwell taught me that all of the solutions are already here, that they've already been discovered and implemented, and that the first step towards positive change is to listen to those who have been stewarding our oceans since time immemorial.

Thank you to everyone in the Upwell team for such an incredible two days." -Maria Guilliamont

"During my first Upwell in 2024, I remember watching the In Conversation portion of the event and saying to myself, "That's something I want to do." This year that dream came true, and I was even on a panel discussing the next generation of U.S. ocean conservation. I was able to share the stage with some incredible individuals, to tell my story and my thoughts, and to connect with my audiences. Upwell is a space that has given me countless opportunities and memories, something that I am forever grateful for." -Evelyn James

"During the panel on ocean justice and equity in an era of rollbacks, Ebony Twiley-Martin asked the panelists, "Even in difficult moments, there’s an opportunity to hope for what could come next. What does that look to you?" Upwell reminded me that we can still dream and that from Puerto Rico to California, and everywhere in between there are leaders dreaming, hoping, visualizing, and believing in a different future for our oceans. This will stick with me any time I want to lose hope or feel like the challenges ahead are too big." -Adriane Alicea

"Upwell 2026 felt like a vital town-hall, fostering interdisciplinary and intergenerational dialogue among community leaders, scientists, and advocates. The conference’s focus on the real-time impacts of policy shifts on stakeholders—paired with discussions on how communities are rising to meet these challenges—served as a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

A standout highlight was the sessions that amplified early-career scientists leading impactful work despite obstacles, serving as a testament to resilience and a call to embrace new public dialogues to create more informed solutions. As highlighted by Mary Klene and others on the youth panel, prioritizing this approach ensures public support will endure, because, as she put it, “people do genuinely want to learn.” " -M. Aspen Bataille

"As I’ve watched the conference grow over the years, it’s been inspiring to see the increasing participation and the diversity of stories, perspectives, and experiences in the room. At a time when many of our challenges require us to come together, gatherings like this are essential to deepening our understanding of the needs and realities of communities on the ground, ensuring that the solutions we build are grounded in those lived experiences." -Carlos Zegarra

"I was at one of the premier ocean conservation and policy forums in the country and was one of three people from Saipan who were featured on stage, and importantly, we were each there on our own accord! This is truly a sign of two things: the talent, skills, and experience to lead in ocean conservation has always existed in the islands and we are out here as world-class leaders. Secondly, spaces like Upwell are special, but sadly still the exception. We need to protect this special place, just like we do for our special ocean places."  -Steven Mana‘oakamai Johnson

"For me, something that LaKendra McNair stuck with me - when her panel was talking about partnerships to advance coastal resilience, she said something along the lines of "Empower me by teaching me and by exposing me - take me to the ocean so that I can understand what you're talking about". This was during a conversation about building trust and working alongside communities and I thought it was a powerful reminder about meeting people where they are at and about the importance of meaningful access to ocean spaces. It felt really encouraging and validating for the work we do at Hispanic Access. It's hard to protect what you don't know or have a connection with." Sofia Barboza

"The Upwell conference was an inspiring and healing event. It was a wonderful opportunity to see our Environment and Democracy Fellows in action as they networked with other ocean justice advocates from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The conference provided a great platform to expand our solidarity advocacy framework beyond U.S. territories. It allowed us to share challenges and build common ground on how to overcome colonial, extractive frameworks that threaten the health of our oceans, communities, and cultures. " -Adi G. Martínez Román

"Storytelling through digital media is a powerful tool for ocean advocates, and it was inspiring to see how people and organizations are placing value on storytelling through campaigns and narrative-building. Together, we will reshape what our ocean future looks like, in our own words and actions." -Mark Haver

"In the end, to create truly equitable and lasting progress in ocean justice we must center communities, love, and the stories that build connection to place and to each other. We must create a truly democratic and accessible experience of environmentalism grounded in community stewardship, self-determination, and civic agency. Upwell is where we grow our community, deepen the bonds that give us strength, and remember the stories that inspire us to dream of a brighter future." W. Grey Gowder