About Angelo Villagomez

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Angelo Villagomez is an ocean conservation leader working at the intersection of Indigenous governance, environmental justice, and marine policy. He is committed to advancing conservation solutions that honor Indigenous leadership, strengthen coastal communities, and safeguard some of the world's most ecologically and culturally significant marine ecosystems. His work bridges Indigenous knowledge, Western science, community expertise, and policy innovation to build equitable and lasting approaches to ocean stewardship.

As a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Villagomez focuses on the relationship between conservation, community engagement, and Indigenous self-determination. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean today, including biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, declining fisheries, climate resilience, and the need for more inclusive and effective conservation models. He also serves on numerous advisory bodies and is the ocean co-lead for the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, helping advance community-centered approaches to marine protection and access.

Villagomez is widely recognized as a leading voice on ocean conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship. His writing examines issues ranging from marine protected areas and deep-sea mining to shark conservation, environmental justice, and the role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping the future of conservation. His work has appeared through organizations including The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Center for American Progress, and he has contributed to peer-reviewed research published in journals such as Science, Nature, Marine Policy, and Frontiers in Marine Science. His expertise has been featured by major media outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, NPR, The Atlantic, Politico, and Grist, making him a sought-after commentator on ocean policy, Pacific Island issues, and global conservation.

Throughout his career, Villagomez has helped advance landmark conservation initiatives, including the designation and expansion of marine national monuments in the Pacific Islands, international efforts to strengthen shark protections, and campaigns supporting the protection of at least 30 percent of the ocean through fully and highly protected marine areas. His work has contributed to reshaping global conversations about who conservation serves and who should lead it.

A native of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Villagomez holds degrees in biology from the University of Richmond and environmental policy from Rollins College. He is also the co-founder of Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice, a gathering created to make conservation more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven. Whether developing campaigns, mentoring emerging leaders, conducting research, or building coalitions, he remains dedicated to uplifting Indigenous voices, protecting sacred waters, and inspiring the next generation of ocean champions.

When he's not advocating for the ocean, you'll likely find him watching his beloved Red Sox, scuba diving in warm tropical waters, or proving that enthusiasm for the ukulele is not the same thing as talent.