San Diego Chapter Staff

As Surfrider’s San Diego Chapter Manager, Joana supports volunteer efforts, programs, and campaigns across the county, helping fulfill Surfrider Foundation’s mission alongside dedicated volunteers.

 

Before joining Surfrider, Joana connected people to wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and managed a non-profit teaching life skills to girls through running. Her background includes guest engagement, advocacy, informal education, and program development. She has also led DEI panels and facilitated conversations on accessibility in conservation.

 

A San Diego native, Joana’s passion for advocacy and conservation began during her Anthropology studies at SDSU, where she cultivated an appreciation for culture, biology, and travel. She has visited 14 countries and loves exploring new places.

Joana gives back through volunteering, including collaborating with Latin American professionals on capacity-building programs in Mexico. When not working or traveling, she enjoys time with family and friends, attending Padres games, or snuggling with any dog that crosses her path.

Mitch hails from Southern California and spent 10+ years in the San Francisco Bay Area before relocating to San Diego in 2015. As an activist, he strives to raise awareness of how our everyday choices affect the ocean & planet, and advocates for sensible environmental policy at a local level. His ultimate goal is to see good environmental stewardship become mainstream, even “cool.” Mitch served in various volunteer leadership positions before being hired on as Chapter Manager in 2018. In 2022, Mitch transitioned to the chapter’s policy role. He aims to serve as a voice for San Diego’s coast at the local, regional, and state government levels.