Rebuilding Relationships with the Ocean

A Lifelong Curiosity Beneath the Waves

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For Leslie, the ocean has always been more than a vast body of water, it’s been a calling. Growing up in Chino, California, her family made it a point to travel and immerse their children in nature, nurturing her love for the ocean from a young age. A snorkeling trip in fifth grade became a defining moment when a simple question, “Why can’t I catch this fish?”, sparked a lifelong curiosity for marine science. That early spark evolved into a career in conservation. Today, Leslie serves as an Animal Care Specialist at the Aquarium of the Pacific, contributing to programs such as the Southern Sea Otter Service and Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog conservation projects, initiatives that embody her commitment to protecting aquatic life and biodiversity.

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“That moment of wonder as a child never left me, it just grew deeper.”

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Finding Purpose with Aquatic Futures Foundation

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Leslie’s connection to the Aquatic Futures Foundation (AFF) began organically. After following the organization’s mission online, she received a message from Kory, who was expanding his Black dive team and seeking new leaders in the water. Though she hadn’t yet earned her Divemaster certification, Leslie joined a dive supporting a group of middle school girls preparing for their trip to Tahiti, a pivotal experience that led Kory to become her mentor.
 Through her Divemaster training with AFF, Leslie found both mentorship and community. What started as one dive quickly evolved into a season of immersion, not just in the water, but in a movement dedicated to empowerment, education, and ocean access for all.

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“We’re not just teaching people to dive, we’re helping them rewrite their fears and reconnect with the water.”

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Redefining Representation in Ocean Science

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Throughout the summer, Leslie spent countless hours alongside AFF students and staff, witnessing firsthand the power of representation and shared experience. She recognized a deeper purpose in helping Black and Brown communities rebuild their relationships with the ocean, turning curiosity and healing into conservation.
 By creating inclusive pathways into diving and scientific exploration, Leslie is helping to redefine who belongs in marine science and what stewardship looks like for future generations.

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“When people see themselves in the water, they start to see themselves as part of the ocean’s story.”

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The Power of Mentorship and Giving Back

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Mentorship, Leslie believes, is the thread connecting her past and her future. Her college research advisor once saw potential in her before she recognized it herself, setting her on the path that led to AFF. Now, Leslie carries that torch forward, mentoring others with honesty, empathy, and intention.
 “Genuinely be genuine,” she says. “That’s how we grow together.” For Leslie, sharing knowledge and experience isn’t just about career development, it’s about creating lasting change in how communities experience and protect the ocean.

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“If we’re not sharing what we’ve learned, what are we really living for?”