2025 Keynote Speaker

Claudia Pineda Tibbs is a first-generation Salvadoran-American, scientist, birder, nature lover, ocean conservationist, and sustainability professional. 

Claudia’s outreach and advocacy work stems from their professional experience as a bilingual science educator, ocean conservation communicator, and environmental sustainability leader. Claudia centers their environmental conservation and sustainability work on the belief that individual and collective action is necessary for ensuring the needs (healthy food, clean air and water, shelter, work, happiness, respect, and a sense of belonging) of all people and our planet are being met now and in the future. 

Claudia advocates for programs and legislation focused on equitable access to nature and greenspaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in order to create opportunities for historically oppressed communities to explore their own environmental identity. 

Claudia serves as a:

• The Senior Sustainability Program Manager at Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California where they lead the environmental sustainability strategy for the aquarium which is firmly grounded in climate action practices that are just, equitable, inclusive, and transformative;

• The Advisory Board Chair for Latino Outdoors, whose mission is to inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative, ensuring our history, heritage, and leadership are valued and represented.