Start Somewhere: Racial Equity and Marine Conservation with Nina Lagpacan

Welcome to Episode 11 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today I am speaking with Nina Lagpacan, Program Officer at Oceankind Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of global ocean ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of people who rely on them. Our conversation is centered on the “small wins” and how we can start affecting change in the smallest moments. A special thank you to Nina for her time, her conversation, and her work.

Meet Nina Lagpacan:

Nina is a results driven natural resource manager passionate about the conservation of natural spaces for the enjoyment of future generations. She uses her unique skill set in forestry and natural resource management combined with my expertise in organizational management to promote operational excellence in philanthropy and grant making.

She began her career in conservation working as a park ranger at Wind Cave, Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton National Parks. She then worked with an urban forestry non-profit organization focused on community greening and beautification. It was during this time that she realized it is equally important for leaders in the environmental field to possess both technical expertise in their field of study and organizational management skills.

She continued her studies at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and the Yale School of Management in a joint Master of Environmental Management/ MBA program.

Her current role utilizes her unique skill set in environmental conservation and organizational management to lead on foundation operations and manage grants and investments to advance ocean justice and equity.


Listen in as Nina shares:

• Her identities and how they inform how she leads on race.
• What racial equity means to her
• How she prioritizes “humanity” within her work
• Her sources of motivation and inspiration
• What advice she would give to her younger self
• And so much more

Connect with Nina Lagpacan:

• Website: Oceankind Foundation
• LinkedIn: Nina Lagpacan

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