Next Gen
Changemakers : Members of the second cohort from the Scripps SCUBA DIVERsity fellowship
Program include ( pictured from left to right ): Roland Ovbiebo , Jorge Toledo MarÍn , Diana Peña Bastalla , James Waterford and Alonzo Houston .
“ As a leader in scientific diving , Scripps has an opportunity to help build a more inclusive future — not only for scientific divers but for the diving community as a whole .”
— Keiara Auzenne , director of diversity initiatives at Scripps Institution of Oceanography participants to talk with diverse faculty who use diving in their research . Building that broader community helps with retention because you feel that other people are on this journey with you .”
Scripps Oceanography alumna Analisa Freitas , MAS MBC ’ 23 was a part of the first SCUBA DIVERsity cohort . Her scientific diving certification , obtained in 2022 , has opened doors by allowing her to meet other scientific divers of color from across the country and participate in diving projects in Florida and Peru .
“ Being a part of this program meant my dreams of becoming a marine conservationist would actually become reality ,” says Freitas .
The fellowship program is made possible thanks to philanthropic contributions from several members of the Scripps Director ’ s Council and the Scripps Education Department .
As the sound of laughter rises amidthe rolling tide , the second SCUBA DIVERsity cohort reaches the end of the pier . For them , the ocean horizon is more than a beautiful sight — it is the call to a new adventure , a new opportunity and a chance to change the world . •
Watch Now : Step on Scripps Pier and experience this groundbreaking program .
UC SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE 11