Álida Ortiz Sotomayor
was always amazed by the natural environment.
She grew up on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico
during the 1940s.
She liked to learn outside
instead of reading textbooks.
What she did not know growing up was that in 1976
she would become the first woman
to receive a doctorate in Marine Sciences
from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez.
I find Álida’s commitment to the environment
and marine education inspiring.
She works directly with communities
and that is what makes her efforts a success.
Álida was one of the founders and the first director
of the Coastal Marine Biology Program from the
University of Puerto Rico in Humacao.
This is a program that has impacted
thousands of marine scientists like me.
Thanks to the Coastal Marine Biology Program
started by Álida in 1977,
I pursued my dream.
Álida's students were my professors.
Álida developed the first Earth Sciences curriculum
or Puerto Rico public schools.
She trained hundreds of teachers in marine education,
providing them with the necessary tools to succeed,
that is hands-on activities and fieldwork experiences.
She established the Puerto Rico Sea Grant Program
in the University of Puerto Rico.
This is an educational and research program
that has been important for the conservation and sustainable
use of the coastal and marine resources in
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Again, Álida's legacy impacted my life and career.
I learned how to be a marine educator
during my time at the Puerto Rico Sea Grant Program.
There, I worked with teachers, students, and coastal communities
on many conservation and education programs.
This included the Marine Adventure (Aventura Marina) and Sandwatch Programs.
With my work, I extend Álida’s legacy for future generations.
As a Latina Smithsonian scientist,
I communicate the impact of my research to the world.
It is important to include
local communities in the process of science
Álida serves as my role model and inspiration.
I hope to accomplish similar stories of success
and serve as an inspiration to others.
Because our Latina history
is American history!