Supporting Local Leaders through the Ambassador Action Fund
The 5 Gyres Ambassador network is made up of hundreds of individuals using their unique backgrounds and skills to take action against plastic pollution. From researchers and educators to creatives and advocates, this global community shows how collective action - driven by creativity, collaboration, and shared purpose - can spark meaningful change and advance solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.
The Ambassador Action Fund was created to support the work of Ambassadors in 5 Gyres’ focus areas: Science, Advocacy, and TrashBlitz. Through this program, 5 Gyres provides financial support, mentorship, and resources to empower Ambassadors in achieving their goals.
The second round of awardees highlights the power of local leaders within the Ambassador community. These women are turning passion into action, leading community-driven solutions that reduce plastic pollution and protect the places they call home. Here’s a closer look at the projects we’ll be supporting…
SCIENCE ACTION FUND AWARDEE
Karen Fuentes | Quintana Roo, Mexico
Working with her organization Manta Caribbean Project and the Contoy Island National Park, Karen organized a ‘Manta Rays and Microplastics’ field trip. Her project engaged students, local residents, and volunteers in hands-on microplastic sampling using manta trawls, along with a beach cleanup that removed 40kg of marine debris from the protected area. Through data collection and field-based learning, Karen’s project supported ongoing research while fostering environmental awareness within community members. The samples collected will be analyzed in the lab to further support conservation efforts in this important ecosystem.
Follow Karen’s work at @mantamexicocaribe
ADVOCACY ACTION FUND AWARDEE
Maddie Kaufman | Miami, Florida
A long-time ocean lover, Maddie is Program Director of Debris Free Oceans, a Miami-based nonprofit empowering local communities to go zero waste through outreach, education, advocacy, and consulting. Through this role, she facilitates Zero Waste Miami, a coalition of 125+ people working to build Miami’s circular economy. With support from the 5 Gyres policy team, Maddie is leading the #KickTheCup campaign. This campaign calls on Miami to “kick the cup” this World Cup by replacing single-use plastic cups with reusable alternatives. Learn more about how to support and get involved here! ⚽️
Follow Maddie at @maddiekaufman
TRASHBLITZ ACTION FUND AWARDEE
Photo Credit: Alexandra Daley-Clark
Soleil Sabalja | New York City, New York
A 13-year veteran educator in NYC public schools, Soleil teaches climate justice and environmental science in fun, approachable ways, empowering her students to become bold leaders in their community. As contribution to our annual Plastic-Free Parks project, she led a group of fifty-two 9th grade students in a TrashBlitz at Plumb Beach Gateway National Recreation Area. Students logged 400+ items of trash and explored plastic pollution’s impact on local bird diversity. By incorporating data into the cleanup efforts, she hopes to deepen students’ understanding of environmental issues, strengthen community advocacy, and drive meaningful change in protecting urban ecosystems.
Follow Soleil at @nastynewyorkers
We are proud to call these inspiring women 5 Gyres Ambassadors! If you’re interested in joining this global community of changemakers, apply to become a 5 Gyres Ambassador today!