We had the good fortune of connecting with Caiti Waks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caiti, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Integrity is the value that matters most. To me, this means adhering to your morals and values without hesitation, being honest, and treating all others with respect. If you work hard towards a goal with integrity, I believe nothing stands in your way. Because of your integrity, people will gravitate towards working with you, providing your initiative with more opportunities. Additionally, you will build an incredible reputation, which will take you further towards accomplishing your goals. In essence, I think staying true to your core values ultimately results in a wealth of opportunity and long-term success. Integrity is a founding principle of Debris Free Oceans – the adherence to our mission is of paramount importance, and the question “how does this fulfill our mission” stands behind every decision we make. Our mission at Debris Free Oceans is to inspire the responsible management of the lifecycle of plastics and waste as part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris. Before Debris Free Oceans receives any donation, makes any purchase, or hosts an event, we always ensure this mission guides us. Many times, we have declined donations from corporations or entities who we believe are attempting to utilize Debris Free Oceans for greenwashing. We always heavily analyze each product acquisition for the nonprofit to ensure we are obtaining the most sustainable option possible, whether it be second-hand or made from recycled materials. Each event is curated to inspire people to live lower-waste lifestyles – this is the most critical aspect of every event with any fundraising or other benefit being secondary.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since high-school, I have been dedicated to helping save our oceans. I began my journey in school, completing a B.A. in Ecosystem Science and Policy and obtaining my law degree with a focus in ocean conservation. Throughout school, I always engaged in work with the public, and I knew I wanted to continue to engage others to appreciate the ocean once I entered my professional career. I am most proud of launching Debris Free Oceans, which I could not have done without its co-founders, Saira Fida and Jeremy Waks (my now husband). I put many hours into Debris Free Oceans, often waking up at 4am to put in the work before work as in-house counsel at a real estate firm. Right when I thought I couldn’t continue further, Debris Free Oceans opened doors for me to make ocean conservation the main focus of my career at the incredible Herbert W. Hoover Foundation – an organization that provides funding to projects in education, community, environment, and science. I love going to work everyday for the HWH Foundation. With the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, I have been able to help create new projects targeted at enhancing environmental and human health as well as provide guidance to other ocean nonprofits, including the Ohio Ocean Foundation. It is a gift to practice what I love each day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Broken Shaker Treehouse Miami Planta Snorkeling at Fowey Lighthouse in Biscayne National Park Kayaking or SUPing to Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park Surfing on South Beach Vizcaya PAMM Biscayne National Park Visitor Center

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful for all of the brilliant, creative, and passionate teams I work with at the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, Debris Free Oceans, and the Ohio Ocean Foundation. The support and dedication of the people who make up these organizations is unwavering, and each individual moves forward with such incredible optimism and joy. A big shoutout goes to Maddie Kaufman and Sofia Mesa for their hard-work and passion that drives Debris Free Oceans. An organization is nothing except for its people. Thanks to all of these wonderful individuals, each day is more fun than the last, and we all stay excited to continue working to make our world a better place.

Website: www.debrisfreeoceans.org
Instagram: @debrisfreeoceans
Facebook: www.facebook.com/debrisfreeoceans
Other: www.ohiooceanfoundation.org @ohiooceanfoundation (IG) www.facebook.com/ohiooceanfoundation (FB) www.hwhfoundation.org

Nominate someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.