Meet Marilu Cristina Flores: Marine Conservationist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marilu Cristina Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marilu Cristina, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
When it comes to marine conservation and the work Surfrider does, I’ll be honest in saying I do have moments where I’ve thrown up my arms in despair and wondered why I am doing what I am doing. Especially in Florida, where we it is a constant battle to protect our environment from bad lawmakers and private interest groups. When I feel all is being lost, I make it a point to go out to the sea, spend time in nature and remind myself that one person can in fact make a difference and if I loose hope, I’d be letting down many people who turn to individuals like myself at Surfrider to educate and inspire them. The volunteer activists who commit their time and passion to Surfrider are my daily inspiration as a marine conservationist to continue to forge change in our imperiled State. The explorer Thor Heyerdahl once said “for every minute, the future is becoming the past,” and I keep this quote close. I don’t want to waste too many minutes wallowing in frustration or defeat. I want to ensure the future of our ocean, waves and beaches is a secure one, free of single use plastics and full of life and wildness.

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.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida I started my career in the film and television industry as a passionate, motivated and eager young adult. Since my zero budget, film festival winning days I’ve learned a few tricks, met a few people and worked for some of the World’s largest and most successful visual media content producers. Throughout my entertainment career, I have worked on and managed hundred thousand dollar projects and multi-million dollar projects, I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to work in near all aspects of Entertainment production from marketing and finance to physical production. In 2014, I left my career in Entertainment to pursue my other passion, caring for our oceans. I have been involved with the Surfrider Foundation since 2008 and am honored to be a part of such an incredible organization.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In WPB, I love Grease Burger Bar, their French fries remind me of the ones in France and their burgers are wonderful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Michael Gibaldi (treasurer@miami.surfrider.org) and Seth Bloomgarden (chair@miami.surfrider.org)

Website: marilucflores.com
Instagram: marilucflores
Twitter: marilucflores
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ih6qMl6PucEtt6ktXxSM_A