Engage, Educate, Activate
Rooted in the vibrant cultures we serve, we work to engage, educate, and activate Latino communities across the Chesapeake Bay and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Through partnerships with nonprofits, private enterprises, and public organizations, we help create meaningful connections between grassroots movements and the organizations that can amplify their impact.
Our Knowledge About Communities
We don’t just work in these communities—we are part of them. Our knowledge of their strengths, struggles, and values allows us to foster authentic relationships that drive real change.
Our Mission
To connect and empower Latino communities in the pursuit of social and environmental justice through meaningful engagement, education, and activism across the Chesapeake Bay Region.
Our Vision
A world where Latinos leave their green footprint on the Earth, shaping a more just, sustainable, and thriving future for all.
Our Belief
ecoLatinos operates on the premise that Latinos deserve to be a part of the growing environmental movement to protect and conserve Madre Tierra. The world is stronger when all communities can come together under the common goal of sustainability.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In the environmental movement, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential for creating innovative solutions, ensuring fair access to resources, and empowering marginalized communities to contribute their expertise in the larger movement. Prioritizing DEI strengthens the movement and produces more effective strategies for preservation and conservation.
Environmental Justice
Communities of color have historically faced disproportionate effects of climate change. With issues such as increased proximity to hazardous waste and pollution, there is a need to bridge the gap to reduce climate inequity.
ecoLatinos in the News
Why Language Matters in the Environmental Field
Equitable Landscaping – Green Infrastructure Training for Latino Landscape Professionals
Victor Ramírez, JD, 2018, Chair
Is a seasoned trial attorney and the principal owner of the Law Office of Victor R. Ramirez, LLC. He is the former state delegate and state senator for District 47 in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ramirez is also Vice President of the Salvadoran-American Chamber of Commerce and Trustee of Prince George’s Community College.
Michael D. Burke, 2022, Board Member
Is the Director of Clean Water Partnership’s Contractor Development and Mentor Protégé Programs. He is also a John Maxwell certified coach, trainer, and speaker, as well as a TTI Success Insights VAA, with 30 years of experience helping businesses and individuals reach their full potential.
Erin O’Grady, 2022, Member
Is a DC Regional Director for Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay where she builds and manages partnerships to improve water quality in the DC Metro Region. She is an environmental sustainability professional with over 7 years of experience in environmental non-profit management and over five years leading organizational and programmatic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice initiatives.
Carlo Sanchez, 2022, Member
Is an Assistant Director of Public Safety at Montgomery College as well as the Chapter Chair for Sierra Club Maryland Chapter. He is also an American politician who served as a Delegate to the Maryland General Assembly representing Maryland’s 47th Legislative District in northwestern Prince George’s County from 2015 to 2019.
Advisors and Consultants
Is the Resilience and Sustainability Program Manager from the Environmental Finance Center. She specializes in Environmental Policy with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Through her many travels and interest in international development, she focuses on the interconnections between environmental problems and development issues.
Is the founder and principal of The F & O Group, which focuses on supporting the strategic direction and Governance needs in boards of directors to nonprofit organizations. He served as the first Executive Director for Green Leadership Trust and was also Ocean Conservancy’s Former Director of Ocean Climate Justice.
Is the inaugural program director for the College Park Scholars Data Justice program, established in 2024. He specializes in outreach and engagement, working to strengthen the collaboration of the University of Maryland College Park with its surrounding communities on issues of sustainability and resilience.
Is the Chief Programs Officer at One Tree Planted, where he leads a global team of reforestation, carbon, and monitoring professionals. He is a global conservation leader with expertise in biodiversity, carbon removals, and regenerative agriculture.
Is a passionate sustainability advocate and dedicated public servant currently serving as a Senior Horticulturalist Supervisor with the M-NCPPC in Prince George’s County. With over five years of experience as the owner and operator of Villatoro and Sons Landscaping, Nelson has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, sustainable landscaping services throughout the DMV area.