Christine Lacayo | Ocean Advocate | Conservationist | Atlanta | US
Christine grew up in Atlanta away from the ocean, but after many coastal trips to Florida, she knew that she needed to give the ocean and the mesmerising creatures that live there a voice.
Christine hopes to tell the biggest stories of our time, the stories defending nature and the ones that encourage us to look beyond ourselves and into the wonders that exist past our own comprehension.
Her experience of living in various countries has helped other environmental organisations build brand awareness and strengthen the impact of their audience through multicultural content writing and storytelling. From the dolphin-filled coasts of Sardegna to the last virgin forest of Costa Rica’s central valley, she has worked across the world helping real-world projects lead real-world change.
Christine is currently working with For the Oceans Foundation as Manager of Impact Partnerships. For the Oceans Foundation is a Costa Rica-based nonprofit organization devoted to promoting the protection of all marine wildlife and the health of our oceans via science-based projects and agreements with government agencies and coastal communities.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
My ocean storytelling journey began in 2010 after watching the documentary, The Cove, produced by Oceanic Preservation Society. I felt so inspired and compelled to do something so I started speaking around my college campus at Florida State University about the dolphin slaughters and soon after started my blog critiquing sustainability documentaries and films.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Art and beauty impacted my life and my journey as an ocean storyteller. I was born in Miami but grew up in Atlanta so I didn't grow up on the coast but we'd visit the Destin area often for holidays.
I remember as a little girl going into those beach town stores and being absolutely mesmerized by these specific marine life sculptures and paintings that looked so angelic and peaceful. On one of those trips, I remember seeing an enormous 1400 ft. long whale mural along the street. It was called 'Marine Life of the Gulf' and the artist just so happened to be the same one who made those sculptures and paintings I loved so much.
Those Florida coast trips were where my love of the sea first came from and Wyland, the one who piqued my curiosity in discovering its depths to find those angelic and peaceful creatures.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I chose to work in Communications after graduating with my Master's in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development. I've worked with several environmental organizations around the world helping them increase their brand awareness and digital online presence.
Always seeking a way into ocean conservation as a creative, I finally decided to start my own business in Content Writing and Multicultural Marketing to help other mission-driven companies and ocean organizations make a deeper impact with a diverse and engaged audience.
Who/what currently inspires you?
God and nature. As I've grown in my faith and maintained a consistent and active outdoor routine, I've been filled with the spirit of inspiration and creativity. So inspired that I even started writing nature-infused sleep stories and created a podcast!
Current Projects
I've been writing and narrating creation-inspired sleep stories and started a podcast for them called Restless Until. The name came from the idea that our hearts and minds are forever restless until we find our higher purpose. These bedtime stories are meant to offer a small portal outside of ourselves helping us find our purpose, true meaning for life, and eternal happiness.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
The disconnection around the world from ourselves and from our environment.
From the smallest plankton to the greatest shark, everything works in harmony and nothing is wasted in the ocean and everything is a never-ending cycle of regeneration. We have the opportunity to either be a part of it or to live apart from it.
Every choice we make and word we speak carries the power to either strengthen this connection or create degradation. I wish there were more people open to this perfect harmony of life and more in tune with their greater purpose and vocation. We'd all be much happier and healthier.
what books or documentaries would you recommend to other ocean lovers?
The World is Blue by Sylvia Earle
Ocean's End by Colin Woodard
Spineless by Juli Berwald
The Cove by Oceanic Preservation Society
Sea of Shadows by National Geographic
Chasing Coral by Exposure Labs
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Don't give up, keep trying, keep getting up, and keep going. If you can't find your space or your community, create it. You are more than capable of creating it because you are a creator and were once created.
Your words, stories, pictures, and films are meant to be seen and heard by many. Our ocean and our people are depending on it.
Be spontaneous yet patient, consistently seek out your passion and purpose, build relationships, keep your heart open and willing to receive, and learn to recognise where your energy and intuition are telling you to go.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
More care, protection, and love for the ocean and for life.
The values that drive my business and every decision I make in life are what I hope to leave behind in this physical realm.
Courage: Having the courage to dive under the surface to see it all because it's not until we’re out of our element, that our eyes are opened to the majestic beauty and mysteries of life.
Living presently: Bearing witness to the fullness of truth with everything I do.
Entering in: The surest path from division to lasting solutions is to sit down with the people on the ground, check the pulse, and listen with intention, care, and compassion.
Harmony: Harmony settles on us when we listen, when we make space for each other, and when we choose intimacy over discord.
Belief in the beyond: Every word I write and story I tell is in service to the One who holds us all together.
WEBSITE: www.christinemarielacayo.com/
INSTAGRAM: @christinemarielacayo
