Mariana joined CAPS in September 2025 as the program coordinator supporting the programming team. As the program coordinator, she supports CAPS interns in developing and implementing climate solutions for their school districts while coaching them in soft skill development. 

Born and raised in El Salvador, she experienced sustainability issues that instilled a deep appreciation for natural resources and sustainability. She then received undergraduate-level training at the University of New Orleans, where she majored in Earth and Environmental Sciences. She developed a passion for climate change research and sustainability as an undergraduate research assistant and chemistry teaching assistant. 

Before joining CAPS, she spent three years teaching chemistry to high school students in New Orleans. In this role, she advocated for a phenomena-based curriculum to be implemented, which provides meaningful science learning, as students can understand how these environmental & climate issues directly impact them and their community. 

With a background in Environmental Studies and Education, her mission is to explore and implement innovative approaches to adapting to and mitigating climate change and sustainability issues that primarily impact underrepresented communities.

Connect with Mariana: Email and LinkedIn