The Inaugural Graduation of WRWC’s Campeones de Combate Climático

On Wednesday, December 11th, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) proudly celebrated a momentous milestone: the graduation of the first-ever cohort of Campeones del Combate Climático, a two-year climate resiliency program led by WRWC’sCommunity Programs Department Six remarkable individuals successfully completed this transformative journey, marking a new chapter in community-led climate action.

Hosted in the company of over 30 friends, family members, WRWC staff, and supporters, at the Dye House,  Venda Ravioli catered the event, providing a warm and delicious spread. Each graduate delivered a thoughtful speech, sharing their personal journeys and the impactful experiences that shaped their time in the program. Adding to the magic of the evening, Sofia—a daughter of one of the participants who frequently joined program activities—performed a special violin piece!

A Community Effort

The success of this program would not have been possible without the dedication and support of key supporters. Special thanks were given to Courtney Smidt of the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, who attended the celebration. Smidt remarked, “This program serves as a model for community engagement, not just in Rhode Island but all over New England.” Maria Jose Gutierrez, the program’s devoted Spanish-speaking facilitator, was also recognized for her tireless work in managing the cohort, maintaining constant communication, and driving recruitment efforts.

One of the evening’s highlights was celebrating graduate Sayda Arriaza, who recently joined WRWC as a staff member and now facilitates WRWC’s Nuevas Voces program—a testament to the leadership cultivated through this initiative.

Achievements Worth Celebrating

Over the past two years, the Campeones achieved numerous milestones, leaving a lasting impact on their community and beyond:

  • Community Advocacy: Graduate Gloria Morales was featured in Rhode Island Monthly for her advocacy on flooding issues. She also spoke at the Gotham Green Connector ribbon cutting, while fellow graduate Myra Morales presented at the Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association Conference at URI.
  • Infrastructure Contributions: The cohort played a pivotal role in the San Souci streambank restoration project and the DeSoto Street flood mitigation initiative. Gloria Morales’ leadership in highlighting flooding issues at DeSoto and the Gotham Greens entrance was instrumental in driving these projects forward.
  • Green Spaces: The Campeones were deeply involved in the design, planting, and maintenance of the Donigian Pollinator Garden, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Several Campeones also volunteered at WRWC’s community paddles to invite their neighbors to enjoy the river via canoe.
  • Data Collection and Monitoring: Many graduates became certified water quality monitors through the University of Rhode Island’s Watershed Watch Program. Their contributions included volunteering at WRWC’s community paddles and supporting stormwater management initiatives.
  • Collaboration and Innovation: In partnership with the Coastal Resource Center, the Campeones helped adapt the MyCoast app for Spanish-speaking users, empowering communities to document flood zones and climate impacts.
  • Community Resilience: From revitalizing the Joslin Community Garden to contributing to WRWC’s Vecina website, the Campeones strengthened their neighborhood’s capacity to respond to climate challenges.

A Vision for the Future

The Campeones de Combate Climático program began in Spring 2023 as an extension of WRWC’s Nuevas Voces program. Designed to empower Spanish-speaking leaders in Olneyville, the program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to drive nature-based climate resiliency projects. Over the course of their training, participants learned about green infrastructure, project design, and community impact, applying this knowledge to real-world projects that benefit their neighborhoods.

The program’s success is a direct result of partnerships and funding from the EPA’s SNEP SOAR initiative and theNarragansett Bay Estuary Program. With projects like De Soto St. Green Infrastructure and San Souci Streambank Restoration in progress , the Campeones have set the stage for future cohorts to continue their vital work.

Celebrating Resilience

This inaugural graduation marks the beginning of a lasting legacy. As WRWC’s Executive Director Alicia Lehrer expressed, “The Campeones program embodies the heart of community-driven change. These graduates are not just leaders—they are champions of resilience and hope for a sustainable future.”

Congratulations to our graduates: Sayda Arriaza, Gloria Morales, Myra Morales, Miriam Morales, Liliam Morales, and Laly Carvajal,. Your dedication and passion inspire us all!