Our team is at the heart of everything we do at the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, and we’re excited to share their stories with you! In our “Meet the Team” series, we’ll highlight the passionate individuals who make our work possible—sharing their roles, inspirations, and favorite moments along the river. From personal reflections to environmental insights, this series is a way for you to connect with the people behind the WRWC and learn what drives them to protect and celebrate the Woonasquatucket River and its watershed.

Meet the Team: David Morales (he,him)

Director of Community Action

We’re excited to spotlight the awesome people who make WRWC what it is! Today, meet David!

What’s your role here at WRWC?
I have the pleasure of serving as the Director of Community Action with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council where I help lead community leadership cohorts, such as Nuevas Voces and Campeones del Combate Climatico.
How long have you been part of the WRWC team?
I have been here for a year and a half!
Is there something about the Woonasquatucket River or the work WRWC does that you wish more people understood? What would you like to shout from the rooftops about our mission?
We’re proud to work closely with our neighbors in Olneyville to help build and support community leaders through environmental education! That’s why we’re focused on breaking down barriers to access by making our programs fully bilingual, offering childcare services, and creating real opportunities for neighbors to learn and share their ideas! We want all of our neighbors to know that Woonasquatucket river flows right through their neighborhood. We want them to know about the river’s history of contamination and the community advocacy that went towards transforming a once blighted space into Riverside Park. Because when community members have the tools, knowledge, and access, they become powerful advocates, not just for the river, but for a healthier Providence community.
What’s an environmental issue close to your heart that you’d love to see the community tackle? Why is this one especially important to you?

I’d love to see more investments in green infrastructure, especially in the neighborhoods that experience the worst flooding. Our neighbors in Olneyville, Manton, and Silver Lake know exactly where the water pools after a storm and they know what solutions would make the biggest difference! Just imagine bioswales lining our sidewalks and roads in those areas, not only would they help absorb stormwater and reduce flooding, but they’d also bring more greenery into our daily lives. It’s a chance to tackle climate impacts and improve our quality of life all at once.

Do you have a favorite spot along the river or in the watershed? What makes it special to you?

Donigian Park is one of my favorite spots in Providence as it has all the amenities you would want in a park, from a soccer field, a basketball court, tables, a playground for the kiddos, and of course, the Greenway! What makes it extra special to me is the pollinator garden our department helped create. It brought new life and color to the space, and most importantly, it brought our neighbors together.

If you could share one small action with people that would help make a difference for the environment, what would it be?
Taking a ride on uncle RIPTA! I encourage all of our neighbors to incorporate public transit into your day whether its for running errands, heading downtown, or getting out to our parks.
If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be?
I would love the ability to speak every language, not just for the fun of it, but because language is such a powerful way to connect with our neighbors. Sharing a conversation outside of English opens up entire worlds of culture, history, and community that so often get lost in translation. To speak someone’s language is to show respect, curiosity, and a willingness to truly listen and I think the world could use a lot more of that.
Is there an animal (wild or pet) that you feel a special connection to, or one that always makes you smile?

My fluffy cat, Mochi. He is very cuddly and I love the time that we sit outside together.

Anything else that you would like to share with the world?
I’m grateful to be surrounded by an incredible team of strong, independent women who inspire me every single day. They bring so much joy, purpose, and heart to our work, turning even the toughest challenges into moments of laughter and meaning. Working alongside them makes everything we do in the community that much more powerful.