Diego is a marine scientist and conservation biologist with over 25 years of experience designing and managing large-scale research and conservation programs. He recently served as Continental Coordinator for the Americas at SERVIR (NASA/USAID/U. Alabama in Huntsville), where he advanced geospatial technologies to support conservation initiatives across Latin America. Previously, Diego worked as Director of Conservation at LightHawk, led research operations at Texas A&M University at Galveston, built pioneering offshore environmental programs for ECOPETROL (Colombia), and led the Marine Conservation Program at the Colombian Marine and Coastal Research Institute (INVEMAR).
A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of Colombia’s prestigious Alejandro Ángel Escobar Award, Diego has authored numerous scientific publications and contributed to international policy frameworks for ecosystem management. His expertise spans marine and coastal ecology, environmental governance, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, having advised governments, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Diego holds a B.Sc. in Marine Biology at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano and a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of South Carolina. His work reflects a commitment to integrating science, technology, and collaboration to address global conservation challenges.
Why he works for Hispanic Access…
"Working in the conservation and sustainable development of natural resources has been my passion for over 30 years. The environmental crisis is impacting all of us; unfortunately, some communities, including Latinos, are disproportionately feeling its effects. Conservation can only be done with the ample participation of stakeholders, and Hispanic Access Foundation gives a unique opportunity to work with our communities to find long-lasting solutions."
In his spare time…
“About three years ago, my wife and I relocated to Asheville, NC, with only one idea in our minds: spending more time outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or just looking at the mountains are some of the things we enjoy doing during the evening and weekends.”
His favorite book…
“Usually, my favorite book is the one I am reading at the moment. Right now, it is “El Murmullo de las Abejas”, by Sofía Segovia. There have been memorable books I have read in the last couple of years, including the tetralogy “La Sombra del Viento” by Carlos Luis Zafón, or “El Amor en los Tiempos del Cólera” by Gabriel García Márquez.”
A person he finds inspirational…
“I have always admired the tenacity of my mom. I saw her overcome many obstacles throughout her life, always being positive and looking for better things to come.”