At BCI, we are very grateful to be able to collaborate at various stages of projects with researchers, educators, communicators, and expert nature guides, as well as with all the wonderful volunteers who join our work year after year.

Paulina Godoy is a marine biologist specializing in ecotourism, with academic training in Guatemala, Chile, and Mexico. She arrived in Cabo Pulmo in 2005, where she worked as a dive guide and later served for six years as Director of the community organization Amigos por la Conservación de Cabo Pulmo, coordinating environmental monitoring, education, and local development programs.

Before joining Baja Coastal Institute (BCI), Paulina participated in whale research in the North Pacific and led a research project in Guatemala. She has also collaborated on the production of educational audiovisual projects focused on the conservation of Baja California’s natural heritage. She has been part of BCI since 2017 and currently leads the organization as Executive Director.

José Rogelio Cadena Monteverde

Educational Projects Coordinator for Conservation | BCI

Rogelio began his work in conservation through horticulture, working in community gardens. He holds a degree in Business Management Engineering from the National Technological Institute of Mexico.

Since 2014, he has collaborated with Raíz de Fondo on projects as a coordinator of backyard gardens, outreach initiatives, and green infrastructure programs at the high school level.

Since 2022, Rogelio has participated in various activities with BCI. He currently works at Rancho La Piedra and collaborates with BCI as a rain garden construction technician for the Siembra de Agua BCS program. In this role, he enjoys continuing to learn and sharing knowledge with students, teachers, and the broader community on techniques for rainwater harvesting and conservation.

Mariana Fuentes Zarco

Local Administrator | BCI

Mariana is a biologist who graduated from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco and holds a master’s degree in Education and Leadership. Her academic background has allowed her to integrate a scientific approach with educational processes focused on environmental conservation.

She began her career in conservation by participating in sea turtle protection projects—an experience that sparked her interest in environmental education as a key tool for conservation. Mariana has experience designing and developing educational curricula across different levels, from basic education to higher education.

Since 2024, Mariana has participated in various educational activities with BCI and currently serves as our Local Administrator.

ZHOE FRÍAS

BCI COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR

With a degree in Communication Sciences from Tecnológico de Monterrey, Zhoe,  has more than 20 years of experience in the development of communication and graphic design, web, editorial and advertising projects. Today, she collaborates in BCI as a graphic and content advisor in the different Communication and Education programs, from the design and development of her website and the Education to Action online platform, as well as other printed and digital materials and media.

JUDITH CASTRO LUCERO

BCI VOLUNTEER

Judy is originally from Cabo Pulmo, but as a young woman she left to study and work in different parts of Mexico. When she returned in 2008, she went to stay permanently and dedicate herself to the conservation and defense of the place, becoming a leader and spokesperson for the vision of Cabo Pulmo in various parts of the world. With her effort and dedication, she has been one of the most important agents of change to make this place what it is today. She is currently a representative of the social sector in the Technical Committee of the Fund for Natural Protected Areas at the National level and collaborates with BCI as a volunteer, supervising and supporting operations at the Environmental Education Campus in Cabo Pulmo.