Megan is a devoted marine life conservationist studying Marine Science at California State University Monterey Bay. She has always loved the sea and all its beautiful creatures and is dedicated to protecting and conserving marine ecosystems. Megan met Founder Vicki Patterson in Dana Point while picking up trash on Doheny Beach and was excited to have met someone who shared her love for environmental conservation.

Vicki told her all about Stand Up To Trash and inspired Megan to bring the organization to Monterey Bay. It has been a dream come true for her to bring the incredible mission of

Stand Up To Trash to her community and inspire others to take action in the fight against pollution. 

Mariana Jimenez (MJ) is finishing her Marine Science & Data Science degree at California State University, Monterey Bay. She has a passion for conservation and natural history, thus has the utmost respect for nature and believes in making all spaces more welcoming. She approaches others with a sense of respect and humility. Mariana believes everyone is connected to the ocean and our earth and aims to make the outdoors and science inclusive and accessible. Mariana met Megan while conducting intertidal research together, and they both bonded over wanting to give back to their local community.

One of Mariana’s favorite quotes is from Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."