ll Environmental Forum
Ecosystems Under Threat
Ecotoxicity and Human Action in South Carolina
A forum led by Mujerres Latinas in South Carolina to raise awareness, educate, and mobilize the community around the toxic impacts on our rivers, beaches, forests, and wetlands.
Overall Goal
The 2026 Environmental Forum brought together scientists, community leaders, and environmental advocates to reflect on an urgent reality: the health of our ecosystems is deeply connected to our actions as a society.
Through diverse perspectives, this forum demonstrated that environmental challenges are not isolated problems, but rather interconnected systems that impact our health, our communities, and our future.
From the invisible presence of microplastics in the environment, to the emotional impact of environmental change and the power of community leadership, each intervention provided a deeper understanding of what is at stake.
This space was more than a meeting; it was a call to conscience and collective responsibility.
Our speakers reminded us that:
1.
Environmental risks don't act in isolation, but rather combine and amplify their effects.
2.
Ecosystem pollution directly impacts human health.
3.
Emotional health influences how we make decisions regarding the environment.
4.
Science provides evidence, but it is community action that generates real change.
In essence, this forum left us with a clear and powerful truth:
The path to a sustainable future begins with informed communities, conscious decisions, and collective action.
Mujeres Latinas de Carolina del Sur continues to lead this work, creating spaces where education, science, and community come together to inspire meaningful change in the Tri-County region.
Our Speakers
Jeanmariht Cabrera
Jeanmariht Cabrera
is Vice President of Latina Women of South Carolina (MLSC) and a community outreach leader. Her work focuses on connecting communities—especially the Latino community—with environmental education, promoting participation, leadership, and access to opportunities that strengthen community well-being and environmental stewardship.
Jeanmariht Cabrera shared a community-centered perspective: Environmental change begins with community leadership and active participation.
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Sara McDonald, PhD
Sara McDonald is Vice President of Conservation at the South Carolina Aquarium, where she leads initiatives focused on marine life protection and environmental education. Her work centers on coastal ecosystem conservation, reducing plastic pollution, and strengthening the connection between communities and the environment.
Sara McDonald invited us to reflect on the real impact of plastic on our planet, showing that this problem goes far beyond what is visible.
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Sara McDonald PhD
Miriam Boucher
Miriam Boucher is a wildlife biologist and Ph.D.
candidate in Forestry & Environmental Conservation at Clemson University. Her work focuses on the study of emerging pollutants, such as microplastics and persistent chemicals, using species like alligators to better understand the environmental impact on ecosystems and wildlife health.
Miriam Boucher presented us with a unique and scientific perspective on how ecosystems reflect the state of our environmental health.
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Nilsy Rapalo, Licensed Psychologist, Wellness Coach,
and President of the Circle of Wellness. Her work focuses on mental health, emotional well-being, and community support, helping people develop tools to face personal and social challenges from a holistic perspective.
Nilsy Rapalo shared an essential perspective with us: environmental impact not only affects our ecosystems but also our emotional health.
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Nilsy Rapalo
Dr. Geoffrey I. Scott
Geoffrey I. Scott, Ph.D.,
Is a scientist specializing in environmental toxicology and public health, with a distinguished career in the study of chemical pollutants and their impact on ecosystems and human health. His work focuses on understanding how substances such as pesticides, plastics, and microplastics interact with biological and social factors, generating cumulative risks for individuals and communities.
Geoffrey I. Scott, Ph.D., presented us with a troubling reality: microplastics, pesticides, and other chemicals do not act in isolation. When combined with factors such as obesity or early childhood exposure, they can multiply the damage to the body, affecting organs, development, and future health.
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Tony Bartelme.
Is an investigative journalist with over 30 years of experience at The Post and Courier, specializing in environmental issues, climate change, and its hidden impacts on society. His work is distinguished by its ability to transform complex scientific information into understandable and deeply human stories, connecting the evidence to people's everyday lives.
During his presentation, Tony Bartelme introduced the concept of the “invisible threats” of climate change, comparing them to “invisible snakes.” an award-winning environmental journalist known for translating complex climate and science issues into powerful stories that connect with everyday life.
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Tony Bartelme.
Sponsors
