University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Commencement

María Luján Achirica

Candidate for Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts from Interdisciplinary studies in Environmental and Oceanic Humanitarian Studies

María Luján Achirica was born in the city of Orizaba, Veracruz. She pursued her high school education at Purnell School in New Jersey, United States. She will graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Social Sciences in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts from Interdisciplinary studies in Environmental and Oceanic Humanitarian Studies. María has also received a certificate from Harvard University for the successful completion of the course “The Health Effects of Climate Change”.

Presently serving as the Chair of the Surfrider Foundation at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Maria has demonstrated tremendous growth assuming more and more responsibilities throughout this period of time. She has been invited to speak on several media channels including TV, radio, and social media campaigns. Given her success and dedication, she was chosen to attend on behalf of Surfrider Oahu Chapter at Surfrider’s annual ‘lobby day’ to educate federal representatives about the importance of protecting the ocean and coastlines in light of climate change.

Recognized for her social activism, Maria has left an indelible mark on not only within her community but also worldwide, in March 2023 Maria was invited by the Veracruz State Attorney General for Environmental Protection to give a conference, in which she had the opportunity of sharing her experiences as a waterwoman and ocean advocate.

A dedicated environmentalist, a strategic leader, and a powerful communicator. Her journey, marked by academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and a relentless commitment to global environmental initiatives is just beginning.