Mario’s professional achievements are as follows: double graduate from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor's Degree of Environmental Science in Environmental Technology & an Associates Degree in Interior Design (cum laude). After receiving his degree he pursued his licensing as a licensed Interior Designer of Puerto Rico with the State Department (LIC #1748). He is also a bonafide licensed artist of Puerto Rico with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (#19090), patent holder for his designs (12-294), registered small business owner for his brand, Mario Felipe Design (0540167-0013) and a published artist in venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico. To further his education, Mario has also garnered  an OSHA 30 hours certificate — Occupational Safety & Health Administration Construction Safety and Health (12-602004873), NCCER certificate—National Center for Construction Education and Research: Core Curriculum, Carpentry Level I, Solar Photovoltaic certificate, and Solar Photovoltaic Installer certificate (16033507) and finally a NABCEP Licensing—North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (PVA-120716-016362). A resident of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico since 1997, Mario has been a witness to the deterioration of his home and offered a solution to the problem by drafting a proposal for “Punta Borinquen Natural Park” in November of 2012. This proposal evolved into what we have today, a fully fledged nonprofit Rescate Playas Borinquen!

You cannot talk about the surf culture in Aguadilla without mentioning the name Becky Taylor. She has been a staple in the community since she moved down to the island with her husband Bill in 1978. Maybe most well-known as the owner of Surf Zone surf shop located above surfers Beach, which she opened nearly 40 years ago. Her prowess on a surfboard is also something to be admired, having represented team Puerto Rico in competition numerous times around the world.

She has also raised two kids on the beaches of Aguadilla. Her passion and commitment to improving the beaches and also protecting them from future developers comes from wanting to see her three grandchildren and the future generations enjoy those same pristine beaches that her children grew up with. 

Marie McDermet is the Treasurer of Rescate Playas Borinquen Corp on its Executive Committee.

Before being named Treasurer in July 2024, Marie was and continues to be RPBQN’s Administrative Coordinator. As AC she is responsible for improving the communication and work-flow for the benefit of our Donors, Collaboration Partners, and Volunteers. Marie enjoys giving back to the people of Puerto Rico.

Prior to joining RPBQN, Marie was the Owner and Artistic Director of North Shore Performing Arts Center in Ipswich, MA and worked in Commercial Lending and Portfolio Management for nearly 25 years. She managed a portfolio of up to $40M in land use projects with an eye to environmental & regulatory management. Marie has also worked with several educational foundations in a fiduciary capacity.

Dr. Carbonell was born and raised in Isabela, PR. She currently works for Amazon Alexa and lives in Santa Barbara, CA, but keeps close ties to the island and her family in PR. Kathy first joined Rescate Playas after many years of supporting the efforts of it's founder and longtime childhood friend, Mario Torres. She is passionate about conservation and is delighted to serve as a board member for this great organization and it's community.

Welcome to our new website. Please excuse us while we finish and improve the contents of the site. 

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Kate Malavenda was born in California and has built her life around service, integrity, and community. After graduating from high school, she pursued higher education in Daytona Beach, Florida, and later served in the U.S. Army. Alongside her husband, she lived in various locations, including North Carolina, Okinawa, Japan, and Rhode Island, before settling in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, in 2013.

In 2016, Kate founded her counseling and psychology practice, driven by her commitment to helping others. Throughout her years in Aguadilla, she has supported Rescate Playas Borinquen (RPB), a local environmental organization founded by Mario. Kate fondly remembers Mario starting RPB against all odds, and she admires his perseverance in protecting and improving the beautiful coastal spaces for the community.

Kate believes in honesty and integrity, choosing to do what is right even when it is difficult, rather than following popular trends. This philosophy aligns closely with the mission of RPB, and she is proud to serve alongside Mario and the other dedicated members of the organization. In addition to her work, Kate loves to surf and spend quality time with her family, staying deeply connected to both nature and the people she loves.

Hi, I'm Carlos Alvarado from Aguadilla and I've been collaborating with Rescate Playas Borinquen since 2022 maintaining the Hiking and Mountain Bike Trails in the Punta Borinquen Area. I'm a Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Certified Trainer, Boy Scouts of America Leader and founder of the group Aguadilla MTB Community on Facebook. I work for Pura Energia, which is a local Solar Energy Company and I own a Security Systems Company in Aguadilla.  As Aguadilla MTB Community I have encouraged Mountain Bikers from around the Island to visit our Hoyo 8 MTB Playground and experience for themselves the work that Rescate and Aguadilla MTB have been doing in the preservation of Punta Borinquen. Also we had the privilege to be in charge of the creation of Ramey Central Park alongside with Rescate Playas Borinquen and other groups from our community.  I consider myself a very active person in the protection and preservation of our Natural Resources.