In this episode, we are honored to feature Mary Coakley Munk, co-founder and President of the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans.

Mary and her late husband, Dr. Walter Munk, started the Foundation in 2017 to carry forward his remarkable legacy of oceanographic exploration, scientific discovery, and devotion to the marine environment. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing ocean science, promoting earth science education, and championing ocean conservation.

Mary shares her personal journey from moving to La Jolla Shores in 2000, engaging deeply with the local community, and founding Friends of La Jolla Shores, to helping launch impactful projects such as educational plazas in public parks, bronze sculptures, and playgrounds. These efforts reflect her passion for preserving public spaces and raising environmental awareness in creative, tangible ways.

Join us as Mary discusses the Foundation’s current work: field-trips and outreach for youth, partnerships in conservation (including initiatives for the “Mobula munkiana” ray), educational projects around Lake Altaussee, and how her leadership seeks to engage people of all ages in caring for our oceans. It’s an inspiring conversation about vision, legacy, and action in La Jolla and beyond.