KELLY DOBROSKI PROTECTS OUR COASTLINES

@coachingbykelly.co

I was born in Florida, but I moved around a lot for my parents’ jobs and for school. Currently, I live in the D.C. metro area. I’m a silver linings seeker and also a realist - I’m not afraid to look at what’s in front of me. I’m a cancer survivor and cancer free for 10 years. I'm passionate about improving coastal resilience through better resource management and science communication. I’ve always been active and I ran my first marathon in 2019.

I wanted to swim as soon as I could walk, and my parents would often run out to find me in the lake or our neighbor's pool (sorry for the scares, Mom and Dad!). This love for the water led me to study our coasts, locally and abroad, and how people impact them. I’ve been fortunate to study microplastics on Florida beaches, mangroves in Belize, and salt marshes in North Carolina. While I love learning about the science behind how our coastal systems work, I really work to protect our coasts because people depend on healthy coastal systems to live and play in.

"I’ve been fortunate to study microplastics on Florida beaches, mangroves in Belize, and salt marshes in North Carolina."

For my full-time job, I work as a science communicator, where I translate complex scientific information into easily understood graphics and documents for the public. This helps us all better understand information like whether our beaches and rivers are safe to swim in. I also volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation, a national organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our oceans. I serve on the DC Chapter Executive Team as the Policy Coordinator, where I help determine which policies our chapter should support based on the organization’s mission and our community’s needs. We also lead river and beach clean ups, organize surfing trips, and more.

"I also volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation, a national organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our oceans."

When I’m not working or volunteering, you can usually find me running or paddle boarding (wearing FRÉ’s Protect Me!). I always wear something with pockets so I can pick up trash along the way – it’s an easy way for you to help out, too!

You can learn more about the Surfrider Foundation by visiting www.surfrider.org and search for your local chapter.