As a brand deeply rooted in art, community, and storytelling, we’re always striving to uplift and share the work of those who inspire us. For our latest "Inspired By" feature, we’re honored to introduce Mario Ordoñez-Calderón, co-founder of Un Mar de Colores. Un Mar de Colores cultivates and inspires inclusivity, diversity, and ocean stewardship through surf therapy, environmental education, and mentorship for children of color and underserved youth.
Inspired by the ocean’s power as a catalyst for interconnection with self and nature, Mario wanted to create a way to pass along the opportunity to experience the ocean and its benefits to future generations.
When did you start your journey with Un Mar de Colores?
My journey with Un Mar de Colores started after I was stationed at Camp Pendleton as a Corpsman in the Navy. Living in Oceanside, CA, I learned to surf and quickly felt this powerful connection between the ocean, community, and myself. Surfing brought a lot of good things into my life, and I realized how transformative that connection to the ocean could be. I wanted to share that with others—especially people from Indigenous and Latino communities like mine, who often face barriers when it comes to accessing the coast. That’s how Un Mar de Colores came to life. I wanted to create a space where underserved youth could experience that same sense of belonging to the sea that I’d found. Ultimately, I hoped to help them build a relationship with both land and water, so that as they learn to surf, they also grow into stewards of these environments. It was founded on the pillars of community, reciprocity, respect, and joy.
What or who inspired you to begin this impactful work?
It was really the ocean and my community that inspired me—there’s just something about how the ocean connects people to a sense of calm, joy, and purpose. When I found that peace through surfing, I couldn’t help but start to notice that privilege. I thought about how late that realization came into my life and how many communities in the U.S. don’t have the chance to experience it, whether it’s from historical displacement from the coastline, as seen with many Native communities, or a fear of the ocean’s currents, which I found to be a common thread in many Latino immigrants' feelings. But I also saw the strength and healing that comes from a united community, especially when it’s centered around a positive relationship with nature. I wanted to help create that sense of connection—not just to the ocean but to each other. Seeing how just one day at the beach could change a young person’s perspective and deepen their care for themselves, their community, and the environment pushed me to start Un Mar de Colores.
What inspires you in your work today?
What really keeps me going is the resilience and passion I see in the youth we work with. Watching them grow as leaders, and seeing how deeply they care about protecting the ocean, is a constant reminder of why this work matters. Our programs like our Generación SEA: Binational Youth Climate Academy show me that this next generation is ready to step up and lead, whether it's tackling local climate challenges or advocating for their communities. It’s inspiring to see how they become not only voices for change but connect with each other and grow their confidence. It gives me hope that we’re moving toward a more inclusive and sustainable future together.
Any advice for those looking to make a difference through volunteer work? Start by listening. Get to know the community you want to serve, and let their needs shape your efforts. And remember, small actions add up—every smile, every mentorship session, every new connection makes a difference. Find what you’re passionate about, bring others along for the journey, and focus on building those relationships. Let others breathe the air into that fire. That’s where lasting change really begins.
When you’re not working on your projects, what do you enjoy doing? When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out in the water or on a long run—both help me recharge and stay connected to nature. I love camping, riding my motorcycle, and I’m learning to play the Spanish guitar. I recently started a long term passion project focused on surfing history in Mexico that will be expressed in the form of a photography book sometime hopefully in the near future. But honestly, some of my favorite moments are the simple ones, like spending time with my girlfriend, Gabby, and our Doberman, Lupita, exploring new trails, or just taking a slow walk along the beach. The more I find myself in the limelight the more I realize I’m a family man. Those quiet moments with them, friends, and family remind me of why I do what I do and keep me grounded.
What is your dream trip where you feel you could gather the most creative inspiration? Dream trips for me are always about exploring the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, where my Mayan family has lived since time immemorial. I’ve gone home every summer since I was a baby, and each time, I discover something new about the land and our roots. There’s something magical about being surrounded by the low lying jungles, the sounds of town dances in the pueblos centro, the hidden cenotes, and seeing the ancient pyramids that have watched over these lands for centuries. Walking through the same landscapes my ancestors did gives me a deep sense of connection with my roots and pride, and I always leave feeling inspired. I think that immersing myself in the rich history and vibrant nature of the Yucatán will always give me endless ideas for bringing culture, nature, and community together in my work back home. It’s a place where I can reflect, recharge, and dream about new ways to connect people to the land and the ocean.
Follow along with Un Mar de Colores on IG here
Learn more about Un Mar de Colores here
