The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) began on October 21 and will run until November 1 in Cali, Colombia.
Colombian leaders emphasize that the event aims to communicate Latin America's message about the importance of climate action and the protection of life.
Hundreds of experts in biodiversity, marine ecosystems, coastal ecosystems, and traditional knowledge are participating in discussions focused on sustaining life on Earth and how the Convention on Biological Diversity promotes both nature and human well-being.
Recently, the WOC STEM Conference honored Isha M. Renta López, a remarkable leader dedicated to science and her community.
Isha is a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Program Office. According to their website, this office fosters research that can be translated into weather forecasts, helping the public be better prepared for weather phenomena.
Isha’s passion for meteorology originated in her homeland of Puerto Rico.
As a management program analyst at NOAA, she has already transformed the agency's communication practices and aligned scientific initiatives with budgetary goals.
She serves as a vital advisor to NOAA’s chief scientist and has led groundbreaking reforms that have strengthened the agency's mission.
As a devoted mentor, especially for young women of color, she inspires the next generation of scientists to pursue their dreams.
Isha's accomplishments earned her the 2024 Women of Color (WOC) STEM Conference Professional Achievement in Government Award, which recognizes her career successes and unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, education, and cultural pride.
In her acceptance speech at the 2024 WOC STEM Gala in Detroit, she said at 2:42: “Twenty years ago, I made the difficult decision to leave Puerto Rico because there were no meteorology degrees. Through my journey as a Latina, my accent has helped tell my story. My gratitude goes to all those who have mentored, lifted, and supported me. They taught me the value of lifting as you climb. To my family in Virginia and Puerto Rico, this is for you.”
The accompanying photo shows Isha (in blue jacket) with other panelists from the conference seminar titled “Women Empowered to Engage.”
L-R: Isha M. Renta López; Hanan Alhaddi, senior manager, enterprise transformation, Ford Motor Company; Krista Madrill, laser jet R&D senior manager, HP, Inc.; and Brigadier General Antoinette R. Gant, chief, Army Enterprise Marketing Office. U.S. Army Recruiting Command.
In addition, she serves as the executive director of Semilla Cultural in Puerto Rico and is a Latina children's book author.
