Help Me Set Sail for Science From the Great Lakes to the Caribbean

Water has shaped nearly every chapter of my life. I'm a Chicago native, lifelong swimmer, sailor, ecologist, educator, and clean water advocate. Now, I'm taking my passion for water protection offshore!

In January 2027, I'll join eXXpedition Caribbean II, an all-women ocean research voyage sailing from St. Maarten to Curaçao to investigate marine plastic pollution and explore solutions to this global environmental challenge.

As President of the Black Women Boaters Club Chicago Chapter, Co-Founder of the Chicago Area Waterways Heritage Committee, and an environmental science professor at Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago, my work connects science, maritime heritage, education, and community.

This voyage is especially meaningful because clean oceans are essential to Caribbean communities. Beyond beautiful beaches, healthy marine ecosystems support fishing, tourism, food security, cultural traditions, and livelihoods. Protecting these waters means protecting the people whose lives are connected to them.

The Great Lakes and the Caribbean may be separated by geography, but they share a global pollution problem.

As a Black woman in science and sailing, representation matters to me, too. I want more Black women and girls to see themselves as scientists, sailors, explorers, and leaders in protecting our waters.

Your contribution will help cover my remaining voyage-related expenses and support my efforts to bring what I learn back to Chicago through education, community engagement, and environmental advocacy.

Whether you donate or simply share this campaign, you're helping me take Chicago's freshwater perspective to the Caribbean and bring a world of knowledge home.

Will you help put some wind in my sails?

With gratitude,

Dr. Mila K. Marshall

Ecologist | Educator | Sailor | Clean Water Advocate

My journey aboard eXXpedition Caribbean II is made possible through the generosity, encouragement, and support of an incredible group of sailing partners.

I'm deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations investing in my participation in this all-women ocean research expedition. Your support helps me bring together my passions for clean water, marine science, maritime access, and community education.

Photo Credit: Manta_Trawl