ABOUT US
The team behind Swim for the Whales
Swim for the Whales is made up of a diverse and passionate team committed to protecting whales and ocean conservation.
Our History
Swim for the Whales is an initiative—today established as a non-profit civil association—that was born in 2023 from an extraordinary challenge: swimming across the Bay of Banderas—a continuous 37 km night swim—to raise awareness for humpback whales and the protection of marine ecosystems in the Mexican Pacific.
What began as a sports challenge quickly transformed into an innovative model of social mobilization and crowdfunding. Through sports as an engine of inspiration, we connect people, organizations, and communities to raise funds, generate awareness, and support concrete ocean protection actions.
All this with the shared vision of contributing to a living ocean, where whales and marine life can thrive alongside the coastal communities that depend on it.
What do we do?
We transform citizen participation into tangible impact. We provide funds to specialized organizations through:
- Events for a Cause: Physical challenges, open water swims, and global virtual participation.
- Awareness: Communication campaigns and environmental education to empower the community.
- Strategic Alliances: Multi-sectoral links between NGOs, academia, government, and the private sector.
Our Team
Stephanie Montero
Founder / DoctorStephanie is a doctor, environmental health expert, and open water swimmer. Her dream of crossing the Bay of Banderas gave rise to Swim for the Whales, where she combines her love for the ocean, her passion for sports, and her professional experience to inspire awareness and mobilize actions for the planet.
Andi Enríquez
Biologist / Clinical ResearchAndi is a biologist with over 20 years in clinical research, who found in open water swimming a way to connect science and love for nature. Swim for the Whales has allowed her to return to her roots, bringing together heart, knowledge, and a cause to protect what she loves.
Jorge Morales
Marine Biologist / PhotographerJorge is a marine biologist who has collaborated in the rescue of over 30 cetaceans. He promotes responsible tourism focused on conservation and knowledge, as well as a love for the sea in children and young people. Since the beginning of Swim for the Whales, he passionately documents every swim and action, integrating science, art, and conservation.
Maricarmen Sierra
International RelationsMaricarmen, with a background in International Relations, has over a decade of experience in environmental projects, from comprehensive waste management to the efficient use of water and energy. In Swim for the Whales, she reaffirms her conviction that citizen participation is key to caring for our planet.
Valentina Cantón
Sports PhysiotherapistValentina is a sports physiotherapist with Olympic and World Cup experience. Passionate about diving into the sea and protecting it, she professionally accompanies the athletic feats of Swim for the Whales, bringing her knowledge to a cause that touches her soul.
Alejandro Arévalo
Kayaker / SafetyAn experienced kayaker who has accompanied open water swimmers around the world. In Swim for the Whales, his participation has been key by offering safety, guidance, and motivation during each sports challenge, in addition to having a deep commitment to the marine cause and local communities.
Collaborators
Yoselin Gloria
Sports SciencesYoselin is a sports sciences professional with a strong social and environmental focus. Her love for whales, creativity, and experience in sporting events were key to creating the emblematic Swim for the Whales team event, a pillar of awareness and fundraising for the organization.
Jessica Montero
Design & TranslationJessica holds a degree in Arts and is a hiking enthusiast. She is the creator of the Swim for the Whales logo and supports the organization in various design and translation activities, contributing to strengthening the visual and communicative identity of the initiative.
Frank McCann
Conservation PhotographerFrank is a Mexican photographer who promotes marine conservation through the visual power of his striking images. A whale lover, he has dedicated much of his life to them through photo-identification. He collaborates with various organizations and has been a fundamental pillar in the formation of Swim for the Whales.
Virginia Segovia
Graphic Design & IllustrationGraphic designer, illustrator, and geometric art therapist, she found a deep calling in open water swimming: using her art as a channel and call to consciousness to care for the Earth. Today, through Swim for the Whales, she inspires others to take real action grounded in a connection with the planet's life.
Ana Paula Segovia
Aquatic EducatorAna Pau is a psychologist by profession, an aquatic educator by vocation, and the founder of Y Además Nadamos. She has significantly contributed to the promotion and organization of Swim for the Whales events.
Mario Pons
Artist & ScreenwriterAn artist, designer, and screenwriter, he has brought to life productions such as El Chavo Animado and Top Cat. Today he carves his path as an independent author and creator, collaborating with Swim for the Whales by contributing his creativity and talent, coupled with a deep commitment to nature and the environment we inhabit.
Karina Almanza
Accountant & LogisticsKarina is an accountant, open water swimmer, and ocean enthusiast. Her participation was fundamental in the organization and logistics of the first edition of the Swim for the Whales team event, a pillar of awareness and fundraising for the organization.
The ocean needs more guardians
Join this multidisciplinary team and transform your support into direct action for the ecosystems of the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Organization
Transparency and details about our structure and team.
Yes, Nado por las Ballenas is legally constituted in Mexico as a non-profit Civil Association (A.C.). Our model guarantees accountability and transparency in the management of funds destined for marine conservation.
The initiative was founded by Stephanie Montero Bending, a medical doctor, environmental health expert, and open water swimmer, after her open water swim across the Bay of Banderas in 2023 with the goal of raising awareness about the plight of humpback whales.
We have a multidisciplinary core team that includes marine biologists, doctors, physiotherapists, international relations experts, and maritime safety specialists, supported by a network of collaborators in sports sciences, design, and conservation photography.
Yes, in addition to our daily tasks and professional jobs, we actively participate in the field. Stephanie, Valentina, Andi, and Jorge support marine ecosystem cleanups and coral planting in the Isla Isabel National Park. Frank and Jorge belong to the RABEN network as entangled whale rescuers and documentarians. We also participate in the Trash Fishing Tournament, conduct responsible tourism and environmental education workshops, and attend environmental fairs where, alongside world-renowned organizations, we contribute to conservation with unique dynamics.
Yes, citizen participation is key to our model. Those wishing to actively join can contact us through our official email (contacto@nadoporlasballenas.org) to learn about current volunteer opportunities at events and activations.
