Dr. Arthur C. Petersen was born and raised in the historic waterfront town of Frederiksted, located on the western end of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. He lived there through his childhood years until 1971, when he left for the US mainland to attend Cornell University on a full scholarship. After obtaining his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1982, he permanently returned to the islands. Dr.

Brenda Torres is the Executive Director of the San Juan Bay National Estuary Program, a 501(c)(3) organization that is part of the National Estuary Program. She has been in this role for 24 years and is responsible for managing the program's operations and initiatives. Torres is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has a strong platform with the right contacts and resources to quickly react and deploy resources in response to environmental challenges. She has been involved in managing issues related to renewable energy, mental health support, and comprehensive water quality sampling.

Felix Aponte-Gonzalez is a Puerto Rican urban planner and environmental manager who has lived in both rural and urban areas of Puerto Rico. He has experienced droughts and extreme weather events, including the severe drought from 1992 to 1994, which led to significant water rationing. His professional work involves planning and managing urban spaces and environmental resources. Aponte-Gonzalez has been involved in coordinating efforts to address drought events, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach involving various agencies.

Greg Guannel is the director of the Caribbean Green Technology Center at the University of the Virgin Islands. He is a civil engineer by training and has a background in coastal engineering and hazard risk reduction by ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs. Guannel focuses on issues of infrastructure resilience, energy independence, and waste reduction. He resides on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and his work encompasses the entire Virgin Islands region.

Kristin Wilson Grimes is an Assistant Professor of Research at the University of the Virgin Islands with a joint appointment in the Department of Biology and the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies. She also serves as the director for the Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Institute, a territorial and federal partnership between the territory and the United States Geological Survey.

Marianela Torres Rodríguez is a professional working in the Department of Natural Resources, currently leading the division responsible for monitoring the water plan. She resides in the Aturrey community, having grown up in the southern region of Guánica, known for its dry forest. Marianela has been actively involved in addressing past droughts, particularly the 2015 drought and extreme weather events. Her experiences and expertise have led her to develop strategies to improve resilience to future droughts and other climate events.

Dr. Pablo A. Méndez Lázaro is an Associate Professor at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus. With expertise in geography and environmental sciences, he leads research on climate change and health, contributing to national and international assessments.

Soledad Gaztambide is involved in environmental management and research, particularly focused on tropical forestry. She is currently employed as the Environmental Policy and Government Relations Coordinator at the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. Previously, Soledad worked with an Environmental Justice organization in New York City, focusing on advocating for public transportation, bike safety, and pedestrian infrastructure. She holds a Master's degree in urban and environmental policy and planning, and before that,  worked as a GIS Analyst in a Planning Office.

Vanessa Forbes is a horticulture agent with the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service. She works with the community, including farmers, homeowners, schools, and non-profit organizations, addressing issues related to agricultural commodities and home plants. Vanessa's work involves providing assistance and guidance to help individuals and organizations manage their horticultural needs. She has a diverse range of responsibilities and is involved in various aspects of horticulture, demonstrating a broad understanding of the field.