Please join us in welcoming Caroline Roche. Caroline was a Water Conservation Intern for the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), where she worked closely with both the freshwater policy and ocean policy teams. Most recently, Caroline completed a communications and government affairs internship with Restore America’s Estuaries, strengthening her experience with coastal and habitat conservation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Fine Art. Get to know her below!
Where does your interest in the ocean come from?
I grew up a short walk from Lake Michigan where I fell in love with swimming in crashing waves before ever experiencing saltwater. Mountains, the ocean, and old growth forests are still difficult at times for my flat, Illinois-brain to comprehend. The first time I swam in (and was pummeled by) the Pacific Ocean was when I started to understand the sheer size and power of the natural world. I am fascinated with how humans can survive in the harshest natural conditions, let alone explore and build thriving communities. When I think about the ocean, I think about how small but resilient we are.
What path took you into ocean policy?
I decided to go to college in DC and major in political science with the hopes that I could work vaguely in a social justice or community advocacy area I had yet to identify. Finally, my senior year, I took a class called the Politics of Water that changed my life. Everything clicked into place: my love for science, the earth, and human resilience in one policy area. Fascinated by natural water systems and nature based solutions for water conservation and management, I applied to the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) as the Water Intern in the Conservation Component. While there, I worked with the Ocean Policy Directors and learned about coral reef and species conservation, federal levers for environmental and cultural protection, and the urgency of implementing effective policy to mitigate the effects of coastal development and climate change. I further expanded my experience in coastal advocacy through an internship with Restore America’s Estuaries before landing at ESP. I haven’t looked back and am continuing to dive into the world of water!
What are you looking forward to in your work with ESP Advisors?
I am excited to strengthen my ability to communicate complex policy updates to a larger audience. This is the stuff that a university political science department talks about but doesn’t force you to practice. I also am at a point where all I want to do is meet people in this space doing the work that I want to do, and there are endless opportunities so far with ESP!
What’s something about the ocean you wish more people knew?
The complex and unique biological adaptations of all living things on earth always amazes me, but especially when it comes to the ocean. Bioluminescence, camouflage, the capability to withstand deep-sea pressure… It’s truly mind boggling.
