Discovering a Sense of Belonging on the Water

Marc Melendez, Waterfront Director, New York Harbor School Alumni Class of 2012
A Billion Oyster Project Staff & Harbor Alumni Feature

To Marc Melendez, Harbor School Alumni Class of 2012, New York Harbor––and his work with Billion Oyster Project––is where he discovered a sense of purpose and connection. 

“New York Harbor can create opportunities,” Marc says. “It helped me find a place where I could belong.”

Marc’s relationship with New York Harbor began in tenth grade when he enrolled at Harbor School, following in the footsteps of his older brothers. Despite having limited prior experience with boating or marine activities, he was especially drawn to classes that took him out on the water. 

“I learned that I loved various water skills––tying knots, making the cleats, working on engines,” shares Marc. “Our classes created a love for everything maritime-related for me.” 

Inspired by his experiences on the water at Harbor School, Marc decided to pursue a career in the maritime industry after graduating high school. 

“Growing up as a Hispanic kid in Brooklyn, I didn't know what I wanted to do for work. I went to Harbor School and learned about the maritime industry and boats. It felt right and like a place where I could belong,” he says.

For nearly eight years, Marc worked on ocean-going tall ships, research boats, and sailboats, sailing around the world. In 2018, searching for a place to settle after several years at sea, he returned to New York City. When the former Waterfront Manager, Luis Melendez, reached out to Marc about an open position at Billion Oyster Project, he decided to apply. The position allowed him to marry his love for the maritime industry, youth development, and urban marine restoration.

Five years later, Marc serves as our Waterfront Director, managing our boats, docks, and waterfront facilities. He deeply values his work's real-world contributions, including waterfront education initiatives and community coastal stewardship programs.

“What matters to me is that Billion Oyster Project is an organization that creates impact and change in New York City for the youth. We’re creating more access to the water, opportunities for kids to explore, and for Harbor School graduates to become part of our programming,” reflects Marc. 

Today, Marc’s personal mission is centered on sharing his connection to New York Harbor with other students, especially those who don’t see themselves represented in the industry.

“New York Harbor, the ocean is a great place for folks to find their place of belonging. Some high school and middle school students we take out with our educational team have never seen or been on the water before. They see there are other career opportunities they may not have considered,” says Marc. “You can get on the water and go anywhere in the world. I try to show them this: from New York Harbor, you can go anywhere in the world––you can go anywhere.”

In the next ten years of environmental restoration work in New York City, Marc hopes to see more professionals from marginalized communities in the maritime field. He believes our work and the impact of the Harbor School, through their shared emphases on coastal community engagement and hands-on marine learning, are central to this goal. 

“I think it’s important to show communities that there are maritime career opportunities in New York City. “There’s so much we can do, and just because others don’t look like us doesn’t mean we don’t have a place,” Marc says. 

When asked why he loves working at Billion Oyster Project, managing our waterfront team, Marc describes the water as where he feels most connected and at ease–a place that feels like home.

“For me, being on the water creates a sense of oneness,” Marc shares. “New York Harbor gives me a place to belong, no matter what I do. I always feel comfortable and in a safe place when I’m on the water.”

Learn more about Harbor School and how our education initiatives support the next generation of environmental stewardship. Read our 2024 10th Anniversary Impact Report and how you can support our efforts to raise $1 Million for 1 Billion Oysters by December 31st!