The Blue Urban Project was born in 2024 when two military veterans, who met in grad school at University of South Florida, realized that saving the world didn’t have to end when they hung up their uniforms. After conquering the challenges of military life and navigating the bureaucratic maze of the federal government, they decided it was time to return to their eco-friendly roots. You know, the ones where saving the planet is cool and comes with a side of feel-good vibes.
With cities like St. Pete and Tampa bursting at the seams with people, concrete, and kombucha bars, it became clear that all this growth was taking a toll on the beautiful marine life just down the road.
Enter the Blue Urban Project, our take on “blue urbanism”—a concept that calls for sustainable urban development that embraces and protects coastal and marine environments. In other words, it’s all about designing cities that can grow without trashing the nearby ocean and waterways. By identifying low-cost, high-impact solutions, we aim to benefit both the people who love their bustling city life and the marine critters who call the ocean home. So, everyone wins—humans get their cities, and the dolphins don’t have to file noise complaints!
Kirsten, a Florida native, has always been deeply connected to her environment, sparking an early interest in becoming an environmental engineer by the age of 10. While that goal would come to fruition two decades later (sort of), her journey first took her into the military and then the federal government for the past 20 years focusing on policy analysis. In the subsequent years embraced a new chapter focused on marine conservation and sustainable urban planning. This passion ultimately led to the founding of the Blue Urban Project, where she continues her commitment to preserving both sustainable urban planning and marine ecosystems in coastal cities.
Scuba diving, traveling, reading, and spending time with her fur kids.
Eckerd College, B.A., Environmental Studies and Political Science
University of South Florida, M.S., Sustainable Energy
Raymond is a Navy veteran, with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field. Transitioning to a career in environmentalism driven by a passion for water conservation, he is dedicated to addressing the climate crisis by educating the public on sustainable coastal urban development.
As a former Search and Dive Rescue officer, he developed a passion for scuba diving and all things water. Raymond also enjoys bicycling, recreational sailing and sustainable travel.
Raymond has a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in Global Sustainability with an emphasis on water resource conservation.
Braxton is a senior at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, studying cultural and biological anthropology, with an emphasis in marine archeology.
Braxton is an Advanced scuba diver and skydiver with an interest in astrobiology, primatology and Caribbean Piracy.
She is currently in the process of earning her BA in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida.
The Blue Urban Project
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The Blue Urban Project Corporation (BUP) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tax identification number 99-4411562.
BUP operates with the highest standards of ethics and open, honest communication. Read our “open door”, whistleblower policy or report a concern through the Council of Nonprofits.
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