Law Student and Professor Team Up with Local Foundation to Empower Migrant Youth Through Water Sports

Earlier this summer, a Lewis & Clark Law professor and student teamed up for community service in Hood River, Oregon. Charlie Martel, a law professor, and Zoraida Espinoza, a 3L and social media coordinator for the Latinx Law Association, joined to present to local youth in partnership with the Wylde Wind and Water Foundation (WWWF). The presentation was a part of the WWWF “Viento y Agua” program, an initiative designed to connect the Hood River migrant community with water sports and a summer camp. The Viento y Agua program is a partnership between WWWF and the Hood River County School District Migrant Education Program.

During their presentation, Professor Martel and Espinoza shared insights about law school and the legal profession. Espinoza, as a Latina law student, told students her story and encouraged them to consider careers in law. Espinoza has been a student in two of Professor Martel’s classes, and they spoke about how law school prepares students for careers in the law. Martel, who also volunteers with WWWF as a safety guide and instructor, shared his passion for both law and water sports, drawing parallels between the dedication required to become a lawyer and the skills needed to master paddleboarding.

The event was organized with Fiona Wylde, founder of the Wylde Wind and Water Foundation, and Wylde’s parents, MacRae and Ellen Wylde. Wylde is a three-time world stand-up paddleboard champion and recently won the world championship in her new sport of wing foil racing. The WWWF aims to make water sports accessible to everyone, regardless of background, and to foster a love for the water through fun, engaging activities. The “Viento y Agua” program is part of this effort, providing three weeks of summer camp to children from families who often move for work in agriculture and fishing.

The “Viento y Agua” program works with students aged 8-14 to learn about water safety, ecology, and sports in a bilingual education environment. The program employs high school students as paid interns, providing them with essential work experience and leadership opportunities. The students at the presentation were WWWF interns. Professor Martel and Espinoza have also joined in the WWWF Saturday morning paddles; these are free community paddles open to the public. The interns work to help guests at the paddles learn to paddle safely.

“Fiona and her parents have created an incredible program that not only teaches water safety but also provides pathways to work and career opportunities,” Martel said.

The event highlighted the synergies between the Wylde Wind and Water Foundation’s mission and the values of inclusivity and empowerment that Martel and Espinoza strive to promote in their legal careers. “We are planning on having Fiona come to share with our law students how the lessons of high-level paddleboarding can help with success in law school,” says Martel.