Finding Inner Peace Through Global Connection

A lifelong believer in the power of education, Mayela Padilla Manasjan recognized early on that a college degree could open doors to opportunity. She earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Systems from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in 2003, followed by a Master of Science in executive leadership from the University of San Diego in 2015. She spent two decades advancing sustainability through roles in government and education. Now, as executive director of the retreat center Casa Werma in Mexico, she blends environmental advocacy with inner well-being, creating space for personal and planetary healing. Padilla Manasjan is returning to her alma mater to give the alumni commencement address at the 2025 Scripps Undergraduate Recognition Ceremony. 

Why did you choose to study at Scripps?

As a child growing up in La Jolla, I always had a deep appreciation for the ocean and the natural environment. I was naturally curious, loved spending time outdoors, and felt a strong desire to protect the places that shaped me. For many years, I dreamed of becoming an oceanographer. But after two trips at sea that left me violently seasick, I came to the difficult realization that I wasn’t cut out for life on the water.

Not wanting to give up on science altogether, I turned my attention to the land and began studying conservation biology. The Environmental Systems (ESYS) program at Scripps Oceanography provided a strong foundation in environmental science and aligned perfectly with my commitment to preserving the natural world around me.

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Scripps?

Working as a research assistant for James J. Moore, a Scripps Oceanography professor emeritus, I studied harbor seals at Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla. At the time, public concern for the seals’ well-being was growing, but there was little scientific data to guide conservation efforts.

Our team initiated a seal census to identify resident and transient individuals, document annual births and better understand seal behavior. As a photographer, I was able to combine my visual storytelling skills with scientific inquiry, contributing to research that could support more informed conversations about the future of this shared coastal space.

This project also helped me realize that meaningful oceanographic research does not always require going out to sea. I could stay on land and still make valuable contributions to marine science.

What was your first job after graduating from Scripps? 

My first full-time position was as an assistant environmental specialist at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. In that role, my main responsibilities were conducting water quality monitoring for the stormwater program, performing wildlife monitoring of the endangered California Least Tern for the Wildlife Management Program and creating GIS maps that were used organization-wide to support airport operations.

What is your current role?

I currently serve as the executive director of Casa Werma, a meditation retreat center in Pátzcuaro, Mexico. Our mission is to offer a welcoming and inclusive space for people to explore inner peace, live with greater meaning and contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable world.

After spending 20 years working as an environmental scientist, I came to understand that the well-being of our planet is deeply connected to the well-being of our minds and hearts. If we want to sustain the outer work of protecting our environment and communities, we must also commit to the inner work of cultivating awareness, resilience and connection. This insight led me to shift my focus toward creating spaces where people can reflect, recharge and engage in practices that support both personal and collective transformation.

At Casa Werma, I draw on my background in environmental science and systems thinking to guide the center’s vision, shape its programs and develop meaningful partnerships. I see this work as a natural continuation of my commitment to caring for all sentient beings on our planet.

What is your favorite thing about your career? 

My environmental work has offered me some unique opportunities, such as collaborating with former Vice President Al Gore and the Climate Reality Project, where I have had the chance to speak to international audiences and mentor over 200 climate leaders around the world. In late 2023, I was honored to have a personal meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a passionate champion for protecting our planet and addressing climate change, who kindly offered his blessings for our work.

What I have found most rewarding, however, is mentoring emerging professionals. During my time as a senior environmental specialist for the City of Encinitas, I had the privilege of mentoring nine ESYS students. Watching them grow in confidence, develop their skills and go on to make meaningful contributions in the environmental field has been the most fulfilling part of my journey.

What was most helpful in transitioning to your career after graduation? 

The ESYS program was instrumental in my career transition. As part of the program’s interdisciplinary senior internship project requirement, I completed internships with both the San Diego County Water Authority and the Port of San Diego. When my supervisor at the Port transitioned to a role at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, he invited me to join his team there. That connection opened the door to my first full-time position and ultimately launched a 20-year career as an environmental scientist.

What advice do you have for current students? 

Be curious about your life, your studies and the world around you. Go to office hours and build meaningful connections with your professors and program administrators. Maintain your friendships with classmates. These relationships will become lifelong friendships and valuable professional networks. Pursue internships while you're in school. They provide real-world experience and can directly lead to job opportunities after graduation.

Register to vote and support leaders who care about peace, justice and the health of our planet. Give back through your time, your talents, your financial support, your voice and your presence. Whether you're volunteering, mentoring, donating, raising awareness or helping others make meaningful connections, every contribution makes a difference.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and enjoy this experience. What you do today is already making a difference and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

What do you like to do for fun?

These days, I enjoy a quieter pace of life, splitting my time between the U.S. and Mexico. I love spending time with family and friends, being outdoors in nature, taking photographs and writing poetry. I recently published my first book of poetry, Orange Line to Tennessee, which also features some of my photography.

You can connect with Mayela on LinkedIn, on her personal website and through her podcast, Tiny Climate Challenge.