Two sisters on civic engagement and sustainable living

Written By Martina Wing

Two sisters went swimming with manta rays in Hawaii. One quit competitive triathlon; the other redirected her career to hold local government accountable. Here's how one transformative ocean encounter sparked major life changes - and what that could look like for anyone who cares about the state of the world but doesn't know where to start.

Discover why your sphere of influence matters more than you think, and how starting local can create a foundation for meaningful change.

Watch the episode below, watch it on YouTube for clickable chapters/timestamps - or scroll down for a full summary and additional resources.

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Episode summary

This is what happens when a transformative ocean encounter meets people ready to take action.

Amy and Heidi's story begins with Heidi conquering her fear of snorkeling - despite having just swum 2.4 miles in the ocean for Ironman. Martina's patient briefing approach helped her try something new, and that night with the manta rays became a turning point for both sisters. The manta rays touch people's hearts, and it is this profound sensation (of accomplishment mixed with humility) that invigorates many to take action.

Heidi started examining how all her actions impact the environment and questioning whether racing triathlons aligned with her values.

Amy's path took an equally significant turn. Already passionate about ocean life from her early 2000s work on NOAA fisheries research vessels, the manta experience deepened her commitment to environmental protection. When Martina sent a pre-election newsletter urging civic engagement, Amy reached out - and that connection led to action. She joined the Documenters program through Uplift Local, attending local government meetings to create transparency and public records in her rural Washington community.

Both sisters emphasize an important message: start where you are. You don't need a national platform to create change. Amy's work documenting county boards and city councils brings democracy into the light. Heidi's daily choices about food and lifestyle reduce her environmental footprint. Together, they show that meaningful change isn't about grand gestures - it's about identifying your sphere of influence and showing up consistently within it.

 

Takeaways:

  • Fear doesn't have to stop you: Heidi overcame snorkeling anxiety through clear guidance and encouragement, teaching us that transformative experiences often wait on the other side of discomfort

  • Your sphere of influence matters: You don't need a national platform to create change - local government documentation, personal dietary choices, and community organizing all contribute to the world we're building

  • Transformative moments require follow-through: The manta ray encounter sparked insights for both sisters, but the real magic happened when they took concrete action afterward

  • Start local, think long-term: Dedicate the next decade to active engagement in political and environmental causes within your community - that's where democracy actually functions

  • Balance awareness with action: Stay informed about global challenges while focusing energy on what you can actually do right now, right here

 

Today’s guests: Amy SPring & Heidi Maldonado

Amy Spring is a Pacific Northwest-based scientist, engineer, and civic journalist who has worked in semiconductor analysis, marine fabrication, and fisheries science. After swimming with manta rays in 2023, she redirected her career toward local government transparency as a Documenter with Uplift Local News in the Columbia River Gorge.

Heidi Maldonado is a multilingual vegan triathlete and mother of six from central Texas. After competing in the 2023 Ironman World Championship in Kona, her manta ray encounter led her to reconsider her athletic career's environmental impact - ultimately choosing to step away from triathlon racing to align her actions with her values.

 

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