Seed Talk lineup announced for UOG’s 2026 Conference on Island Sustainability

The University of Guam has announced three dynamic voices set to take the stage as this year’s Seed Talk presenters at the Conference on Island Sustainability, spotlighting emerging community leaders whose work reflects the conference’s theme, “Illuminating the Path to Prosperity.”

The annual conference, scheduled for April 20–24 at the Hyatt Regency Guam, is the university’s flagship sustainability gathering, convening researchers, policymakers and community advocates from across the Pacific and beyond to address climate resilience, environmental stewardship and sustainable development challenges unique to island communities.

This year, the conference will take a closer focus on island resilience as Guam and the CNMI recover from the recent wrath of Supertyphoon Sinlaku.

According to Kyle Mandapat, Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), the producers of CIS2026, this year’s Seed Talk lineup is intentionally diverse, bringing together innovators from grassroots activism to creative entrepreneurship.

“We are excited to welcome this amazing group of presenters, all with their own story, all with their unique vision of what prosperity for island people looks like,” said Mandapat. “Their presentations will inspire viewers and really help to cultivate new ideas into tangible solutions for our communities.”

CIS2026 Seed Talk Presenters:

Kallen Perez, a rising environmental advocate, has built a reputation for youth-led sustainability initiatives on Guam. Perez’s work centers on mobilizing young islanders around conservation and climate awareness, often blending education with hands-on community projects.

Leilani Sablan Naden represents a new generation of cultural and environmental storytellers. Her work and research with island fishers and conservationists have helped to inform public policy and frameworks designed to ensure resources for generations to come.

Rounding out the group is Frank “The Crank” Camacho, a personality known for his unconventional approach to advocacy and public engagement. Camacho is a mixed martial arts icon and a small business owner. His culturally based approach to business can bring many lessons for those working to increase the state of the future economy of islands.

Seed Talks are designed as short, high-impact presentations that introduce fresh ideas and emerging leaders to the broader conference audience. The format complements the conference’s broader program of panels, workshops, and research presentations, which typically draw more than a thousand participants annually over the course of the one-week gathering.

According to Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director of UOG CIS & Sea Grant, CIS is a hub for collaboration—where academic research meets community-driven solutions.

“Along with Seed Talks, the entire opening day of CIS2026 on Wednesday, April 22, will be open and free for the entire community to attend,” said Shelton. “We invite everyone to join us and be a part of this community working towards Guam’s sustainable future.”

Shelton says that CIS2026 will help to continue and expand the discussion, especially given the recent concerns Guam and the CNMI have faced including deep sea mining, safe water, and typhoon resiliency. He said, “We are always moving for a broader push to make sustainability conversations more inclusive and community-centered, particularly on an island where climate impacts and resource management are everyday concerns.”

Now in its 17th year, the Conference on Island Sustainability has grown into a cornerstone event for the region, fostering partnerships and surfacing solutions tailored to island environments.

The opening day festivities begin at 4pm with the ceremonial start, followed by a co-chair conversation featuring UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A and Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, an opening panel, Seed Talks and culminating with CIS Community Night featuring local vendors, performers and research presentations.

This year’s Community Night will also serve as the launch for the University of Guam’s relief efforts for those affected by Sinlaku on Guam and in the CNMI. Raffle tickets will be given to attendees who make a contribution of goods or money that will be donated to relief programs facilitated through partners including Northern Marianas College.

For the entire agenda and to register for the entire conference, visit uog.edu/cis2026.