Brenda Torres Barreto is a professional in the field of sustainability with vast experience in environmental management, corporate social responsibility and public policy development through empowerment and multisector alliances. She has excelled in leadership positions in Puerto Rico and the United States.
Her professional career has led her to be part of Governor Andre W. Cuomo’s executive team as Assistant Secretary for the Environment of the State of New York. It was there that Torres Barreto advised Governor Andre W. Cuomo on environmental policy and had the opportunity to develop the state environmental justice platform in New York. Prior to working in the governor’s office, Brenda led the efforts of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the Northeastern United States. From this position, she represented the interests of Puerto Ricans on the Island and Puerto Ricans in this region of the US facing federal agencies, state and municipal governments. Among the initiatives promoted during this period is the development of the Puerto Rican Creative Network and the National Puerto Rican Agenda. Brenda oversaw the federal and state efforts for the revitalization and sustainability of Vieques and for the dredging project in the Caño Martín Peña.
Currently, Brenda serves as Executive Director of the San Juan Bay Estuary Program, an initiative focused on the restoration of water bodies in the metropolitan area of Puerto Rico, and part of the National Estuary Program partly funded by the USEPA. Through the Estuary Program, Torres Barreto coordinates multisector efforts, empowers citizens to be part of the restoration process and ensures the well-being of residents of the metropolitan area.