rain·mak·er
We are all
rainmakers!
Rainmaker is a term used to describe our community. Supporters, teams and users are all rainmakers. Help us find new definitions of who a rainmaker can be!
We are all
rainmakers!
Rainmaker is a term used to describe our community. Supporters, teams and users are all rainmakers. Help us find new definitions of who a rainmaker can be!
NOUN
1. An activist championing equitable and sustainable water access.
2. A person who attempts to cause rain to fall, either by rituals or by scientific technique.
rain·mak·er
/ˈreɪn.meɪ.kər/
NOUN
1. An activist championing equitable and sustainable water access.
2. A person who attempts to cause rain to fall, either by rituals or by scientific technique.
Celebrating Our Supporters!
Meet a few of the humans that make everything possible.
Jaime Croteau
From: Massachusetts, now lives in California, USA.
Role: Isla Urbana USA Board Member.
Why rainwater? Sustainable water access is something that touches so many human and environmental issues, from women’s empowerment to climate resilience and economic mobility. When the solution is as simple as harvesting the rain that falls on the rooftops of Mexican family homes or schools, it’s a no-brainer to support this work and help to advance these issues that are so essential to our future as people on this planet.
A Rainmaker is someone who isn’t content to justify or excuse the status quo. They take action to overcome inequities and harvest rain for all.
Christopher Isele
From: New Jersey but lives everywhere!
Role: IUUSA Operations and Accounting Associate.
Why rainwater? Rainwater is important because it can provide freshwater for individuals and communities and also replenish aquifers that have been overused or depleted.
Rainmakers are all those in our community who help to support the work we do and improve access to water for those in need.
Elisa Carole Sabatini
From: The mountains of Colorado and now a Fronteriza (California and Baja California).
Role: I serve as Secretary of the Board for Isla Urbana USA.
Why rainwater? It is a resource we need to use freely, and we should feel wonderful about a simple technology that channels life-giving water to households in Mexico.
It is wonderful to see people coming together to support Rainmakers!
Enrique Lomnitz
From: Mexico City.
Role: Isla Urbana Co-Founder, I work in Isla Urbana to try to imagine and bring about new ways of providing Rainwater Harvesting to water scarce communities.
Why rainwater? Conventional water management has left-out millions of people in Mexico, and the deteriorating water situation in the country is making things worse. We vitally need sustainable and autonomous water access models that can reach everyone.
A rainmaker is someone who makes things happen. Who by aligning their imagination, their drive, and creativity, cause dreams and ideas to come to life in the world.
Maribel Gallardo
From: San José Tenango, Municipality of Oaxaca, Cañada Region, Mazateca.
Role: I work at Isla Urbana Mexico. I am regional project coordinator in the Mazatec region. I collaborate with community committees to plan and coordinate the installation of rainwater systems. This helps families and community members gain skills for better water quality.
Why rainwater? Water is essential for life. Without it, there would be dehydration, disease, and food scarcity. Access to water is a human right that improves living conditions, health, and agricultural productivity.
A rainmaker is someone who educates others on improving water usage, leading to changes, and strengthening rainwater harvesting practices.
Renata Fenton
From: Mexico City
Role: Isla Urbana USA Director and Isla Urbana Mexico Co-Founder.
Why rainwater? Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Access to water can completely transform a family’s life. Everything we do hinges on this vital resource, making it both a privilege and a responsibility to help provide it. Rainwater, one of the planet’s primary freshwater sources, holds the key to sustaining life and nurturing communities.
Rainmakers hail from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique talents and experiences to the table. United by their deep respect for water and a shared love of rain, they actively participate in reimagining a future of water abundance. Together, they work to build this vision, transforming possibilities into reality for and within communities everywhere.
Jennifer White
From: Maryland, USA.
Role: I began as the Community Relations Director. My journey led me to become the Director of Project Implementation, and now I proudly serve as the General Director at Isla Urbana Mexico.
Why rainwater? Living with water scarcity limits one’s ability to achieve personal goals. By providing the tools for households, schools, and communities to access clean water, we meet their essential needs, enabling people to pursue greater ambitions.
A rainmaker is someone who contributes their drop of effort to create a river of change, ensuring equal access to water for all.
Jesús Sotomayor
From: Puebla, now lives in Morelos, Mexico.
Role: General Director of Isla Urbana’s Mexican Charity, Lluvia Para Todos.
Why rainwater? It is important to change the relationship of people and communities with water, and to harvest rain as an alternative to the increasingly urgent water shortage.
A rainmaker is a person who learns from communities about water management, shares alternatives and knowledge they consider appropriate. It’s like vapor that rises to fall as drops, which, when joined with many more people, can form a stream.
Maira Rojas-Tineo
From: New York and Chile.
Role: IUUSA Student Program Associate.
Why rainwater? We are witnessing exacerbated rates of aquifer depletion and pollution, and our globe is at a crossroads: will we transition towards a more sustainable world or continue down our current path? Access to clean water is a pillar for the human body and a universal resource for development, yet is increasingly overlooked. Rainwater, which I used to run away from on cold spring days, has the potential to be the first step of many to a just, healthy world. Now, I walk down the streets smiling as the rain falls around me!
A rainmaker is someone who recognized rainwater as a foundation for the flourishing of humans, flora, and fauna; and a pivotal tool towards a more equitable world.
Celsa Calderoni
From: Mexico City.
Role: I tell the story of Isla Urbana USA through video and photo.
Why rainwater? Beyond offering a solution for water access to people in Mexico, it is about changing the culture and relationship with water, seeing it as a resource that is shared by all of us, the rain.
A rainmaker is someone who promotes a healthy water culture in their environment, a rain culture.
Barritt Reynolds
From: Ashland, Oregon.
Why rainwater? Water is life, and without it, we will not survive. Having access to a clean and sustainable water source is life-changing and is something that everything on this planet deserves!
A rainmaker is an activist committed to fighting for water equality through the use of sustainable eco-technologies such as rainwater harvesting, with an emphasis on community building, education, and empathy.
Óscar Gaxiola
From: Santa María Coyotepec, Central Valleys, Oaxaca.
Role: I work at Isla Urbana Mexico. My primary role is to ensure that all phases of our projects, from planning to evaluation, are carried out effectively and efficiently.
Why rainwater? Our mission is crucial because we aim to instill the concept and culture of rainwater management in the population, encouraging them to become active participants in their own water management, thereby building resilience and autonomy.
A Rainmaker is someone who promotes and inspires the practice of rainwater harvesting.
Jaime Croteau
From: Massachusetts, now lives in California, USA.
Role: Isla Urbana USA Board Member.
Why rainwater? Sustainable water access is something that touches so many human and environmental issues, from women’s empowerment to climate resilience and economic mobility. When the solution is as simple as harvesting the rain that falls on the rooftops of Mexican family homes or schools, it’s a no-brainer to support this work and help to advance these issues that are so essential to our future as people on this planet.
A Rainmaker is someone who isn’t content to justify or excuse the status quo. They take action to overcome inequities and harvest rain for all.
Christopher Isele
From: New Jersey but lives everywhere!
Role: IUUSA Operations and Accounting Associate.
Why rainwater? Rainwater is important because it can provide freshwater for individuals and communities and also replenish aquifers that have been overused or depleted.
Rainmakers are all those in our community who help to support the work we do and improve access to water for those in need.
Elisa Carole Sabatini
From: The mountains of Colorado and now a Fronteriza (California and Baja California).
Role: I serve as Secretary of the Board for Isla Urbana USA.
Why rainwater? It is a resource we need to use freely, and we should feel wonderful about a simple technology that channels life-giving water to households in Mexico.
It is wonderful to see people coming together to support Rainmakers!
Enrique Lomnitz
From: Mexico City.
Role: Isla Urbana Co-Founder, I work in Isla Urbana to try to imagine and bring about new ways of providing Rainwater Harvesting to water scarce communities.
Why rainwater? Conventional water management has left-out millions of people in Mexico, and the deteriorating water situation in the country is making things worse. We vitally need sustainable and autonomous water access models that can reach everyone.
A rainmaker is someone who makes things happen. Who by aligning their imagination, their drive, and creativity, cause dreams and ideas to come to life in the world.
Maribel Gallardo
From: San José Tenango, Municipality of Oaxaca, Cañada Region, Mazateca.
Role: I work at Isla Urbana Mexico. I am regional project coordinator in the Mazatec region. I collaborate with community committees to plan and coordinate the installation of rainwater systems. This helps families and community members gain skills for better water quality.
Why rainwater? Water is essential for life. Without it, there would be dehydration, disease, and food scarcity. Access to water is a human right that improves living conditions, health, and agricultural productivity.
A rainmaker is someone who educates others on improving water usage, leading to changes, and strengthening rainwater harvesting practices.
Renata Fenton
From: Mexico City
Role: Isla Urbana USA Director and Isla Urbana Mexico Co-Founder.
Why rainwater? Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Access to water can completely transform a family’s life. Everything we do hinges on this vital resource, making it both a privilege and a responsibility to help provide it. Rainwater, one of the planet’s primary freshwater sources, holds the key to sustaining life and nurturing communities.
Rainmakers hail from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique talents and experiences to the table. United by their deep respect for water and a shared love of rain, they actively participate in reimagining a future of water abundance. Together, they work to build this vision, transforming possibilities into reality for and within communities everywhere.
Jennifer White
From: Maryland, USA.
Role: I began as the Community Relations Director. My journey led me to become the Director of Project Implementation, and now I proudly serve as the General Director at Isla Urbana Mexico.
Why rainwater? Living with water scarcity limits one’s ability to achieve personal goals. By providing the tools for households, schools, and communities to access clean water, we meet their essential needs, enabling people to pursue greater ambitions.
A rainmaker is someone who contributes their drop of effort to create a river of change, ensuring equal access to water for all.
Jesús Sotomayor
From: Puebla, now lives in Morelos, Mexico.
Role: General Director of Isla Urbana’s Mexican Charity, Lluvia Para Todos.
Why rainwater? It is important to change the relationship of people and communities with water, and to harvest rain as an alternative to the increasingly urgent water shortage.
A rainmaker is a person who learns from communities about water management, shares alternatives and knowledge they consider appropriate. It’s like vapor that rises to fall as drops, which, when joined with many more people, can form a stream.
Maira Rojas-Tineo
From: New York and Chile.
Role: IUUSA Student Program Associate.
Why rainwater? We are witnessing exacerbated rates of aquifer depletion and pollution, and our globe is at a crossroads: will we transition towards a more sustainable world or continue down our current path? Access to clean water is a pillar for the human body and a universal resource for development, yet is increasingly overlooked. Rainwater, which I used to run away from on cold spring days, has the potential to be the first step of many to a just, healthy world. Now, I walk down the streets smiling as the rain falls around me!
A rainmaker is someone who recognized rainwater as a foundation for the flourishing of humans, flora, and fauna; and a pivotal tool towards a more equitable world.
Celsa Calderoni
From: Mexico City.
Role: I tell the story of Isla Urbana USA through video and photo.
Why rainwater? Beyond offering a solution for water access to people in Mexico, it is about changing the culture and relationship with water, seeing it as a resource that is shared by all of us, the rain.
A rainmaker is someone who promotes a healthy water culture in their environment, a rain culture.
Barritt Reynolds
From: Ashland, Oregon.
Why rainwater? Water is life, and without it, we will not survive. Having access to a clean and sustainable water source is life-changing and is something that everything on this planet deserves!
A rainmaker is an activist committed to fighting for water equality through the use of sustainable eco-technologies such as rainwater harvesting, with an emphasis on community building, education, and empathy.
Óscar Gaxiola
From: Santa María Coyotepec, Central Valleys, Oaxaca.
Role: I work at Isla Urbana Mexico. My primary role is to ensure that all phases of our projects, from planning to evaluation, are carried out effectively and efficiently.
Why rainwater? Our mission is crucial because we aim to instill the concept and culture of rainwater management in the population, encouraging them to become active participants in their own water management, thereby building resilience and autonomy.
A Rainmaker is someone who promotes and inspires the practice of rainwater harvesting.
Angie Irais Soto Tinoco
From: Mexico City.
Role: Activist Graphic Designer at Isla Urbana USA.
Why rainwater? It is important because I like to collaborate in a team with projects that are raising awareness about rainwater harvesting in my country.
A Rainmaker is a person that cares consciously about the importance of water and uses rainwater for their personal or familiar use in a sustainable, ecological, and fair way for all.
Ava Cohen
From: Illinois.
Role: Content Writing and Storytelling Fellow, 2024-2025.
Why rainwater? Rain reflects nature’s resilience through cycles of change and growth, reminding us that it nourishes us and we must respect and appreciate all our planet provides us.
Rainmakers are the entire Isla Urbana community of water justice activists-our supporters, team members, volunteers, collaborators, partners, student teams, and beneficiaries-all working to champion equitable and sustainable water access.
Sean Donnelly
From: Virginia, former Virginia Tech Student.
Role: Volunteer Writer.
Why rainwater? It’s a free, renewable source of water that relieves pressure on groundwater supply, reduces carbon emissions, helps to buffer communities from increasing climate uncertainty, and it can be a huge benefit to the community, both socially and economically. In places where reliable clean water doesn’t exist in abundance, it can be a pathway towards equity.
A rainmaker is a person who champions responsibility for water. Both in terms of responsible water usage and responsible planning for water security. I think rainmakers rally their community around the water issue to cultivate collective agency over water use and supply. Rainmakers are at the center of a community mobilization towards water equity.
Karen Aguilar
From: Mexico City.
Role: Graphic Design Coordinator at Isla Urbana.
Why rainwater? Rain is one of the main sources that give us water, so it is very natural to recover that culture of harvesting it, sharing knowledge and raising awareness to make it accessible for everyone, and changing our relationship with water and the uses we give to it.
A rainmaker is a very conscious person who works actively in community to bring water in a very sustainable and ecological way for everyone.
Daan Elsen
From: Belgium.
Role: I work at Isla Urbana Mexico. Full Stack Developer.
Why rainwater? Worldwide, we are battling the challenge of access to drinkable water. The Isla Urbana mission is to win that battle. People shouldn’t have to worry about how to get water or pay high fees for it.
A rainmaker brings water to you, with just the cost of a smile.
Kelly Regan
From: St. Paul, Minnesota.
Role: Volunteer.
Why rainwater? Isla Urbana delivers innovative and effective solutions to one of the world’s most critical issues: water access. The Isla team is truly inspirational, and it is a privilege to support their fundraising efforts to ensure their work continues without interruption.
A rainmaker goes beyond teaching practical skills like building rainwater harvesting systems. They also instill empathy, resilience, agency, and the ability to unite people toward a common goal. These elements create long-term solutions and add value to every aspect of life.
Mrigayu Ghosh
From: Dallas, Texas.
School: The University of Texas at Austin.
Role: Co-President of Southlake Isla Urbana US Chapter.
Why rainwater? As a biomedical engineer, I value sustainable solutions that promote access to clean water for all, given the necessity of water for life.
A rainmaker is someone who brings communities together by advocating for clean water access, whether by contributing funds, volunteering time, or raising awareness. As Rainmakers, we can engender harmony and connectedness in the people we unite through our efforts to increase accessibility to clean water.
Dhruv Kilaru
From: Southlake, Texas.
School: Carroll Senior High School.
Role: Co-President of Southlake Isla Urbana US Chapter.
Why rainwater? Water access is important because it’s needed for many basic daily actions. Beyond drinking, water helps in watering plants, showering, laundry, and more.
A rainmaker is someone who wants to make a difference in the water scarcity crisis, no matter where they are. Whether it’s through raising money or building installations, rainmakers can be found in many different ways.
Anusri Chinni
From: Irving, Texas, USA.
School: Uplift North Hills Preparatory.
Role: Isla Urbana US Chapter Co-President.
Why rainwater? Water access is vital for all aspects of life. Essential for survival and health, clean water prevents disease and boosts public well-being. It strengthens communities and enhances morale. Additionally, water access impacts education, as time spent collecting water detracts from schooling and development. Ensuring clean, safe water is crucial for a sustainable, peaceful society and the nourishment of families worldwide.
A rainmaker is a catalyst for change, using their passion to create a positive impact in their community. They channel their skills to start initiatives, support projects, volunteer, or raise awareness. Regardless of the scale, everyone has the power to make a difference and “make rain”!
Bhavya Arora
From: Dallas, Texas.
School: Leadership Prep School, Frisco, Texas.
Role: Volunteer at Isla Urbana, planning to become the president of the school’s Isla Urbana US club.
Why rainwater? Water essentially is life. Water makes up all living organisms, and as humans, we use a lot of water. We use water for drinking, bathing, cooking, washing clothes, and growing crops. Without water, we would be dry and barren. It is crucial that everyone has access to clean water, which is why I love Isla Urbana.
A rainmaker is someone who can create a clean source of water through a natural source like rain.
Yochi Hobson
From: Washington, D.C.
School: University of Pennsylvania.
Role: Vice President at Penn Isla Urbana US Chapter.
Why rainwater? Water is fundamental to life. It allows us to grow the food we eat, it regulates ecosystems, it supports good health, it is a vital molecular component, and it plays a key role in hygiene practices. Water quite literally makes up 60% of our bodies. We cannot live without water, so it is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to fresh water.
Being a Rainmaker means playing a pivotal role in providing reliable access to clean water for schools, communities, families, and businesses that would otherwise struggle with unreliable water deliveries, unsafe drinking water, or water scarcity. It also means easing mental and financial strains associated with accessing water, ultimately making everyday life a bit easier for others. While making a tangible difference in someone’s life, rainmakers foster a sense of unity through shared access to this essential resource.
Krishna Chandrasekhara
From: Dallas, Texas.
School: University of Pennsylvania.
Role: Penn Chapter Co-President.
Why rainwater? Water is a basic human right that is directly tied to heath, well-being, economic status, and opportunity. Water access is currently inequitable, presenting challenges to ensuring an improved quality of life for all.
A rainmaker is someone who takes an effort to understand water access issues and actively works with solutions to improve water access and sustainability through rainwater harvesting.
Angie Irais Soto Tinoco
From: Mexico City.
Role: Activist Graphic Designer at Isla Urbana USA.
Why rainwater? It is important because I like to collaborate in a team with projects that are raising awareness about rainwater harvesting in my country.
A Rainmaker is a person that cares consciously about the importance of water and uses rainwater for their personal or familiar use in a sustainable, ecological, and fair way for all.
Ava Cohen
From: Illinois.
Role: Content Writing and Storytelling Fellow, 2024-2025.
Why rainwater? Rain reflects nature’s resilience through cycles of change and growth, reminding us that it nourishes us and we must respect and appreciate all our planet provides us.
Rainmakers are the entire Isla Urbana community of water justice activists-our supporters, team members, volunteers, collaborators, partners, student teams, and beneficiaries-all working to champion equitable and sustainable water access.
Sean Donnelly
From: Virginia, former Virginia Tech Student.
Role: Volunteer Writer.
Why rainwater? It’s a free, renewable source of water that relieves pressure on groundwater supply, reduces carbon emissions, helps to buffer communities from increasing climate uncertainty, and it can be a huge benefit to the community, both socially and economically. In places where reliable clean water doesn’t exist in abundance, it can be a pathway towards equity.
A rainmaker is a person who champions responsibility for water. Both in terms of responsible water usage and responsible planning for water security. I think rainmakers rally their community around the water issue to cultivate collective agency over water use and supply. Rainmakers are at the center of a community mobilization towards water equity.
Karen Aguilar
From: Mexico City.
Role: Graphic Design Coordinator at Isla Urbana.
Why rainwater? Rain is one of the main sources that give us water, so it is very natural to recover that culture of harvesting it, sharing knowledge and raising awareness to make it accessible for everyone, and changing our relationship with water and the uses we give to it.
A rainmaker is a very conscious person who works actively in community to bring water in a very sustainable and ecological way for everyone.
Daan Elsen
From: Belgium.
Role: I work at Isla Urbana Mexico. Full Stack Developer.
Why rainwater? Worldwide, we are battling the challenge of access to drinkable water. The Isla Urbana mission is to win that battle. People shouldn’t have to worry about how to get water or pay high fees for it.
A rainmaker brings water to you, with just the cost of a smile.
Kelly Regan
From: St. Paul, Minnesota.
Role: Volunteer.
Why rainwater? Isla Urbana delivers innovative and effective solutions to one of the world’s most critical issues: water access. The Isla team is truly inspirational, and it is a privilege to support their fundraising efforts to ensure their work continues without interruption.
A rainmaker goes beyond teaching practical skills like building rainwater harvesting systems. They also instill empathy, resilience, agency, and the ability to unite people toward a common goal. These elements create long-term solutions and add value to every aspect of life.
Mrigayu Ghosh
From: Dallas, Texas.
School: The University of Texas at Austin.
Role: Co-President of Southlake Isla Urbana US Chapter.
Why rainwater? As a biomedical engineer, I value sustainable solutions that promote access to clean water for all, given the necessity of water for life.
A rainmaker is someone who brings communities together by advocating for clean water access, whether by contributing funds, volunteering time, or raising awareness. As Rainmakers, we can engender harmony and connectedness in the people we unite through our efforts to increase accessibility to clean water.
Dhruv Kilaru
From: Southlake, Texas.
School: Carroll Senior High School.
Role: Co-President of Southlake Isla Urbana US Chapter.
Why rainwater? Water access is important because it’s needed for many basic daily actions. Beyond drinking, water helps in watering plants, showering, laundry, and more.
A rainmaker is someone who wants to make a difference in the water scarcity crisis, no matter where they are. Whether it’s through raising money or building installations, rainmakers can be found in many different ways.
Anusri Chinni
From: Irving, Texas, USA.
School: Uplift North Hills Preparatory.
Role: Isla Urbana US Chapter Co-President.
Why rainwater? Water access is vital for all aspects of life. Essential for survival and health, clean water prevents disease and boosts public well-being. It strengthens communities and enhances morale. Additionally, water access impacts education, as time spent collecting water detracts from schooling and development. Ensuring clean, safe water is crucial for a sustainable, peaceful society and the nourishment of families worldwide.
A rainmaker is a catalyst for change, using their passion to create a positive impact in their community. They channel their skills to start initiatives, support projects, volunteer, or raise awareness. Regardless of the scale, everyone has the power to make a difference and “make rain”!
Bhavya Arora
From: Dallas, Texas.
School: Leadership Prep School, Frisco, Texas.
Role: Volunteer at Isla Urbana, planning to become the president of the school’s Isla Urbana US club.
Why rainwater? Water essentially is life. Water makes up all living organisms, and as humans, we use a lot of water. We use water for drinking, bathing, cooking, washing clothes, and growing crops. Without water, we would be dry and barren. It is crucial that everyone has access to clean water, which is why I love Isla Urbana.
A rainmaker is someone who can create a clean source of water through a natural source like rain.
Yochi Hobson
From: Washington, D.C.
School: University of Pennsylvania.
Role: Vice President at Penn Isla Urbana US Chapter.
Why rainwater? Water is fundamental to life. It allows us to grow the food we eat, it regulates ecosystems, it supports good health, it is a vital molecular component, and it plays a key role in hygiene practices. Water quite literally makes up 60% of our bodies. We cannot live without water, so it is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to fresh water.
Being a Rainmaker means playing a pivotal role in providing reliable access to clean water for schools, communities, families, and businesses that would otherwise struggle with unreliable water deliveries, unsafe drinking water, or water scarcity. It also means easing mental and financial strains associated with accessing water, ultimately making everyday life a bit easier for others. While making a tangible difference in someone’s life, rainmakers foster a sense of unity through shared access to this essential resource.
Krishna Chandrasekhara
From: Dallas, Texas.
School: University of Pennsylvania.
Role: Penn Chapter Co-President.
Why rainwater? Water is a basic human right that is directly tied to heath, well-being, economic status, and opportunity. Water access is currently inequitable, presenting challenges to ensuring an improved quality of life for all.
A rainmaker is someone who takes an effort to understand water access issues and actively works with solutions to improve water access and sustainability through rainwater harvesting.
Summer Program
This immersive, week-long program in Mexico City invites international high school and university students to explore innovative solutions to global water challenges through the lens of rainwater harvesting technology.
Participants gain practical, hands-on experience by helping install fully functional rainwater harvesting systems and visiting water-scarce communities. You’ll meet local leaders, environmental advocates, and community members who are driving change, while learning about the social, political, and environmental dimensions of water access.
Alongside the technical work, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mexico City—from exploring ancient waterways and historical landmarks to discovering traditions that have shaped local water conservation practices for generations.
Summer Program
This immersive, week-long program in Mexico City invites international high school and university students to explore innovative solutions to global water challenges through the lens of rainwater harvesting technology.
Participants gain practical, hands-on experience by helping install fully functional rainwater harvesting systems and visiting water-scarce communities. You’ll meet local leaders, environmental advocates, and community members who are driving change, while learning about the social, political, and environmental dimensions of water access.
Alongside the technical work, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mexico City—from exploring ancient waterways and historical landmarks to discovering traditions that have shaped local water conservation practices for generations.
Student Chapters
Student Chapters are vibrant groups of enthusiastic students and young leaders who unite to exchange ideas and support our mission of promoting sustainable water access throughout Mexico and beyond through the power of rainwater harvesting. These creative teams organize fun and engaging events within their schools and neighborhoods, actively supporting and expanding Isla Urbana’s initiatives. As dedicated Rainmakers, they not only champion our cause but also raise awareness about the critical importance of transforming our relationship with water. By spearheading these grassroots efforts, they inspire others to join the movement, making a tangible impact on the future of sustainable water practices in Mexico.
Student Chapters
Student Chapters are vibrant groups of enthusiastic students and young leaders who unite to exchange ideas and support our mission of promoting sustainable water access throughout Mexico and beyond through the power of rainwater harvesting. These creative teams organize fun and engaging events within their schools and neighborhoods, actively supporting and expanding Isla Urbana’s initiatives. As dedicated Rainmakers, they not only champion our cause but also raise awareness about the critical importance of transforming our relationship with water. By spearheading these grassroots efforts, they inspire others to join the movement, making a tangible impact on the future of sustainable water practices in Mexico.
Gift Rain Events
Each year, Isla Urbana USA hosts Agua Vida, our annual fundraising celebration of life and rain. This exciting event, held both in-person across the US and virtually, rallies support from partners, local allies, and student chapters. Agua Vida features volunteer-led events that bolster our online campaign, with funds benefiting rural, indigenous, and peri-urban communities in Mexico. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible creativity in independent fundraisers: water-themed marathons, eco-friendly fashion shows, rainwater harvesting workshops, splash-tastic pool parties, trivia nights on water sustainability, and community clean-up drives. These events, whether grand or intimate, unite friends and family to support thirsty communities in Mexico while having a blast. Whether these events support Agua Vida or take place at other times of the year, their impact is tremendous. The sky’s the limit for planning these activities!
Gift Rain Events
Each year, Isla Urbana USA hosts Agua Vida, our annual fundraising celebration of life and rain. This exciting event, held both in-person across the US and virtually, rallies support from partners, local allies, and student chapters. Agua Vida features volunteer-led events that bolster our online campaign, with funds benefiting rural, indigenous, and peri-urban communities in Mexico. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible creativity in independent fundraisers: water-themed marathons, eco-friendly fashion shows, rainwater harvesting workshops, splash-tastic pool parties, trivia nights on water sustainability, and community clean-up drives. These events, whether grand or intimate, unite friends and family to support thirsty communities in Mexico while having a blast. Whether these events support Agua Vida or take place at other times of the year, their impact is tremendous. The sky’s the limit for planning these activities!
Volunteers
Join the volunteer community of Isla Urbana USA and become a vital force in our mission to transform water consumption! Our dedicated volunteers and interns contribute their talents in communications, social media, fieldwork, research, engineering, event planning, graphic design, and more. Whatever your skills, we need your passion and energy. We’ve welcomed interns from across the US and abroad for a minimum of 3 months, and we also offer remote, long-term collaborations. Whether you’re already in Mexico City or planning to visit, we’ll support you every step of the way. Be prepared for a meaningful commitment that ensures a rewarding and impactful experience. While volunteering is unpaid, the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and make a real difference is priceless. Join us and help revolutionize water sustainability through rainwater harvesting—make your mark with Isla Urbana USA!
Volunteers
Join the volunteer community of Isla Urbana USA and become a vital force in our mission to transform water consumption! Our dedicated volunteers and interns contribute their talents in communications, social media, fieldwork, research, engineering, event planning, graphic design, and more. Whatever your skills, we need your passion and energy. We’ve welcomed interns from across the US and abroad for a minimum of 3 months, and we also offer remote, long-term collaborations. Whether you’re already in Mexico City or planning to visit, we’ll support you every step of the way. Be prepared for a meaningful commitment that ensures a rewarding and impactful experience. While volunteering is unpaid, the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and make a real difference is priceless. Join us and help revolutionize water sustainability through rainwater harvesting—make your mark with Isla Urbana USA!
