Christopher E. M. Castagne
Santa Cruz
Summary
Experienced community organiser, educator, and cultural worker with over two decades of involvement in grassroots movements across the Caribbean and the U.S. Proven track record in building sustainable organisations, facilitating collective action, and bridging cultural and political movements. Skilled in strategic communications, community mobilisation, and coalition building. Deeply committed to Pan-African values, reparatory justice, and community-led change.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Founding Member and Core Oganizer
Maui for Palestine
Maui, Hawaii
10.2023 - 02.2025
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and support for Palestinian rights.
- Developed comprehensive outreach programs to educate diverse audiences on social justice issues.
- Coordinated fundraising efforts, increasing awareness and resources for humanitarian projects.
- Facilitated partnerships with local organizations to amplify advocacy efforts and community impact.
- Oversaw internal communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational mission and goals.
National Coordinator
GYMC Rio+20
Trinidad & Tobago
11.2011 - 08.2012
- Developed PR Strategy (Recognized as an exemplar and shared with other National Coordinators worldwide).
- Recruited and managed volunteers as well as participants, including a National Coordinator for Barbados
- Analyzed program performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
- Achieved highest music video per capita submissions by far, At least one song included on final GYMC Rio+20 Summit CD
Festival Organizer
Red Earth Eco Arts Festival
Trinidad & Tobago
06.2009 - 07.2011
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to enhance participation and engagement.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to optimize event logistics and resource allocation.
- Trained and mentored junior organizers, fostering skill development and team cohesion.
- Streamlined communication channels between stakeholders to improve project transparency and collaboration.
Delegate - Youth & Environment
Fourth Assembly of Caribbean Peoples
Cuba
01.2008 - 12.2008
- Represented Trinidad & Tobago as a delegate at a major regional gathering of Caribbean social movements focused on sovereignty, resistance, solidarity, and alternative integration.
- Participated in discussions on issues including environmental justice, anti-colonial struggles, cultural identity, and youth engagement, contributing perspectives from grassroots organising in Trinidad.
- Strengthened networks with youth, environmental, and cultural movements across the region—particularly Barbados—to build lasting channels for collaboration and solidarity.
High School Teacher
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Makawao, HI
07.2020 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented updated Science curricula aligned with National State Standards as well as Hawaiian-Culture Based Education (HCBE).
- Leveraged digital technology and online simulations inquiry-based laboratory experiments, as well as, hands-on learning experiences aligned to deepen student understanding.
- Founded and led Model United Nations club, organizing off-island trips for student participation in MUN Conferences.
High School Teacher
Chadwick School
Palos Verdes, USA
01.2016 - 06.2020
- Introduced Standards-Based Grading and Project-Based Learning, focusing on hands-on activities and experiential learning.
- Collaboratively designed and delivered 9th grade 'PCB 2' (Physics-Chemistry Biology Level 2) curriculum (IB MYP equivalent)
- Model United Nations (MUN) Advisor. JV Boys Soccer Coach.
Teacher
Trinity College East
Trinidad & Tobago
01.2012 - 01.2014
Petroleum Geologist I/II
Ministry of Energy & Energy Affairs (MEEA)
Trinidad & Tobago
01.2008 - 01.2012
Junior Seismic Engineer
WesternGeco, Schlumberger
Trinidad & Tobago
01.2007 - 01.2008
Education
GCE (Cambridge) Advanced Level Proficiency - Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, General Paper
Hillview College
M. Ed. With Teacher Certification - Educational Technology
Moreland University
08-2026
B.Sc. - Petroleum Geoscience
University of the West Indies (U.W.I.)
01.2007
Skills
- Community Organising & Mobilisation
- Strategic Communications
- Facilitation & Consensus Building
- Campaign Strategy & Coordination
- Cross-Cultural Engagement
- Event & Program Planning
- Advocacy & Policy Engagement
- Cultural Organising & Creative Expressio
Affiliations
Black Alliance for Peace (BAP)
Copyright Organisation of Trinidad & Tobago (COTT)
Studio 66 Artist Community
La Mansion Parang Band
Songshine Open Mic
Timeline
Founding Member and Core Oganizer
Maui for Palestine
10.2023 - 02.2025
High School Teacher
Kamehameha Schools Maui
07.2020 - 06.2025
High School Teacher
Chadwick School
01.2016 - 06.2020
Teacher
Trinity College East
01.2012 - 01.2014
National Coordinator
GYMC Rio+20
11.2011 - 08.2012
Festival Organizer
Red Earth Eco Arts Festival
06.2009 - 07.2011
Delegate - Youth & Environment
Fourth Assembly of Caribbean Peoples
01.2008 - 12.2008
Petroleum Geologist I/II
Ministry of Energy & Energy Affairs (MEEA)
01.2008 - 01.2012
Junior Seismic Engineer
WesternGeco, Schlumberger
01.2007 - 01.2008
B.Sc. - Petroleum Geoscience
University of the West Indies (U.W.I.)
GCE (Cambridge) Advanced Level Proficiency - Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, General Paper
Hillview College
M. Ed. With Teacher Certification - Educational Technology
Moreland University
Other Training
- Project Based Learning (PBL), The OESIS Group, 2018
- CPR and First Responder Training, 2018; 2022
- AP Physics 1 Professional Development Workshop, The College Board, 2016; 2022
- Leading with Emotional Intelligence, Nexus Consulting, 2011
- Level 3(A) Spanish (52 hours), Centre for Language Learning (CLL) of The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, 2011
- Train the Trainee - The Art and Science of Facilitating Adult Learning, Odyssey Consult Inc., 2011
- Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) (70 hours), Caribbean Permaculture Consultants, 2010
Leadership Experience
- Musical Director/ Arranger, Success Steel Orchestra, CA 2015-20
- National Coordinator, United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development Global Youth Music Contest, Trinidad 2011-12
- Assistant Festival Organizer, Red Earth Eco-Arts Festival, Trinidad 2010/11
- Deputy Delegation Leader, UWI Volunteer Internship to Kenya, 2007
- Founder and President, UWI Making A Difference, St. Augustine 2006-2007
- Student Council President & Valedictorian, Hillview College 2002-2003
Awards
- Award for Environmental Activism - Top 20 Young Achievers, National Youth Action Committee, Trinidad & Tobago, 06/01/08
- H. Farabi Prize- 'Level 2 student going into Level 3 for significant community-oriented social work', Faculty of Engineering, U.W.I., St. Augustine, Trinidad, 06/01/06
- Schlumberger Prize- 'Best All Round Student currently in Level 2 Petroleum Geoscience', Faculty of Engineering, U.W.I., St. Augustine, Trinidad, 06/01/05
- National Further Additional Scholarship, for Sciences, Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, 06/01/03
- Rev. H. Swann Gold Medal: "Student Contributing Most to College Life" & Principal's Medal: "Student best exemplifying college motto: 'Humani Nihil Alienum'", Hillview College, Trinidad & Tobago, 06/01/03
Hobbies and Interests
- Social Justice / Environmental Justice
- Ecological Farming/ Permaculture; Hiking, camping and outdoor activities.
- Music - Reggae, Steelpan, Caribbean/ Latin Folk (Parang), Caribbean Jazz/ Fusion.