Our History
Since the founding of the 5MBCF, the health of our oceans and beaches throughout the world have been our exclusive focus. We've created inspiring programs and engaged millions of people into action for the benefit of the planet, from international grassroots environmental groups to large-scale corporations.
The Founders
Carolina Sevilla
FOUNDER of the 5 minute beach cleanup
Carolina Sevilla is an environmental activist, Costa Rican lawyer, a former United Nations diplomat, and the founder of the 5MinuteBeachCleanUp movement. She is the former Operations Director for Latin America at BIONIC YARN, a material engineering company that recovers plastics from marine environments to transform them into thread and other uses.
Carolina is an international environmental celebrity and social media influencer, recently being featured by Condé Nast Traveller, Diane von Furstenberg, Athleta, Faherty, and FINTECH.
*For a full list of 5 minute collaborations, endorsements, and partnerships, please email us at Info@5minutebeachleanup.com
Mauricio Cortes
Co-FOUNDER of the 5 minute beach cleanup
Mauricio Cortes is a global entrepreneur and filmmaker, dedicated to amplifying positive change through media. With a focus on showcasing solutions to global challenges, Mauricio’s work embodies his belief: “be a voice that inspires to do good.” His projects highlight the stories of real heroes making a difference, proving that positive messages can create significant impact.
*For a deeper dive into Mauricio's impactful projects and to learn more about his journey, please email mcortes@5minutebeachcleanup.com for further information.
Origins
How It Started
In 2016, Carolina Sevilla founded the 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Instagram account to highlight the impact of ocean plastics and inspire individuals to clean their local beaches for at least five minutes. Gaining a significant following within a year, thanks to her viral videos reaching over 20 million views, the movement and its social media presence continue to grow and inspire daily.
Becoming A Foundation
Building on the momentum of social media success, in 2018, Carolina, alongside global entrepreneur and filmmaker Mauricio Cortes, transformed the grassroots effort into the 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Foundation. Focused on reducing human environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating beach cleanups and community engagement, the foundation aims to foster marine ecosystem regeneration on a global scale.
Formalizing the Global 5 Minute Foundation
Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, particularly with the U.S., a significant source of tourism to Costa Rica, the decision was made to establish two independent entities: the Costa Rican 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Foundation and the American 501(c)(3) 5 Minute Foundation. Rooted in her commitment to her homeland and to ensure compliance with legal standards preventing conflicts of interest, Carolina chose to lead the Costa Rican foundation. Meanwhile, the American 501(c)(3) 5 Minute Foundation was established to further the mission globally, operating independently but in close collaboration as a "Friends of" organization to the Costa Rican foundation.
Carolina continues to contribute to the 5 Minute Foundation as a non-voting advisory board member, ensuring her visionary leadership remains a guiding force. The American foundation is led by Ingrid Shank, an American-Costa Rican diplomat, underlining our commitment to bridging efforts between the two nations for greater environmental impact. - See Leadership.