Season 5 Episode 22: Diveheart Part 1

Bridging Chicago

Tinamarie Hernandez and Jim Elliott join Bridging Chicago in this two-part series to discuss Diveheart, a volunteer-driven organization providing individuals with disabilities the space and training to realize their ability to scuba dive and other related water activities. At Diveheart, the organization’s leaders and instructors all live by the same mentality—that underwater, everyone is equal. In this Part 1, we float questions to Tinamarie, the Executive Director, and Jim, the Founder and President, so that we can better understand their journey to become advocates for disabled peoples and their ties to the greater Chicagoland area. Tinamarie and Jim each spent their youth years exploring the Chicagoland area (while making it home by the time the lights came on—at least most times!). They share how these initial escapades lead to even greater expeditions, including careers that started in different states and different industries and eventually culminating with bringing Diveheart to life. Don’t hold your breath; take the plunge with us on Part 1 with Diveheart!