Team

Will Funk

BA, Colorado College

Will is a Turning Green fellow and works primarily on the Conscious Campus side of Turning Green with a focus on program leadership, fundraising and conducting grant research for the organization. He graduated from Colorado College in 2022 where he studied History, Environmental Issues, and Spanish. He became a lead intern with Turning Green during his first summer out of college, where he helped write and edit Project Green Challenge’s overviews and challenges. Will entered Turning Green’s Fellowship program in September of 2022 and continued to help run Project Green Challenge as well as the PGC Campus Representatives program. He currently volunteers with the Environmental Peacebuilding Association in his free time.  

Aditi Sharma (she/her)

Rising Junior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Aditi is studying Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Journalism. I am a passionate and dedicated activist for social justice and equity. She found her passion in community organizing by recognizing that even the smallest of actions can have boundless impacts. Throughout her work, she has gained a deep understanding that injustices are intersectional. After working for State Representative Carol Ammons’ and researching environmental legislation, she realized that environmental justice is a pathway of activism that she is eager to explore and contribute to. Environmental justice goes hand in hand with racial justice, social, and economic justice. She is passionate about our planet and its people, and looks forward to sharing her perspectives and learning from others through Turning Green. She is excited to create a positive impact and take the necessary steps in building a more sustainable and equitable Earth.

Alexa Fraiman (she/her)

Rising Sophomore, Bryn Mawr College

Alexa intends to major in Environmental Studies and Sociology, combining her interests of how people and societal expectations interact amidst environmental concerns. Over the years, Alexa’s desire to learn more about the environment and sustainability grew as she began discovering toxins in everyday products. She wants to help make products, food, and regulations that are better for our health and the planet. As someone who enjoys cooking, she is more than excited to join the Conscious Kitchen team to spread their message and nutritious food. She also is excited to help further foster communities, so we all can be resilient together. In her personal life and in school, Alexa wants to continue learning more about what needs to be done to tackle pressing environmental concerns. In her free time, she enjoys ceramics, petting her cats, and listening to podcasts.

Julia Lugos (she/they)

Rising Senior, Seattle University

Julia is majoring in Design and double minoring in Environmental Studies and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She is very passionate about using art and visual communication to explain, educate, and empower others in understanding social issues. Julia is particularly passionate about understanding the ways that environmental issues intersect with race, class, and gender. In their free time, Julia loves jewelry making, hiking, and all things arts and crafts.

Meredith Boldman (she/her)

Rising Senior, George Washington University

Meredith is studying Anthropology and Communication. She was born and raised in Florida, where she spent most of her time at the beach and around nature. This upbringing has formed her interest in preserving the environment and mitigating climate change's effects. Her major in Anthropology focuses on human experiences and culture, and she hopes to engage with how people view, experience, and communicate with each other about social issues such as climate change and how they work to inspire individual and large-scale change. Sophie looks forward to applying this interest to Turning Green's work and working with others toward collective action.

Raven Garrard, MPSA

Texas A&M University

Raven is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s of Public Service and Administration. Raven grew up in rural Tennessee, where they developed a passion for the outdoors. In their spare time, they enjoy volunteering for the community and hiking. Raven hopes to have a career in policy formation and create legislation that will benefit underserved communities.

Will Funk

BA, Colorado College

Will works primarily on the Conscious Campus side of Turning Green with a focus on program leadership, fundraising and conducting grant research for the organization. Will graduated from Colorado College in 2022 where he studied History, Environmental Issues, and Spanish. He became a lead intern with Turning Green during his first summer out of college, where he helped write and edit Project Green Challenge’s overviews and challenges. Will entered Turning Green’s Fellowship program in September of 2022 and continued to help run Project Green Challenge as well as the PGC Campus Representatives program. Will currently volunteers with the Environmental Peacebuilding Association in his free time.  

Emily Yellen

BA, Towson University

Emily is a recent graduate from Towson University where she studied Political Science and Sociology as a member of the Honors College. Her hands-on experiential service learning and thought-provoking research developed her literacy in international relations, civic cooperation, social institutions and behaviors, and equitable education. Her minor in Sociology inspires her to mobilize social change using strategic tools among like-minded, localized populations. She is thrilled to apply this perspective in her work with Turning Green while engaging with climate-passionate students within their own communities by providing knowledge of sustainability and collective action. Being from Long Island, New York, Emily loves spending time at the beach during any season. In her free time she enjoys crocheting gifts for her friends, and is proud to be creative-minded, eclectic, and kind.

Marisol Guzman

Senior, University of California, Berkeley

Marisol is a senior at the University of California Berkeley studying Nutritional Science with a concentration in Dietetics and a minor in Food Systems. Marisol’s experiences growing up in an environment where nutrition wasn't a first priority have shaped her passion for advocating for nutritional awareness and the implementation of hands-on nutrition education and engagement in the lives of young children. Marisol has previously worked with the BUSD Cooking and Gardening Program in administering nutrition and gardening education at Ruth Acty Elementary and hopes to continue looking at the intersection of nutrition and environmental sustainability with Turning Green through the Conscious Kitchen Program. After graduating, Marisol hopes to pursue an MPH with a nutrition education and/or community health focus. 

Alicia Swinton

MPH, University of Alabama

Alicia is a graduate from Fayetteville State University where she received a B.S. in Chemistry graduating magna cum laude. Currently enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham pursuing an MPH degree with a concentration of maternal and child health policy. As a current member of the Maternal & Child Health Student Association, Alicia has the passion to resolve complex public health problems relating to child obesity, social and environmental injustices, health inequalities, and pollution to name a few. Alicia desires to be an obstetrician gynecologist where she will utilize her platform to be an advocate to fight for change in a healthcare setting.

Aimee Tsang

Sophomore, Cornell University

Aimee is a rising sophomore at Cornell University studying Chemistry & Chemical Biology with a minor in Environment & Sustainability. She is from the California Bay Area and grew up with a love for nature that has since developed into a desire to protect the Earth’s resources. At school she is a member of Sustainable Education, a project team oriented around sustainable architecture, and in the future hopes to research biodegradable polymers. Outside of academics, Aimee enjoys reading in her hammock, exploring nearby hiking trails, slacklining, and going to the farmer’s market. 

Avery Fratto

Sophomore, University of Southern California

Avery is a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California. She's currently getting a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Studies as well as a minor in Economics. She is the Event Coordinator for the Science Policy group on her campus, a student organization that seeks to promote and advocate for the important intersections of research and public policy. She's a vegan, an animal-lover, and is passionate about creating meaningful environmental change through both policy as well as consumer behavior. In her free time she can be found out with friends, reading a good book, or working as a tour guide at USC.

Davis Block

Senior, Colby College

Davis is a rising senior at Colby College studying Environmental Studies Computation. He was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and spent many summers at Acadia National Park in Maine. As a sailing instructor there, he developed an affinity for the locally conserved lands and wished for the next generation to be able to embrace them as well. He is intrigued by environmental policy and would love to see sustainable design emphasized. Davis looks forward to potentially working in the data analysis sector to help further his fight for the environment.

Ella Widmann

Sophomore, Grinnell College

Ella is a rising 2nd year at Grinnell College majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Environmental Studies. Learning about environmental justice as a form of social justice has fundamentally changed the way she views the world, and she is so excited to apply those learnings to the work of Turning Green. She is originally from Colorado and is a big advocate for collaborative thinking. In her free time, Ella can be found laying in the sun, eating bagels, and reading creative nonfiction.

Jen Kunz

Sophomore, American University

Jen is a rising sophomore at American University, pursuing an interdisciplinary public affairs degree with a minor in environmental science. Going on road trips and visiting national parks (Glacier is her favorite!) as she grew up gave her a love for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. She is deeply passionate about the importance of advocacy and policy to protect and restore the environment for future generations. In her free time, Jen can be found baking cookies, reading comic books, playing board games, and drinking coffee.

Jerry Dai

Sophomore, University of California, Davis 

Peijie Dai (“Jerry”) is a rising sophomore at UC Davis majoring in Environmental Science & Management. He enjoys working on the Sustainable Development Goals because he is motivated to promote and protect those things he values most in this world, including the environment, animal life, and human rights.  He tries to keep this work in perspective by focusing on one step at a time, contributing bit by bit towards a better world for all people. Growing up in a different country, Jerry gained a global mindset after coming to the U.S. to study.

Olivia Kilborn

Junior, Middlebury College

Olivia is a rising Junior at Middlebury College studying International & Global Studies with a focus in environmental change and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, she is fascinated by the relationship between climate health, public health, and urban environments. As an intern at the Knoll—Middlebury’s student-run sustainable garden—she is passionate about facilitating conversations on food justice and BIPOC accessibility to the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking in the Cascades, language learning, reading, and gardening.

Reily Fairchild

Sophomore, University of California, Los Angeles

Reily is a rising sophomore at UCLA, pursuing a major in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society. Born and raised in San Francisco, she was exposed to the power of urban expansion in cooperation with technological advancement. Additionally, she spent her childhood exploring the wonders of the California flora and fauna surrounding the San Francisco peninsula, and fell in love with the idea of orienting her future towards protecting the Earth. With interests in renewable energy and food systems, Reily is excited to be apart of the Turning Green team to experience the positive impact that community-based, sustainably focused organizations can achieve. Prior to Turning Green, she has worked as an educator and as a member of UCLA’s Sustainability Action Research, analyzing energy inefficient practices within the student dormitories. She leads her life with an open outlook of all possibilities, and loves to rock climb, play guitar, cook vegan meals, and paint.

Tiffany Chan

Junior, University of California, Los Angeles 

Tiffany will be a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles in the fall of 2022. She is currently working towards her degree in Geography/Environmental Studies, while minoring in Conservation Biology and Geographic Information Systems & Technology. The topics of GIS, food sustainability, and environmental protection are particularly fascinating to her, and she hopes to pursue a career in the intersection of these fields. Born and raised in California, Tiffany enjoys spending time in nature and particularly values the aesthetic nature of flowers. Outside of academics, she can be found baking, creating playlists, painting, and exploring new places.

Caralee Ellis | Conscious Kitchen Fellow

Senior, University of California Berkeley

Caralee is a senior at the University of California Berkeley where she is studying Society and Environment with a minor in Food Systems. Since the beginning of her academic career she has had a strong passion for sustainability that drove her to lead various student organizations advocating for environmental and social justice. She believes in leading by example and tries to live as sustainably as possible while inspiring others to do the same. Caralee is currently an intern with Conscious Kitchen and hopes to continue working in the field of sustainability in any way she can make meaningful change upon her graduation. Outside of academics, she loves vegan cooking, picnics, hiking, and rock climbing.

Kenna Clawson | Conscious Kitchen Intern

University of California Berkeley

Kenna is in her final year at UC Berkeley studying Nutritional Science. After learning about the substantial amount of food waste in America and taking a class about the food practices across many different cultures, she was inspired to get involved in changing the food system in America. This is what led her to the Conscious Kitchen and she has thoroughly enjoyed working on this team - being inspired daily, seeing real change happen, and everything revolves around a more equitable, sustainable, and FLOSN food future. Kenna has been moved by Turning Green peers, leaders, and supporters alike, all with the vision of a bright future and taking action to get there.

Olivia Graham | Conscious Kitchen Intern

University of Michigan, Junior

Olivia is a junior at the University of Michigan studying Community and Global Public Health, with a minor in Food in the Environment. After she graduates, she wants to pursue her masters in Nutritional Sciences with the goal of working for food and nutritional justice within marginalized communities. She is passionate about advocating for a sustainable, balanced and exciting diet for all people. In her free time, Olivia enjoys listening to podcasts, cooking new meals, and playing board games with her friends.

Emily McCabe | Campus Rep Coordinator

Sophomore, University of California, Berkeley

Emily is a second year student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Environmental Economics and Policy. She grew up in rural northern California, where she fostered a love for the environment through playing outdoors and enjoying the area's many public parks. After graduating, Emily hopes to study environmental law and work for the Environmental Protection Agency. On the Berkeley campus, Emily works with the Housing and Dining Sustainability Association to advocate for food policy across campus as well as educate students about their waste habits. In her free time, Emily enjoys meeting new people, walking her dog, practicing yoga, and reading magazines.

Aly Rasmussen | Summer Intern

Senior, University of Oregon

Aly is a senior at the University of Oregon, studying Psychology and Sociology focusing on environmental issues. She grew up in Oakland California, where she saw the impacts of environmental racism and injustice within her own city. After graduating this June, she wants to work for an environmental nonprofit that focuses on environmental justice and giving a voice to indigenous and underserved communities that are underrepresented in protections and policy. In her free time, Aly enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with pets, and wants to begin raising butterflies.

Brandon Vorrath | Summer Intern

Senior, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Brandon Vorrath is a fourth-year political science major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, concentrating in pre-law. Brandon currently serves as an intern on the Turning Green team. He is from the San Francisco Bay Area and is passionate about entertainment, politics, news, and social trends - with an emphasis on the intersection between politics and the arts.

Cassidy Nelson | Summer Intern

Cassidy is entering her fourth year at Whitman College, where she is pursuing a degree in Sociology and minoring in Economics. She became interested in sustainability from a young age, while gardening, cooking, and traveling with her parents and siblings. Growing up in Central Oregon, being surrounded by nature was a daily joy. Each day she does what she can to live a responsible and sustainable lifestyle, participate in climate activism, and support policy that furthers climate justice. This coming year she hopes to develop her senior thesis on generational differences related to climate action. She has previous experience with non-profits fundraising for the local Humane Society. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue non-profit work in the sustainability, environmental and social justice fields to make an on-the-ground difference in my community. In her free time, she can be found reading, running, listening to Fleetwood Mac, taking care of her various house plants, and cooking with her family or housemates.

Daniel Schneider | Summer Intern

Junior, University of Michigan

Daniel is a Junior at the University of Michigan majoring in Environment and minoring in Computer Science. He is an active member in environmental organizations on campus and has a strong interest in exploring the relationship between technology and sustainability. After graduating, Daniel hopes to use data analysis techniques to solve the world's agricultural and ecological challenges. In his free time, Daniel enjoys running, cooking, and a good road trip.

Ella Fesler | Summer Intern

Junior, University of Virginia

Ella is a rising 3rd year at the University of Virginia. She is majoring in Global Environments + Sustainability with a minor in public policy. Sustainability sparked Ella's interest in high school, thanks to one of her teachers and her participation in the Project Green Challenge 2017. In particular, Ella is interested in the development of sustainable food systems. In her free time, Ella can be found journaling or cooking a good meal.

Gabriela Nahm | Summer Intern

Sophomore, Davidson College

Gabriela is a rising sophomore at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. She is an intended Environmental studies major on the social sciences track with a potential minor in sociology. She has always had a strong love for the environment through years of hiking on the nearby Appalachian trail and other outdoor adventures, but she found her passion for Environmental Justice after watching There’s Something in the Water in her first environmental studies college course. She is the student ambassador for Davidson’s Sustainability Collective and is passionate about making sustainability an accessible choice for all students on campus. In her free time, she loves long walks, plant-based baking, and having dance parties in her dorm room.

Grace Leary | Summer Intern

Junior, University of California, Los Angeles

Grace is going into her third year at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she is studying History and Political Science. She is passionate about youth activism and has been involved in sustainability efforts and activism on her campus. This past year, she has been working on a campaign to end oil drilling in California and recently started a campus coalition for human and environmental intersectional advocacy. In the future, she hopes to work in research and policy for environmental justice and focus on human issues of climate change. For fun, Grace loves to cook plant-based food, hike, and swim, and she is learning how to surf.

Jenny Nguyen | Summer Intern

Junior, University of California, San Diego

Jenny is a third year student at the University of California, San Diego, majoring in Environmental Systems (Earth Sciences) and minoring in Psychology. She is passionate about understanding the impacts of climate change and what solutions can be implemented to address it as well as promoting sustainability within communities and the environment. Her sustainability journey began with her love for nature's beauty, and since then, she has been dedicated to learning about how she can practice sustainable living and help others learn more as well. On her campus, she is an active member of a few sustainability and climate change related organizations, working to raise awareness about these topics and uplift student and community voices. In her free time, Jenny enjoys dancing, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Karina Zimmerman | Summer Intern

Sophomore, Wellesley College

Karina is a sophomore at Wellesley College double majoring in Latin American Studies and Environmental Studies with a focus on ecology. Her love for the natural world grew throughout her childhood in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys hiking and skiing in the mountains and boogie boarding at the beach. Karina’s favorite area of sustainability is sustainable fashion, and she loves teaching others about the positive impacts of thrift shopping and upcycling clothing on the environment. In her free time, she loves to read, bake, and knit!

Kyra Clark | Summer Intern

Senior, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Kyra is an incoming senior at Wesleyan University studying Anthropology and Writing. Her interest in sustainability was sparked at a young age, but fortified when she studied cultural and biodiversity along the Mekong river at age 18. She has worked with the Middletown, CT chapter of Sunrise Movement, as a podcast editor for Women in Waders, and is interested in studying environmentalism and sustainability through an ethnographic and/or film-based lens. In her free time, Kyra can be found crocheting, cooking vegetarian meals, making sauerkraut, and watching movies with friends.

Loren Jacobs | Summer Intern

Senior, University of Michigan

Loren is a rising senior at the University of Michigan School of Information concentrating in User Experience Design and minoring in Gender and Health. This is Loren’s first year working with Turning Green and she is beyond excited to spread her passion for environmental justice and gain experience in the non profit sector as she aspires to work in this space after graduation. She loves teaching art and writing to children, singing in her a cappella group, and going on outdoor adventures no matter the weather. She is working to combine her background in design and data manipulation with her passion for women’s and environmental health to fight for better support and resources to underserved communities. All she needs to be happy is the California sun and her puppies.

Meredith Epstein | Summer Intern

Meredith will be graduating from Stony Brook University in May 2021 where she studied Environmental Studies and Psychology. She has always been passionate about the environment and influencing the people around her to practice sustainability in their everyday lives. She is thrilled to be an intern at Turning Green, and is very excited to see how this experience will shape her future in environmental work! She loves to travel, and her dream is to live in as many countries as possible during her lifetime, all while advocating and educating others about how to live an environmentally-conscious lifestyle. Some of her favorite things to do are travel, cook plant-based meals, go on nature hikes, continue to learn about the environment, and read Harry Potter, Nicholas Sparks, and John Green books!

Tamia Lewis | Summer Intern

Sophomore, Barnard College

Tamia is a rising sophomore at Barnard College in New York City, originally hailing from a rural town in Southern Chile. She is a lover of nature and good organic food, and is majoring in Environment and Sustainability. Tamia grew up in the countryside and spent most of her time camping and tending to her garden + animals. Together with her mother and sister, she owns and operates an organic, locally sourced, vegetarian coffee shop in her hometown.In the future, she hopes to use her degree to further environmental education, sustainable living practices, and sustainable agriculture + organic food production. In her free time, Tamia loves hiking, drinking coffee, baking, and knitting.

Maya Nesbitt - Schnadt丨Spring Intern

Maya is a recent graduate from Reed College with a BA in English and a minor in Spanish. Growing up in rural England with a vegetable garden, and then moving to the beautiful Bay Area, shaped her appreciation for plant-based eating and interest in sustainability. Maya has worked as a camp counselor for the Audubon Society to help kids get interested in local wildlife and the environment, and has raised money for charity by creating art from recycled sea glass and other materials. She has also interned as a plant-based chef at the Ravens Restaurant in Mendocino. Maya became involved with Turning Green during Summer 2020 and hopes to continue working with the organization as they aim to mobilize and inspire.

Ilana Zeitzer | Spring Fellow

Masters Student, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Ilana is a masters student at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, studying ecology. She was the second place winner for the Project Green Challenge in 2017. Her passion for sustainability and conservation is taking her to a future in ecology conservation research with specific interests in plants, fungi and soils. She graduated from Dickinson College in 2019 with honors in Biology and a minor in art.

Heidi Locke Simon | Chair

Former Partner, Bain & Company

Heidi recently retired as a Partner of Bain & Company, a global strategy consulting firm where she worked for 20 years. She was a leader of the firm’s performance improvement capability area and managed Bain’s marketing and client development efforts on the West Coast. Prior to joining Bain in 1993, Heidi worked in investment banking for Goldman, Sachs & Company and spent time in brand management with Colgate-Palmolive Company. Heidi earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Politics and Economics with highest honors from Middlebury College, including course work at the University of Paris. Heidi began volunteering for Turning Green with its first Search for the Cause campaign a decade ago. She has served in numerous roles, including Board Chair for several years.

Chuck Dietrich | Board Member

Corporate Vice President, OPG Mobile Data Applications and Growth

Chuck works for Rajesh Jha and leads the Mobile Data Labs team in San Francisco. The team builds and grows innovative, mobile-centric applications that help people to use their ambient data combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and delightful experiences to automate their valuable administrative tasks. Chuck also works on OPG and corporate strategy around the areas AI, engagement and growth. Chuck enjoys the challenges of matching user needs with product strategy and goto market models.

Chuck has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and was most recently the cofounder and CEO of Mobile Data Labs, acquired by Microsoft December, 2015. Mobile Data Labs is the creator of MileIQ, the top grossing finance app across both Google and Apple’s apps stores. Chuck's entrepreneurial past also includes building a retail products company, followed by joining Salesforce.com in its inception and staying for 9 years. In the role of General Manager and Vice President, Chuck built and ran many of Saleforce.com’s channel and partner programs, including system Integrators, marketing partners, product partnerships, and Latin American distribution. Chuck also built and led the company’s mobile strategy and business unit. After Salesforce.com, Chuck was the CEO of SlideRocket, which grew quickly and was acquired by VMware in 2011.

Chuck earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and an MBA from the University of Utah.

Chuck has been guest lecturer at Harvard, MIT and Northwestern and presents at many technology conferences. He has served on boards of numerous early to mid-stage companies and is involved with the Pledge 1% nonprofit initiative.

Chuck grew up in New Mexico and lives in Northern California with his wife and two children. Chuck is an avid adventurer and lover of the outdoors. In his younger days he spent a lot of time ski mountaineering in the Andes, Alps and Himalaya. When not working, he and his family can be found traveling, skiing, climbing, biking and kite surfing.

Sean Martin | Board Member

President | CEO, Martin Consulting Group

Claire Veuthey | Board Member

Principal  | Rizoma Ventures

Claire has worked in ESG/impact investing for 15 years, serving in product management, research, investment, and sales/business development roles in London, Toronto, Singapore, Amsterdam, and San Francisco. As Principal at Rizoma Ventures, Claire partners with investors seeking to integrate or assess environmental, social and governance (ESG) and impact in their investment processes, from due diligence to exit. Claire is particularly focused on venture and private equity investors. She also advises companies to understand and manage the impacts of their operations, and is co-authoring The Grassroots DEI Organizer Playbook, a tactical guide for early-stage, venture-backed companies on diversity & inclusion. In addition, Claire works as a Venture Partner for NextGen Venture Partners and the crowdinvesting platform Republic, and serves as a strategic advisor for several fintech startups.

She was previously Director of ESG & Impact Product at OpenInvest, one of the first venture-backed public benefit corporations. Before that, she led ESG on the Wells Fargo Social Impact Investing team, and worked in both research and sales at MSCI ESG Research and Sustainalytics. She also served as an advisor to the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board in 2017, its inaugural year. Claire holds an MBA from Berkeley-Haas, and MA From King’s College London, and a Licence from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. She speaks French and Spanish fluently; her Mandarin is a work in progress.

Erin Schrode 

Co-founder, Turning Green

Erin is an activist, social entrepreneur and writer. This leading voice on sustainability, social impact and millennials and vocal advocate for environmental action, public health and equal justice recently ran an unprecedented campaign for US Congress in California – to redefine civic engagement and reinvigorate a culture of public service. 

Erin speaks and consults internationally and is a community organizer championing civic leadership and environmental stewardship worldwide. After Hurricane Maria, Erin led #ChefsForPuertoRico to serve 3.7+ million meals, while investing in local, sustainable agriculture and food systems islandwide and she coordinated the Conscious Kitchen feeding program to serve hot, organic, nutritious meals to students, elders and vulnerable populations near her home in Northern California amid Covid. This bold innovator is on a lifelong journey to inspire and mobilize people to discover and activate passion for social impact and policy change.

Debbie Raphael 

Strategic Advisor

Debbie, a scientist by training, has dedicated nearly 20 years of her career in public service to creating innovative environmental policies that have positioned the City/County of San Francisco as a world leader in environmental protection and action against climate change. Before serving as Director of San Francisco’s Department of Environment, she was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown and confirmed by the California Senate to serve as the Director of the state’s Department of Toxics Substances Control where her reforms of the Department were recognized by the State Legislature, and she launched the internationally renowned Safer Consumer Products Program – a first of its kind in the US.

Since coming to SF Department of Environment her contributions to environmental policy and protection have been acknowledged internationally as evidenced by the selection of Debbie by Apolitical (an international news organization) as one of the world’s top 100 most impactful leaders on climate change. For the past 30 years of public service, Debbie has focused her energy forging successful partnerships and collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, and the business sector. Debbie’s accomplishments underscore the importance of such inclusive and cross-sector relationships for tackling the significant environmental challenges facing urban centers like San Francisco.

A few examples of the cutting edge and globally recognized programs that have flourished during the past 8 years of her leadership of the Department of the Environment include:

1. Reducing San Francisco’s emissions of greenhouse gasses over 40% below 1990 levels – 6 years ahead of schedule.

2. Developing an equity-centered Climate Action Plan in partnership with businesses, community organizations, and city agencies. This plan sets out a bold path for the next 20 years of climate action.

3. Creating building codes that eliminate natural gas, require solar and green roofs, install charging for electric vehicles, and protect the health of low income residents.

4. Creating a world class system of composting and recycling and then passing laws that eliminate materials with no end-of-life purpose. San Francisco’s zero waste programs and services are the envy of cities across the country.

5. Providing benefits to small and large businesses alike through energy efficiency, safer janitorial and building maintenance products, waste reduction, and more.

6. Protecting the health of vulnerable populations through programs such as Green Business Certification, Healthy Nail Salons, and Environmental Justice.

7. Educating thousands of school-aged children to form environmental habits and inspiring the future leaders that our planet depends on for its very survival.