Team

Beth Sutton

Senior, Loyola University Chicago

Beth is a rising senior studying Environmental Studies. With a strong passion for sustainability and the intersection of environmental impact and business strategy, she hopes to pursue a career that drives change through responsible corporate practices and environmental innovation. She is especially interested in how organizations can truly adopt environmentally conscious solutions. 

Francine Miller

Junior, Bowdoin College

Francine is a rising junior double majoring in environmental chemistry and history. As a firm believer in the power of education, she is interested in using her research and written communication skills to make knowledge of climate and environment related issues more accessible with the intent of motivating students towards environmental advocacy and positive change. With her passion for sustainability and education, she is eager to work with the Turning Green team to bring knowledge to students around the world and learn about how to make environmental education effective and inclusive. In her free time she enjoys distance running, charcoal drawing, and drinking lots of tea. 

Jalynn Stroman

Junior, Louisiana State University

Jalynn is from Texas, currently attends Louisiana State University, and is majoring in Environmental Science & Research. She loves to make jewelry, read, cook, and spend time outdoors. Jalynn's passion for environmental conservation and restoration is what sparked her interest in this internship.

Samantha Ward

Senior, University of California, Berkeley

Samantha is a researcher, climate justice activist, and future environmental legislator. At the University of California, Berkeley, she is currently majoring in Society & Environment and minoring in Public Policy. With a strong focus on climate adaptation, environmental justice, and legislative equity, Samantha works at the intersection of advocacy, policy, and research to promote sustainable solutions which prioritize communities most vulnerable. She is a first-generation, transfer student from Sacramento, and uses her own experiences as well as academic studies to support communities who are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.

Allison Erftenbeck

BA, Indiana University

Allison is a sustainability specialist with a passion for climate change resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental justice. Following her interests and the rising call for environmental action, she received a B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Indiana University (IU). During her time at IU, she and her peers saw a lack of sustainable initiatives on campus and spearheaded the environmental campaign Students for a New Green World, where she held research and professional writing roles for their divestment campaign and environmental education series. Rounding out her time at IU, Allison declared a concentration in sustainable energy, resources, & climate, and added minors in earth and atmospheric sciences and business. This allowed her to gain a more holistic view on sustainability while exploring multidisciplinary issues via scientific research and writing, lab and field work, and various software applications including ArcGIS and MATLAB. Her interest in GIS brought her to Turning Green, where she works with Conscious Kitchen (CK) to build a database and interactive multi-layered map of California districts/schools and local organic farms in the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) regions.

Mary Xiong

Graduate Student,  George Washington University

Mary is a graduate student in public health at George Washington University, with a focus on health equity and the well-being of children and vulnerable populations. With experience in program coordination, data management, and community outreach, she has led initiatives to improve food access and combat food insecurity in underserved communities. Mary is passionate about developing sustainable solutions that enhance nutrition, promote healthier lifestyles, and address systemic health disparities. She is committed to advancing food equity, nutrition education, and climate action through public health strategies that support vulnerable populations and promote long-term well-being. Mary is excited to apply her skills to Conscious Kitchen, which shares her mission to improve access to healthy, organic meals and transform food systems for children at both the community and policy levels.

Alexa Fraiman

Junior, Bryn Mawr College

Alexa is a rising junior studying environmental studies and sociology at Bryn Mawr College. She is interested in learning the many ways in which the environment and society are interlinked. As part of the Conscious Kitchen team, she hopes to work towards creating a more just food system that supports the well-being of all. She is passionate about finding both individual and collective ways to respond to the climate crisis, so we can work together towards being resilient. Alexa looks forward to applying what she learns in her everyday life to further explore the central role the environment and food plays in our lives.

Alexa Fraiman

Junior, Bryn Mawr College

Alexa is a rising junior studying environmental studies and sociology at Bryn Mawr College. She is interested in learning the many ways in which the environment and society are interlinked. As part of the Conscious Kitchen team, she hopes to work towards creating a more just food system that supports the well-being of all. She is passionate about finding both individual and collective ways to respond to the climate crisis, so we can work together towards being resilient. Alexa looks forward to applying what she learns in her everyday life to further explore the central role the environment and food plays in our lives.

Annika Spaet

Rising Sophomore, Cornell University

Annika is a rising sophomore studying Environment and Sustainability with a minor in American Studies at Cornell University. Being from New York City, she is passionate about improving sustainability practices in urban areas. In student organizations, she furthers her interest in the environment. Her favorite club is Cornell Sustainability Consultants, where she improves conservation practices for local businesses. In her free time, Annika likes going to the gym, watching new movies, and trying to cook.

Gabriella Calimlim

Rising Senior, New York University

Gabriella is a rising senior at New York University studying Nutrition and Dietetics. She is from Subic Bay, Philippines and has a great passion for anything food related from baking to food justice. In the upcoming years, Gabriella hopes to receive her masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and become a Registered Dietitian. She also hopes to go to culinary school to bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability in the culinary arts.

Lauren Daley

Rising Senior, New York University

Lauren is studying both Environmental Studies and Politics at NYU, putting their focus on a future career involving environmental justice and policy. Throughout their time in New York, they’ve volunteered with food kitchens, social justice campaigns, and ecological research projects, fueling their passion for the field. After undergrad, they hope to find themselves on Capitol Hill, shaping the future of environmental legislation. In their free time, they’ll usually be listening to music, running around with their camera, or flexing their knowledge of local bird species to their friends.

Mallory Hricovec

Rising Senior, The Ohio State University

Mallory is a rising senior at The Ohio State University studying sustainability in business. She hopes to gain knowledge from Turning Green that she can share with others at her university to help create conscious efforts for sustainability.

Quinn Doyle

Rising Junior, Temple University

Quinn is a Political Science major and Professional Writing student at Temple University. She is passionate about Philadelphia's economic development and sustainable development policies. She is passionate about cleaning the city and bringing green spaces to communities to improve public safety and economic development. She plans to attend graduate school to complete her master's in public policy. In her free time, Quinn loves spending time with her boyfriend and friends, working out, and playing music. 

Tatum Vaccaro

Rising Junior, New York University

Tatum is a junior majoring in Food Studies and minoring in Spanish at New York University. She has worked on urban farms growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, which is where her love of community building through farming began. She is extremely passionate about addressing food justice through regenerative agricultural practices and food education. She hopes to improve healthy food access and the health of the environment through healing the food system. 

Jadyn Ngui

BA, University of California Davis

Jadyn is studying Design at UC Davis. Through work experiences and college courses, Jadyn has developed a passion for environmental justice, food accessibility, wellness, and nutrition. She is excited to work as an intern on Turning Green’s Conscious Kitchen team and use visually appealing designs to educate others on building a more sustainable and healthy future for people and the planet.

Racheal Timothy

Freshman, John's Hopkins University

Racheal is majoring in Neuroscience with a concentration in behavioral biology and minoring in environmental science. Born and raised in Nigeria, Racheal's education at a Jesuit college instilled in her a strong value for volunteering and community engagement. During her time there, she spearheaded initiatives such as organizing the first Earth Day celebration in her school and extending her projects through 'Recycle Log,' showcasing her dedicated advocacy for sustainability. Beyond her academic endeavors, Racheal finds joy in designing and channels her creative energy as a media manager for 'The Hop’ student organization for programming organization. In this role, she actively contributes to the planning and promotion of various campus events, highlighting her passion for both creativity and community involvement.

Christiana Jemiri

Senior, American University

Christiana is a senior, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Sustainability. She's passionate about making sustainable living affordable, accessible, and equitable for all. She believes in the importance of educating and informing others about creating sustainable and conscious choices. Her past work has been heavily based on community outreach, planning, and ensuring that communities are listened to and represented when creating resilient communities.  What drew her to Turning Green is their investment in educating the youth about the importance of living a sustainable lifestyle. 

Annalise Gallagher

Senior, Macalester College

Annalise is a senior Environmental Studies major at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Growing up in Chicago, she became interested in exploring issues related to environmental justice within the urban areas. Annalise seeks to understand the causes of food scarcity, air and water quality inequity, and ineffective public transportation systems to develop holistic solutions toward more equitably sustainable cities. In her free time, she volunteers with her school’s non-profit farm share, which brings fresh and local produce to students at more affordable prices than grocery shops. 

Tate Peterson

Senior, Davidson College

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Tate studies Biology and Genomics at Davidson College in North Carolina. He is a junior with an interest in the natural sciences and education, and hopes to do fieldwork research in the future. After a semester abroad in Panama learning about ecology and environmental sustainability, Tate returned to campus looking for new ways to get involved in environmental initiatives. These special interests are what led him to Turning Green, where he will be working as an intern for the Spring 2024 semester.

Christian Bernstein

Senior, Loyola Marymount University

Christian is studying political science at Loyola Marymount University in Southern California. Through non-profit and volunteer work Christian has developed a strong passion for social and climate justice issues, with a focus on wildlife protection and future aspirations in the field of environmental law. As a passionate vegan and animal lover, Christian has brought his personal dedication towards wildlife issues to his work as a summer intern on Turning Green's Project Green Challenge writing team and will continue working with the PGC team this fall.

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.

Christian Bernstein

Rising Senior, Loyola Marymount University

Christian is studying political science at Loyola Marymount University in Southern California. Through non-profit and volunteer work Christian has developed a strong passion for social and climate justice issues, with a focus on wildlife protection and future aspirations in the field of environmental law. As a passionate vegan and animal lover, Christian has brought his personal dedication towards wildlife issues to his work as a summer intern on Turning Green's Project Green Challenge writing team.

Daniel Kogan

Rising Senior, Haverford College

Daniel is working towards a degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Food Sustainability and a minor in Creative Writing. He is passionate about alternative food sources and finding new ways to better utilize Earth’s natural resources while preserving its wide variety of flora and fauna. He is an avid lover of wildlife, particularly birds, and runs the Ornithological Society at Haverford. Daniel hopes to find a career path that combines his love of food and writing.

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.

Sophie Reif (she/her)

Rising Senior, Smith College

Sophie is studying Sociology and Landscape Studies. Although she was raised in New York City, Sophie cultivated her love for the environment through her experience working on a farm throughout her childhood. She is passionate about environmental sociology with a particular interest in food sustainability and food justice. Sophie has worked on several projects with the goal of spreading awareness about issues of food justice and environmental racism within her community. In her free time, Sophie enjoys hiking, cooking, kayaking, and crocheting. 

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.

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

Partner and Cofounder, The Operator Network (“OpNet”)

Chuck is a Partner and Cofounder of The Operator Network (“OpNet”) a group of C- and SVP-level executives who want to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs by offering operating advice alongside our personal investment capital. They are high growth technology executives who have founded, scaled and exited world class technology companies.

Chuck has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and was perviously 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.

Kevin Grossman | Board Member

Brand Manager | SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands

Kevin is a Brand Manager at SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands, overseeing the Method personal care product portfolio. Before joining SC Johnson, Kevin spent seven years at Clif Bar, a multi-bottom line organic food company, where he held various roles ranging from managing retailers and distributors to developing product launch and channel growth strategies. Here, Kevin began to see the many challenges and opportunities facing the K-12 school food system and how organic food companies can help drive change. Kevin also serves as a Strategy Consultant with Conscious Kitchen and holds an MBA from Berkeley-Haas.

Sean Martin | Board Member

President | CEO, Martin Consulting Group

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.