CJ has focused on the plastic pollution crisis for most of her career. Her research on microplastic has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and she’s worked on numerous campaigns at the local, state, federal, and institutional levels that tackle plastic pollution at the source. CJ has a master’s degree in Development Practice from Emory … Read more
Emin Israfil is the founder and CEO of Rubbish, a San Francisco-based tech company transforming waste management and recycling using data, AI, and delightful user experiences. The company’s unique approach to fostering clean and sustainable communities has gained recognition from organizations like NASA, Google, Apple, and Accenture. Having started programming at the age of 10, … Read more
Breathe Free Detroit’s campaign organizer KT Morelli is a seasoned activist in Detroit, Michigan who has lived in the shadow of Detroit’s incinerator for over a decade. Her dedication and expertise in community organizing has helped harness collective energy for this grassroots, community-powered campaign which was successful in shutting down the incinerator in March of … Read more
Annette Poliwka is a Zero Waste Consultant and Board Member of The League To Save Lake Tahoe, with the infamous bumper stickers to “Keep Tahoe Blue.” She spent years as a Zero Waste Commissioner in Berkeley, appointed by the Mayor, where they passed historic legislation on single use disposables. Her work at the City of … Read more
Gary Liss has 50 years of experience in recycling and waste management and is Chair of the Zero Waste International Alliance Certifications Committee. He is a leading advocate of Zero Waste, Vice-President of Zero Waste USA, and a founder and past President of the National Recycling Coalition. He is a principal of Zero Waste Associates, … Read more
Jenn Harrman develops policy and programs to help Nashvillians rethink, refuse, reuse, and recycle. As Zero Waste Program Manager for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and a public servant of over 7 years, her work centers on implementing sustainable, resilient, and equitable alternatives to landfill disposal for the benefit of all who … Read more
Maddie received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Miami (UM), where she studied coral reef restoration. She is now a professor of Tropical Coastal Restoration at UM, engaging graduate students in lectures and fieldwork covering dune, mangrove, seagrass, sponge, oyster, and coral restoration. She is also … Read more
Bianca is a 1st generation migrant from Guadalajara Jalisco, raised in Los Angeles. Bianca is now a mother of two small children and co-founder of Valley Improvement Projects (VIP) based in Stanislaus County, in California’s northern central valley. VIP was formed in 2012 by a group of activists and community organizers from the Northern San … Read more
Daniella is Race to Zero Waste’s Outreach Coordinator. She is an experienced zero waste and environmental policy consultant. Daniella began her work in zero waste at the San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFE) as an Outreach Associate. She provided technical assistance and education to local residents and businesses throughout San Francisco. Following that role, … Read more
A founding member of GAIA, Neil has worked on international environmental policy, climate, and development finance and provided technical support to GAIA members. He has over 20 years of experience working on waste, plastic, climate change, toxics, and environmental justice issues. He also has experience with carbon markets and international development finance. Neil is the … Read more