Sr. Director, Development & Partnerships

Caroline leads the Foundation’s development strategy and fundraising, creating mission-aligned opportunities to grow the organization. Prior to joining the Foundation in May 2021, she spent eight years building and leading marketing, communications, and sales strategy teams at a search advertising company. A lifelong New Yorker, Caroline is also a longtime volunteer and supporter of several NYC civic organizations and parks. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Middlebury College.

Director, Volunteer Programs

Halima works with communities to make positive change. She leads the Foundation’s volunteer programs with a human-centered lens, using design methodology to craft innovative models for change and mobilize her fellow New Yorkers to take action. She has over 10 years of experience in design education leadership—at the Smithsonian and Pratt Institute—guiding communities across the country to design collaborative solutions for a better future. She holds a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and an MPS from Pratt Institute.

Director, Education

Fran joined the team as the Youth Education Director to help develop a strategic vision for how youth and educators can work together to re-think our collective responsibility to waste. She draws on her program development experience working with The New York Botanical Garden, The National Wildlife Federation and ExpandED Schools. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from NYU and a M.A. in Education from Brooklyn College.

Senior Manager, Education

David supports the Foundation’s educational programming. Given his background in K-12 education and journalism, he is particularly focused on storytelling, and advancing educational programs related to recycling and sustainability, such as the Foundation’s Follow Your Waste game and curriculum. He holds a B.A. in Journalism from Ithaca College and an M.S. in Sustainability in the Urban Environment from the City College of New York.

Community Engagement Manager

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Johari "Nova" James is a Youth Mentor, business owner, community activist, hip-hop artist & artist manager. Through his company Str8OuttaBklyn Media LLC, he creates employment opportunities for youth, as well as youth and community initiatives such as art programs, neighborhood cleanups, and youth resume workshops. Creating safe and sustainable spaces in the black community, controlled by community residents, is at the core of what Johari is all about.

Development & Partnerships Manager

Michele supports development & fundraising, partnerships and communication at the Sanitation Foundation. She’s passionate about meaningfully engaging the community around waste diversion and creating a more sustainable NYC. Prior to joining the Foundation, she spent twelve years building and leading the Programming and Events Department at Brooklyn Grange. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Pitzer College.

Project Manager - Education & Outreach

Born and raised in California, Deborah is an educator, collaborator, and creator living and working in New York City. Her love for community building, education, and cheering on NYC’s Strongest has led her to the magical work of the Sanitation Foundation. A 2021 Zero Waste Academy graduate and current Sustainability Strategies Master’s Certificate candidate at The New School, Lohse also holds a Certificate in Filmmaking from NYU School of Professional Studies and a B.A. in Dance and B.A. in Theater from UC San Diego.

AmeriCorps Service Member

Emma is an AmeriCorps service member at the Sanitation Foundation, where she supports the Community Engagement team in their outreach efforts connecting New Yorkers to the city’s sanitation mission. She is especially interested in the history of waste and how past practices can inform a more sustainable future for New York. Growing up north of Boston on the water gave her an appreciation for the natural environment and a commitment to work to protect it. She recently graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and History.

Our Circular Economy Research Assistants are currently supporting the organization's work on sustainable waste management across four key streams: textile, organic, electronic, and construction & demolition waste. In this role, they are meeting with industry leaders to gather insights, visiting active work sites to observe processes firsthand, and conducting individual research projects tracing the full lifecycle of each waste stream. Alongside this work, they are completing their True Advisor Credentials, developing the expertise needed to advise on circular economy practices.

This work is made possible through the generous support of the Pinkerton Foundation, PENCIL Inc., the Hyde & Watson Foundation, and the North American Association of Environmental Education.