How can you use less plastic? An installation by Jenna Efrein

This community-resourced and fabricated architectural installation is meant to mimic the experience for sea life under the Great Pacific Garbage Patches. Large, but mostly microplastics form clouds spiraling within oceanic gyres. Scientists and clean up teams are working to determine the best means to capture and clean up these messes that are destroying the largest habitat for life on Earth, the ocean. Over the course of a week, fishing line strands of plastic bottles will be suspended from the grid canopy in front of the Whitten Center.  

The bottles rattle and sway like a giant wind chime, drawing the curious close. The installation gives the viewer a sense of being in a glittering underwater environment, as if traveling through shifting currents of penetrating light and motion. Standing or lying under the piece produces a palpable, dynamic sense of the beauty of the ocean environment contrasted with a suffocating amount of plastic. How can you use less plastic? 

Want to participate? Takes 20-30 minutes or less. Bring any amount of CLEAR plastic DRINKING bottles (rinsed out if other than water) with cap. For Covid safety sign up for your time slot here. 5 People per time slot. Contact Professor Jenna Efrein for more information

Health care organizations nationwide are offering healthier menus, working with farmers to purchase locally and sustainably grown products, reducing the amount of meat they purchase and serve, and going beyond their walls to help meet the food needs of their community. This Squire decided to go a step further and grow food right next to the patients are.

“Grow2Heal grows produce for hospital patients and staff and serves as a hands-on educational farm, too. Students and their teachers visit the farm regularly to learn where their food comes from. “We show them how to make lunch from scratch and try new foods” says Grow2Heal funder and manager Thi Squire.” Edible South Florida.

Thi Squire, Community Garden Manager and Founder of Grow2Heal at Baptist Heath South FL

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PbR-jlIqSLmrxSEpu6Me-g

Conversations on Conservation and COVID-19 with the World Wildlife Fund (April 19, 1 - 2 pm)

Join ECO and the WWF as we talk about humanity’s broken relationship with nature and how it comes at a cost. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: mounting loss of life and untold suffering of families to the global economic shock that has impacted jobs and livelihoods. New zoonotic diseases are emerging at an alarming rate. The key drivers for the emergence of zoonotic diseases are land-use change, expansion and the intensification of agriculture and animal production, and the trafficking and consumption of high-risk wildlife. Although we cannot always foresee and prevent these diseases, we can act to reduce the risk of future pandemics. There is a real opportunity in the midst of this tragedy to heal our relationship with nature. Download ECO Agency Facts Sheet. 

Brianna Hernandez joined the International Relations PhD program at Florida International University in 2018. She is also completing Graduate Certificate Programs in Women and Gender Studies and in National Security Studies. Prior to attending FIU, Brianna received her BA from the University of Miami where she double majored in History and Political Science as well as completed minors in Sociology and Philosophy. In addition to her academic and professional involvements, Brianna currently serves as a Panda Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund.

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UHRY6IE_SOCSDKa-Ok25mA

“Saving Gilgamesh: The Race to Save Vulnerable Cultures in the Era of Climate Change" Screening and Panel (April 19, 5:30 - 6:30 pm)

“Saving Gilgamesh: The Race to Save Vulnerable Cultures in the Era of Climate Change" is a short film from Martin Hidalgo and Jamal Wilson. The film deals with the often-neglected relationship between climate change and the loss of culture. Those unable to adapt to the most severe impacts of extreme climate change often represent cultures that date back thousands of years. As the large-scale displacement of these vulnerable cultures accelerates, what perspectives and methods could be used to best preserve these cultures? Will technology help or hinder the titanic task that lays ahead? oin us for a screening of the short film by Jamal Wilson and Martin Hidalgo, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Moulioukova.

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gDq1wJ57Q7-gan1BDHyIPA

A brighter future: Solar Together at the University of Miami (April 20, 12-1 pm)

As of summer 2021, the University of Miami will join a voluntary FPL program to power its campuses on solar energy, and become one of the largest colleges in Florida to harness solar energy to power its campuses, allowing it to drastically reduce the institution’s carbon footprint. Join speakers Roberta Jacoby, President of the Citizens Board, Jessica Brumley, Vice President, Facilities Operations & Planning, and Jennifer Schaffer, Director of Development, FPL SolarTogether™.

About the Citizens Board
Composed of more than 250 members (many of whom are not University alumni), the Citizens Board shares the University's vision of academic excellence, civic engagement, and community service, inviting like-minded leaders to become active, contributing members of the board.
Since its inception in 1946, the Citizens Board has raised more than $454 million to help meet the University's greatest needs. The Citizens Board has also advanced more than 97 members to the University's Board of Trustees. Through its Changemakers Student Fund, the organization supports diverse programs throughout the University's 12 schools and colleges; many of these grants are made on a multi-year basis.

Presenters: Jennifer Schaffer, Roberta Jacoby, Jessica Brumley

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U87Frq5UQHacCt2UQNukgA

The Problem with Plastics with Debris Free Oceans and ECO Agency Chair, Sofia Mesa (April 20, 7-8 pm)

Hear from ECO Agency Chair and Debris Free Oceans Internship Director, Sofia Mesa as she covers the problem with single-use plastics and opportunities for solutions. This comprehensive presentation covers topics such as how single-use plastics impact human health, marine life, and exacerbate existing social inequalities. There will also be time for a Q+A and discussion of these issues. She will accompanied by Anastasia Mikhalochkina, Rise Above Plastics Coordinator from the Miami Surfrider Foundation.

Presenter: Sofia Mesa; Anastasia Mikhalochkina

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S7X_ziAdSySNsE7pU7fKwg

Biscayne Bay: The Health of Water (April 21, 12-1 pm)

We will explore the beauty and also the environmental problems around the Biscayne Bay with the new Chief Bay Officer Irela Bague and City of Coral Gables’ Sustainability Manager Mat Anderson. A restored and rehydrated Biscayne Bay would provide $120 million annually in ecosystem services, amounting to $3.3 billion as an asset, according to Earth Economics. Come discuss with our panel what restoration and rehydration means for our Bay. The panel will be moderated by Prof. Theresa Pinto from the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy
Presenters: Theresa Pinto, Irela Bague, Mat Anderson

Introductory remarks by Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qBr_POc1Rtu1aI9Q6YeF2A

 ECO rep Scavenger Hunt in the Sustainability Garden (April 21, 5-6 pm)

A scavenger hunt of ECO projects is taking place from 12 pm to 5 pm on Wednesday, April 21st as a part of Earth week. Signup will be available through a google form and a QR code, and you can participate individually or in a team (with a maximum of three members). You will be given a map of the general location of the project, then you have to find as many projects as possible. At the location, there will be a spreadsheet/question about the location, and you have to sign your name/answer and place it in container. Winners will be announced that night, and prizes will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Prizes include gift cards, a biodegradable cooler, and reusable water bottles. @umiamiecoagency

Food Sustainability 101 Webinar with FRN, ECO, CommUnity Garden Club, and Plant-based Canes (April 21, 7:30 pm)

Join some of our student food sustainability experts to learn all about food sustainability covering topics like food recovery, plant-based foods, gardening, and compositing! Come engage in meaningful discussions on how to be more sustainable at UM and in your own life! Some attendees will win green prizes! 

Presenters: Ella Pokrifka, Natalia Brown, Jack Urqhuart, Teresa Vazquez

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_M-vEpkbJTfGH5SDXexnfHA 

Plant Based Earth Day Cookbook 

Submit your favorite vegan or vegetarian recipes to be featured in ECO Agency’s first Earth Day Plant Based Cookbook! This cookbook will be a free downloadable PDF that ECO will publish on our website as part of our Earth Week celebration starting in April (4/19-4/23). We especially want to highlight any family or cultural dishes that happen to be plant based or have a vegan/vegetarian version! Reach out to ECO Chair Sofia Mesa, svm38@miami.edu if you have any questions here is the link to send in your submissions!  Submit your recipes to be featured by April 16th at tinyurl.com/ecocookbook 

Orchid planting in the Gifford Arboretum with Dr. Galetti (April 22, 10 am; by invitation only)

We will celebrate the Earth Day (April 22nd) with an orchid planting in the Gifford Arboretum. Students, staff and visitors that wish to donate an orchid to the Arboretum, can come and plant their own orchid. Make sure to bring a zip ties to fix your own orchid. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we ask for maintaining social distance and come after noon.”

Presenter, Dr. Mauro Galetti

Climate Justice: Addressing Challenges of Equity in a Changing Climate (April 22, 12-1 pm)

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dkXYq55aRyC83yVOs1zMOg

How to Feed the World Without Frying the World (April 22, 6-7 pm)

Even if we miraculously abandoned fossil fuels tomorrow, we would still be hurtling toward a climate catastrophe. The other half of the climate problem is about the food we eat, the farms that make it, and the forests that get destroyed to make room for those farms. Feeding the world without frying the world is the overlooked challenge of our era - and Michael Grunwald will talk about how we can do it. 
Talk by Michael Grunwald - Introductory remarks by Dr. Kenny Broad, Director of the Abess Center for Ecosystem, Science and Policy

Presenters: Dr. Kenneth Broad, Michael Grunwald

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ftHt3VrZRd-5nwAWIGfIHA

Future of Circular Fashion with the Upcycle Project (April 22, 7:30 - 8:30 pm)

Join UThrift and the Upcycle Project as they tackle sustainability as an essential element of fashion and its future. The UpCycle Project workshop will help participants identify the current impact of the fashion industry, review the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, learn tips to shift consumer habits to have a positive impact, and participants will learn to identify creative circular solutions to build a more resourceful world. After Gabriella’s presentation stay tuned for a moderated Q+A by UThrift’s outgoing and incoming Presidents, Nika Seider and Anna Coon. @um_uthrift

Presenters: Gabriella Smith, Nika Seider, Anna Coon, 

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kb5KKWZgQ1evbAqPS9FYlQ

Climate Change 101 with CLEO Institute Follwer Caroline Lewis (April 23, 12 - 1 pm)

Join Caroline Lewis, CEO of the CLEO Institute, for Climate Change 101. Whether you're a novice or an expert, get updated on the most current scientific data, how that will affect our communities, and what actions you can take towards mitigation efforts. Q&A session to follow.
Moderator: Alexis Cambridge, student leader from the ECO Agency
Caroline Lewis Bio

Atala Butterfly Resurgence at Lakeside Village (April 23, 6 - 7 pm)

Presenters: Dr. Terri Hood, Sandy Koi

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_--X8_GwgROqjF7ePzWZokQ

Sustainable Solutions: Students Fighting for a Progressive Future (April 23, 7:30 - 8:30 pm)

Come join a panel discussion with UM environmental student activists! This dedicated all-women panel of students wants to share their tips on how to get involved in activism while juggling their academics. 
With student leaders: Delaney Reynolds, Sofia Mesa, Natalia Brown, and Alexis Cambridge. Moedrated by Andrea Rivera

RSVP: https://miami.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vA54OyjYTKe2V1e5gg5F5A

All Week

EARTH WEEK CLEAN SWEEP
What better way to celebrate Earth Week than cleaning up the Earth? This week, pick a place to pick up litter - it can be in your neighborhood, on the beach at RSMAS, or in the city! We will be collecting data all week on what kinds of items you collect, how many bags or buckets you fill, and where you go to do a clean-up. To be eligible to win some great prizes from Fill A Bag, MSGSO, Veza Sur Brewing Company, Titanic Brewing Company, The Barnacle Society, and Bill Baggs State Park, you will need to log your clean-ups on the Google Form. Link will be provided on the flier. Let’s clean up Miami to celebrate this week!
Check-in Here under the Earth Week Clean Sweep Tab; #trashfreeMiami  @fillabag

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative - Flyer and Sponsors

List of prizes:

• FillABag swag
• MSGSO t-shirts
• Veza Sur Brewing Co. - $10 gift card, the cutest cafecito set (2 espresso mugs and 2 plates)
• Titanic Brewing Company - Dinner for two: 2 entrees, 1 appetizer, and 2 Titanic brews or wine.
• Barnacle Society - 5 free yoga sessions
• Bill Baggs State Park - 5 free passes 

SALT SUSTAINABLE SPECIALS
In honor of Earth Week, SALT Waterfront Restaurant at RSMAS has created plant-based/sustainable specials dedicated to reducing our carbon food-print. Daily specials will be posted on SALT’s website miamisalt.com and announced the day before on RSMAS’s INFO Listserv.
Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

COMPOST COLLECTION
Did you know that food-waste makes up over 20% of the waste we send to the landfill? To combat this, give composting a try! Did you know that the Rosenstiel School has a community garden with its own composters? Try saving your food waste this week (and in the future) and drop it at our compost bins located behind MSC. Save you coffee grounds, banana peels, veggie scraps and more from ending up in a landfill!

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

ECO PODCAST LIST
Looking for a new favorite podcast to listen to while you’re driving, working or just relaxing at the beach? Check out a few of our favorite eco-conscious podcasts and learn more about the climate, sustainability and things you can do to make a difference! Access the link here.

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative

ZERO WASTE LIFESTYLE
Anita Jorgensen has created a ‘how to’ video going through the simple tried and true steps to create the zero-waste lifestyle you’ve always wanted. In this video you will learn a short background as to why we accumulate so much waste, then go through the many tips and tricks from a variety of zero-waste categories: bath & body, kitchen, closet, and dining out.  Video coming soon
Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

 Challenge Day 1 - April 19

Food for Thoughts
Start earth week off strong! One of the best and easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your meat consumption. Try it out today for Meatless Monday and tag us in your plant-based meals #meatfreeUMiami! If you’re not sure where to begin, head over to SALT to check out their plant-based options and check out Plant-Based Canes @plantbasedcanes! To step it up even more, give composting a try - collect your food waste all week and dispose it in the @garden_bythesea compost bin, located at RSMAS behind MSC. 

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

Environmental Documentary List Here

 Challenge Day  - April 20

 Challenge Day 3 - April 21

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - you know the phrase! Today we’re focusing on new ways that you can follow the 3 Rs. Did you know that 15+ million tons of textile waste ends up in a landfill and almost 100% of that could be recycled! Feel better about your spring closet clean-out and reduce your textile waste by bringing your recyclable textiles to campus with our textile drop-box (located in the entrance of North Grosvenor at RSMAS). Do you have a lot of glass jars laying around?  Save them and check out the Make and Meditate event later today to find out new ways to reuse and upcycle them! 

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

Challenge Day 4 - April 22

Green Commute Challenge

How did you green your commute today? What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to give your car (and the earth!) a break. Make your commute to work or school green and carbon-neutral by taking your bike, walking or public transportation! Or even work from home and skip the emissions if you’re able to! Show us how you’re eco-commuting and tag us with #GreenCommuteMiami

Click here to log and see the impact of your eco-commute

HUG THE BEACH - April 22, 4-6 pm
Celebrate Earth Day by giving a “hug” to the beach at RSMAS. Take time this evening to enjoy what makes up 70% of our Earth, the ocean! Take a spot on the beach to kick back and relax, listen to some music, pick up trash, or make a splash.

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

Challenge Day 5 - April 23

Speak Out

For the last day of Earth Week, let’s keep the momentum moving forward and contact our government representatives to ensure that they prioritize environmental preservation and conservation. Click the link to the resource page, where we have outlined calls to action, the representatives to contact at the local, state, and US level, and their contact information. Feel free to edit our provided script to voice your opinion about the environment!   #EveryVoiceMatters

Click here to access the list of representatives for the state of Florida! 

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative - Flyer and Sponsors

RSMAS Earth Week Events

April 20 - 4-5 pm. 

RSMAS Challenge: Virtual Barre Class 

Join us Tuesday, April 20th for a fun virtual workout focused on low-impact, high intensity movements aimed to improve your strength, flexibility, and agility! It will be guided by @purebarremiami instructor and Rosenstiel School Ph.D. Student, Ashley Cook. Exercise outside for the added benefit of connecting with your surrounding environment! You will need a mat/towel and something steady to lean on (chair, table, etc.).

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative - Flyer and Sponsors

April 21 - 5-6 pm. 

MAKE AND MEDITATE - Glow-up Glass Jars

Learn to recycle glass in this interactive Make and Mediation webinar!  Items needed: Glass Jar, WD-40 or dish soap or baking soda and oil, stickers, glass paint, or sharpies. #MakeAndMeditate #RecycleSmarter #ZeroWasteZeroProblems

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative - Flyer and Sponsors

 April 22 - 4-6 pm. 

HUG THE BEACH - April 22, 4-6 pm
Celebrate Earth Day by giving a “hug” to the beach at RSMAS. Take time this evening to enjoy what makes up 70% of our Earth, the ocean! Take a spot on the beach to kick back and relax, listen to some music, pick up trash, or make a splash.

Brought to you by the MSGSO Sustainability Initiative Flyer and Sponsors

Thi Squire

Presenter, Sustainable Food and Health Care Systems

Thi Squire, Community Garden Project Manager of the Grow2Heal Garden at Homestead Hospital, is trying to change the food system within health care.

The Grow2Heal community garden at Homestead Hospital is a creative solution to ongoing challenges with chronic disease management and preventive healthcare. Hospital leadership dedicated vacant land adjacent to the hospital to develop an organic – and sustainable – garden as a way to offer the community fresh, nutritious foods with a far-reaching impact. The three-acre garden can potentially grow 30,000 pounds of produce annually, and is served to patients, visitors and hospital staff. It is also used to educate the community through school fieldtrips, health fairs, cooking demonstrations, wellness workshops, and support groups.

Proper nutrition can help manage – or even prevent – chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart failure. And one of the keys to preventive health is starting young. More than 500 students toured the garden last school year as part of the hospital’s Grow Your Lunch fieldtrip program. During their visit, they planted seeds, harvested fruits and vegetables, and cooked their own lunch under the guidance of the community garden’s manager. They learned to appreciate the importance of fresh, nutritious foods through a unique farm-to-table experience.

Teddy Lhoutellier

Moderator, Sustainable Food and Health Care Systems

Teddy Lhoutellier is the current Sustainability Manager for the University of Miami. Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Environmental Science are his passion. He started at the U in 2014, implementing the University's first comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan, after receiving a Silver ranking through the Sustainabiilty Tracking and Assessment Rating System program. Teddy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University, holding a MS degree in Environmental Studies - Energy Policy. He's also a LEED Green Associate.

Also moderating Conversations on Conservation and COVID-19,

Brianna Hernandez

Presenter, Conversations on Conservation and COVID-19 with the World Wildlife Fund

Brianna Hernandez joined the International Relations PhD program at Florida International University in 2018. She is also completing Graduate Certificate Programs in Women and Gender Studies and in National Security Studies. Prior to attending FIU, Brianna received her BA from the University of Miami where she double majored in History and Political Science as well as completed minors in Sociology and Philosophy. In addition to her academic and professional involvements, Brianna currently serves as a Panda Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund. 

Dina Moulioukova

Moderator, Saving Gilgamesh: The Race to Save Vulnerable Cultures in the Era of Climate Change

Dina Moulioukova is a Lecturer of International Studies and Master of International Administration at the University of Miami where she teaches courses on Energy & Environment and Human Security. She is also an Assistant Director and co-founder of Global Security Initiative that for the last seven years hosted international interdisciplinary symposium on Environmental Sustainability and Energy Security at the University of Miami. Dina has completed her Ph.D. at the University of Miami with focus on innovative approaches to security studies. Prior to her studies at UM, Dina received her Master of Law degree law (LL.M.) at the University of Cambridge with focus on international law. Her current research concentrates on different aspects of security, with special emphasis on environmental security as well as emerging powers. Dina has also widely published on the topics of her research and is currently working on finalizing her book. In addition to her academic interests, she has been engaged in a number of US Agency for International Development and Library of Congress’ projects and has served as an expert in roundtable discussions by Council on Foreign Relations and USSOUTHCOM.

Jamal Wilson

Presenter, Saving Gilgamesh: The Race to Save Vulnerable Cultures in the Era of Climate Change

Jamal Wilson is an environmental media and communications graduate student with the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy pursuing a Master’s of Professional Science in Environment, Culture, and Media. As an intern/coordinator for environmental artist Xavier Cortada’s Underwater Homeowners Association participatory art project, he is focused on bridging the gap between environmental communications, community participation, and digital media. He is also Marketing Coordinator for Miami Herbert Business School Graduate Business Admissions, aiding the sustainability rebranding of Miami Herbert as the school embraces the role of guiding future business leaders towards a more sustainable future.

Martin Hidalgo

 Presenter, Saving Gilgamesh: The Race to Save Vulnerable Cultures in the Era of Climate Change

Martin Hidalgo is senior student double-majoring in motion pictures and creative advertising. His works both as a filmmaker and creative, strive to carry within them the motif of social change. His belief in the power of communication both through film and advertising, is what fuels his artistic expression. Coming from a philosophy background, Martin has the ability to simplify complex problems into digestible content, and hopefully into entertainment. Previous works include “The Origins of Violence and a Lesson in Humility” to which he was awarded recognition during the Montclair State University Student Symposium in 2018.

Reverend Houston Cypress

Keynote Speaker, Love the Everglades

Artist, activist, poet, and ordained minister Reverend Houston Cypress serves as the head of Love the Everglades, an organization devoted to the development of platforms and initiatives for environmental protection and cultural preservation. Cypress also uses his platform to speak out as an advocate for two-spirited and non-binary gender peoples, cultural preservation, business development, and sovereignty. Cypress acts as a cultural ambassador, fostering meaningful exchanges between his society of native clans and the Miami community. Recently he presented a lecture entitled “Decolonizing Gender, Land, and Spirit” at ICA Miami as a way of connecting with the environment and cultivating more diverse and inclusive communities.

Kathryn Doolittle

Moderator, Love the Everglades

Kathryn Doolittle is a senior graduating in May with a B. A. in Anthropology and a B. A. in Ecosystem Science and Policy.  She participates in research in the Anthropology Department to aid in chimpanzee conservation and serves as the Vice Chair for Student Government’s ECO Agency. She plans to pursue a career in conservation after graduation. 

April 20th

Jessica Brumley

Speaker, A Brighter Future: Solar Together at the Univesity of Miami

Jessica Brumley, the vice president of Facilities Operations and Planning, joined the University in January 2018.  She is responsible for developing and maximizing the value of University-owned and operated real estate while providing strategic vision, leadership, coordination and administrative oversight to services that enhance the academic, and research experience of faculty, students, staff, and the local community.  Ms. Brumley is responsible for the following departments: Campus Planning, Design and Construction, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities & Operations, Parking & Transportation, Emergency Management, Real Estate, Replacement & Renewal, and Space Planning & Analysis. She has contract administration responsibilities for a number of subcontracted University services. Ms. Brumley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from the University of Pittsburgh.  In 2015, Ms. Brumley was a South Florida Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award winner.

Jennifer Schaffer

Speaker, A Brighter Future: Solar Together at the Univesity of Miami

Jennifer Schaffer is the Director of Development, responsible for designing and deploying new and innovative renewable energy programs that meet the needs of customers while enabling the continued growth of renewable generation in Florida.  She has been with Florida Power and Light for 13 years and successfully led the development and launch of the SolarNow™ program with more than 50,000 customers enrolled. Her most recent accomplishment, the successful launch of the largest community solar program in the country, FPL SolarTogether™ is offering customers an innovative opportunity to join in the solar revolution and helping to make Florida a leader in clean energy. 

Roberta Jacoby

Speaker, A Brighter Future: Solar Together at the Univesity of Miami

Roberta Jacoby, University of Miami Board of Trustee member and president of the Citizens Board, has left a lasting and positive legacy across nearly the entire cruise industry landscape, from disciplined multi-unit operations, destination development, sustainability, strategy to innovation, and more. She currently serves as an executive advisor, providing high-level advisory services to companies and private equity groups. Roberta has served as a senior member of the two largest world cruise brands, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group, both publicly traded companies. Roberta has been recognized as a transformational leader equally well versed in mass market and luxury, with global and multi-generational experience. She inspired companies worldwide to reach environmental sustainability by sharing the vision and setting the goals while giving them the tools and resources they needed to achieve the same operational levels and cost structure while considering many aspects of the environment. Roberta also serves as a dedicated mentor by identifying and coaching high-potential employees and students to exceptional achievement and growth levels.

Ashley Cook

Presenter, Raising the Barre

Ashley Cook is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Marine Biology and Ecology department at RSMAS studying cetacean acoustics. She moved to Miami in 2017 and discovered Pure Barre while studying in the MPS program's marine mammal science track. Shortly after, she became a pure barre instructor at the Coral Gables studio where she shares her passion for this challenging, yet fun technique based in Pilates, dance, and yoga.

April 21st

Theresa Pinto

Moderator, Biscayne Bay: The Health of Water

Theresa Pinto is an adjunct lecturer in Ecosystem Science and Policy and an attorney with the P.E.E.R. Group, a nonprofit public interest law firm that works on resiliency issues in the greater Miami area. Theresa holds degrees in Biology and Religious Studies from FIU; Environmental Science, Policy and Management from the UC, Berkeley; and a law degree from UM’s School of Law. She currently serves on the Greater Miami Housing Alliance Steering Committee to help implement the Affordable Housing Framework developed through community workshops led by Miami Homes for All. She also serves as a co-Chair of the Miami Climate Alliance’s Resilient Miami Working Group and in a partnership with the Environmental Justice Clinic at UM’s School of Law.

Irela Bague

Speaker, Biscayne Bay: The Health of Water

Irela Bagué is Miami Dade's first Chief Bay Officer (CBO). As the Chief Bay Officer, Ms. Bague acts as a liaison between County departments, County boards, external agencies, stakeholder groups, and local, state and federal governments to provide direction, emphasis, and coordination for all issues related to Biscayne Bay.  This role focuses on water quality issues, policies and appropriations related to the health and recovery of Biscayne Bay.
President & CEO of Bagué Group, a full-service consulting firm with over 20 years of experience in Florida with expertise in strategic communications, water policy, sustainability, climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience.
Ms. Bagué is a former Governing Board Member of the South Florida Water Management District where she held the position of Vice-Chair. She is a longtime advocate of Everglades and Biscayne Bay restoration, climate change and promotes ethnic diversity and inclusion in the environmental movement.  
Ms. Bagué is chair of Miami-Dade County’s Biscayne Bay Task Force, Vice-Chair of the Resilience Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and serves on the City of Coral Gables Sustainability Advisory Board.

Mat Anderson

Speaker, Biscayne Bay: The Health of Water

Matthew Anderson is currently the Senior Sustainability Analyst for the City of Coral Gables. His primary responsibilities include coordinating and managing all of the environmental, sustainability, and resiliency initiatives in the City. This includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the development and implementation of the City's Sustainability Management Plan, acting as the staff liaison for the City's Sustainability Advisory Board, working across all city departments to develop policies and actions to reduce energy, water, and fuel consumption while also reducing over greenhouse gas emissions. Responsibilities also include assisting in expanding the City's electric vehicle fleet and charging infrastructure and coordinating the majority of the city's community environmental events and environmental awareness campaigns. In addition, he also coordinates the City's participation in the SE Florida Regional Climate Compact and is involved in developing climate change and sea level rise adaptation and mitigation strategies. He’s a LEED AP O+M and Envision Sustainability Professional.

Alexandra Norelli

Presenter, RSMAS: Make & Meditate Virtual Upcycling Workshop

Alex is a student leader as part of the Rosenstiel School's Marine Science Graduate Student Organization (MSGSO).  As graduate student in the Marine Ecosystems and Society department, she does research on tropical tuna behaviors and management strategies.  She has been leading Make and Meditate for the past year as an effort to reduce stress and improve mental health awareness on the Rosenstiel campus. 

Donna Shalala

Speaker, MAIA Presents: Reflections on the Peace Corps

Bio

Carol Bellamy

Speaker, MAIA Presents: Reflections on the Peace Corps

Carol Bellamy (RPCV: Guatemala) is chair of the board of the
Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF),
previously director of the Peace Corps, and executive director
of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Teresa Vasquez

Moderator, Food Sustainability 101 Webinar

Teresa Vazquez (she/her) is the head of Food Sustainability on Student Government’s Eco Board. Over the past year, she has led Eco’s latest project: an on-campus food pantry for students! She actively manages the pantry and oversees projects relating to ending food insecurity on campus. 

Natalia Brown

Panelist, Food Sustainability 101 Webinar

Natalia Brown (she/her) has served as ECO Agency’s Head of Waste Reduction for nearly three years. She was born and raised in the Sunshine State and is soon to graduate with a B.S. in Ecosystem Science & Policy. Through her role in Student Government, she works on reducing UM’s waste footprint by phasing out single-use plastics and advocating for biodegradable or reusable alternatives. She also leads ECO’s Food Recovery Network, which has overseen the diversion of over 14,000 lbs of food waste from UM’s dining halls. 

Ella Pokrifka

Panelist, Food Sustainability 101 Webinar

My name is Ella Pokrifka, and I am a graduating senior on the ECO Board and also on the exec board of Plant Based Canes. PBC is a community club on campus for student to eat and discuss plant-based food in any capacity. Anyone from any eating background is welcome! 

Jack Urqhuart

Panelist, Food Sustainability 101 Webinar

Jack is the president of the CommUnity Gardening club, which he has been a member of for the last three years at UM. He also is the treasurer for the UM Aquarium Club, and is currently working on a thesis in through RSMAS on the ecology of reef fishes. 

April 22nd

Jennifer Niemann

Speaker, Climate Justice: Addressing Challenges of Equity in a Changing Climate

Jennifer Niemann is a Research Analyst at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, where she conducts research on adaptive responses to climate change risks.

Niemann explores the methods of climate migration and managed retreat, with a specific focus on stakeholder motivations, objectives, perceived outcomes, and current understandings of community adaptation, both concentrated in the South Florida region and nation-wide. In order to build evidence-based and decision-relevant knowledge, her research includes a mixed-methods holistic assessment of buyout goals and outcomes, spanning the areas of risk reduction, economics, sociocultural experiences, environmental impacts, and the barriers and opportunities that influenced these outcomes.

Lynee Turek-Hankins

Speaker, Climate Justice: Addressing Challenges of Equity in a Changing Climate

Lynée Turek-Hankins is a doctoral student at the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy at the University of Miami. She studies how soft and hard infrastructure can promote resilience and equity under a changing climate. Her research interests include: (1) adapting the built environment to the triple threat of extreme heat, urbanization, and population growth/migration, (2) preparing for and understanding cascading risks and sociotechnical systems, and (3) using transdisciplinary research methods.

Speaker, Climate Justice: Addressing Challenges of Equity in a Changing Climate

Scot Evans is a community-engaged researcher working to understand and support the role of community-based organizations, networks, and coalitions in building collective power to promote community wellbeing, social change, and social justice. He utilizes an action research approach with community partners in order to uncover injustice and build community capacity for social change.

Mauro Galetti

Presenter, Orchid Planting in the Gifford Arboretum with Dr. Galetti

Dr. Mauro Galetti is a tropical ecologist at the University of Miami and Director of the Gifford Arboretum. His current research centers broadly on the effects of animal extinction on key ecological, evolutionary and ecosystem processes. Dr. Galetti has intensively worked in understanding how trophic cascades propagates in tropical forest and savanna ecosystems. He has long experience in tropical forests in Brazil. Dr. Galetti is also responsible for auditing one of the largest dataset on the Biodiversity of the Atlantic forest of Brazil.

Kenneth Broad

Introductory Remarks, How to Feed the World Without Frying the World

Kenny Broad is a professor at UM’s RSMAS and the Director of the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. He studies the use and misuse of scientific information. He regularly collaborates with ecologists, climatologists, hydrologists, psychologists and a range of other strange ‘ologists’. Broad and the late Wes Skiles received the National Geographic Explorer of the Year award in 2011.

Michael Grunwald

Speaker, How to Feed the World Without Frying the World

Before joining POLITICO in November 2014, Mike was a staff writer for The Boston Globe, a national staff writer for The Washington Post and a senior national correspondent for Time magazine. He has won the George Polk Award for national reporting, the Worth Bingham Prize for investigative reporting and many other journalism honors. He is also the best-selling author of “The New New Deal: The Hidden Story of Change in the Obama Era” (Simon & Schuster, 2012) and “The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise” (Simon & Schuster, 2006)

Gabriella Smith

Speaker, Future of Circular Fashion with the Upcycle Project

Gabriella Smith is the co-founder and business development director of The UpCycle Project. She has more than eight years marketing and sales experience with luxury brands and consumer goods. As a conscious observer, Gabriella believes that the future of fashion will be through sustainable sourcing and ethically-made clothes. Her passion lies in creating a clothing recycling facility, where clothing can be sorted and upcycled into new threads and fabric.

Sofia Mesa

Presenter, The Problem with Plastics

Sofia Mesa serves as ECO Agency’s Chair, Sustainability Director for UThrift, and Internship Director at nonprofit Debris Free Oceans. She is a Junior from Miami, FL double majoring in English and Ecosystem Science and Policy. In her time with ECO Sofia has worked on various projects such as growing UThrift from an initiative into an independent student organization, adding more plant based options on campus, and consulting for the Rathskeller to replace their single-use utensils and to-go containers with reusable and backyard compostable options! Sofia has also delivered educational presentations on plastic pollution to over 2,000 students of all ages in her role with DFO. Earth Week has been an incredible joy for her to plan, and she can't wait for everyone to be able to attend the events and secure some awesome and sustainable giveaway items!

Nika Seider

Moderator, Future of Circular Fashion with the Upcycle Project

Veronika “Nika” Seider is a Senior at UM double majoring in International Studies and French, with minors in Ecosystem Science & Policy, Communication News Journalism, and Public Health. Nika is the founder and [outgoing] President of UThrift: UM’s free on-campus thrift swap. She has also served as Director of Student Government’s Green Committee. Nika is passionate about the slow fashion movement and pre-loved clothes.

Anna Coon

Moderator, Future of Circular Fashion with the Upcycle Project

April 23rd

Caroline Lewis

Speaker, Climate Change 101 with CLEO Institute Founder Caroline Lewis

As Founder & Senior Advisor of teh CLEO Institute, Caroline Lewis promotes climate literacy and support for bold action. As Senior Advisor, she works with a stellar team to advance climate action as the urgent imperative it is. In 2002, Lewis, a science teacher & high school principal, created the Fairchild Challenge interdisciplinary environmental education program that annually engaging tens of thousands of students in Miami and around the world. As the 2016 founding Director of Cushman High School, Lewis worked with a strong team to provide a unique vision for a rigorous, creative, character-based and civic engagement-focused high school education.

Alexis Cambridge

Moderator, Climate Change 101 with CLEO Institute Founder Caroline Lewis

My name is Alexis Cambridge and I am a senior from Slidell, Louisiana (outside of New Orleans). My major is Ecosystem Science and Policy on a Conservation Biology track. I have been a vegetarian for almost 9 years and I have recently began transitioning to zero-waste living! I decided to become an Eco-Rep to help make our campus as eco-friendly as possible and to help spread my own passion for environmental sustainability. 

Terri Hood

Speaker, The Atala Butterfly Resurgence at Lakeside Village

With a PhD in marine geochemistry, my research years were focused on assessing human impacts in coastal ocean environments using a variety of geochemical and biological analytical approaches. On a personal note, I’ve been a gardener since childhood, with a particular interest in backyard ecology, permaculture, edible landscaping and food forests, as well as everything to do with healthy soils. I’ve merged these two life aspects in my teaching at UM over the last 20 years, happily leading students through all sorts of analyses to help them understand biogeochemical processes taking place in their own backyards. I also co-teach field courses to places around the world, where we study how other cultures connect with their environment in useful and healthy ways. Terri is the Undergraduate Program Assistant Director at the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy, University of Miami

Sandy Koi

Speaker, The Atala Butterfly Resurgence at Lakeside Village

Sandy Koi is an entomologist currently in the doctorate program at Florida International University, where she also teaches Everglades Ecology. She is well known for her conservation efforts for the Atala Hairstreak! Ms. Koi will share her current research on at-risk plants and their specialist insects endemic to the globally endangered Pine Rocklands in Miami-Dade County.

Andrea Rivera

Moderator, Sustainable Solutions: Students Fighting for a Progressive Future

Delaney Reynolds

Speaker, Sustainable Solutions: Students Fighting for a Progressive Future

Delaney is a fourth generation Miamian and splits her time between the cosmopolitan city of a few million people where she was born and No Name Key, a 1,000-acre island in the Florida Keys, where her family owns a solar powered home. She is a Foote Fellow and Singer Scholar at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science where she’s pursuing a double major in Marine Science and Coastal Geology, as well as a minor in Climate Science and Policy.
Delaney is the founder and CEO of The Sink or Swim Project, an NGO focused on climate education and advocacy, as well as its website www.miamisearise.com, where she publishes a popular blog www.miamisearise.com/delaneys-blog/. She is a Board Member for The CLEO Institute, a Dream in Green Youth Ambassador, a Celebration of the Seas Youth Ambassador and sits on the Miami-Dade County Committee of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities. Former service roles include acting as the Director of Sustainability for the Miami Beach Pop Music Festival and member of Philippe Cousteau’s EarthEcho International Youth Leadership Council.
She has authored and illustrated three children’s books about the environment in and around No Name Key, as well as a comic adventure book on climate change entitled Where Did All The Polar Bears Go?. She has given a popular TEDx Talk at the Adrienne Arsht Center, appeared with actor/musician Jack Black on the National Geographic Channel’s Years of Living Dangerously, with former Vice President Al Gore on MTV’s An Inconvenient Special, and with explorer Philippe Cousteau on his Xploration Awesome Planet on FOX. She has addressed the United Nations General Assembly, co-founded the March for Science Miami, helped author and implement a landmark mandatory solar power law in the City of South Miami, and is the lead Plaintiff in the Reynolds vs. State of Florida climate change lawsuit.
Delaney has been honored with the George Eastman Young Leader’s Scholarship from the University of Rochester, the Gloria Barron Scholarship Prize for Young Heroes, the Broward County Green Leader Award, The CLEO Institute Leadership Council, The Miami Herald’s Silver Knight in Social Science and the inaugural National Geographic Teen Service Award.