Category: Newsletter

I bring a frontline perspective to strengthen NCRA’s leadership in Zero Waste.

I have been an NCRA member since 2017 and am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Board. While I have only been able to attend a few meetings and events in recent years, I am eager to expand my involvement and contribute more actively to advancing NCRA’s mission.

I currently work at UC San Francisco Facilities Services as a Zero Waste Technician, where I support campus waste-reduction goals through audits, data tracking, and outreach. My 30-plus years in recycling and reuse include experience with Recology, providing the hauler’s perspective on collection and compliance, and with Urban Ore Ecopark, one of California’s pioneers in reuse. I hold professional credentials as a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor, LEED Green Associate, ESG Data Specialist (GBES), and as a ZWUSA Zero Waste Associate.

In addition to program and data experience, I bring the insight of a frontline recycling worker. I understand the challenges, creativity, and persistence required to make zero-waste goals a reality on the ground. I believe that voice is valuable on the NCRA Board, alongside policy and planning expertise.

As a Board Member, I would be committed to supporting NCRA’s leadership in zero-waste education, legislative engagement, and professional networking. I look forward to contributing my skills in outreach, program support, and data-driven analysis to strengthen the organization and serve the membership.

LinkedIn

I have been a NCRA member since 2020 and am on our Advocacy Committee. Wanting NCRA to be more active politically, I launched NCRA’s Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in 2024 with Bailey Hall and other volunteers. We successfully lobbied our representatives to pass bills important to our members, something I presented on at this year’s Recycling Update. Advocacy Day has become an annual event, building our power at the state level, and creating connections with other members and elected officials.

Twenty-one years ago at the San Francisco Green Festival, I got messy sorting compost, recycle, and trash and decided I liked it enough to eventually make a career of it (after some years in politics!). I’ve lived in the Bay Area most of my adult life and am a Recycling Program Specialist for City of Oakland; I’ve also worked part-time as an event greener for Race to Zero Waste since 2017. My previous experience in the industry includes working for a hauler, consulting, leading waste reduction projects at Portland International Airport, and volunteering at SF Environment for 10 years.

As a NCRA Board Member, my plan is to co-chair Advocacy Committee and engage members in legislative actions, including continuing to grow Advocacy Day. I hope I can count on you to get involved, and on your vote!

Incumbent, member since 2018

As my first term as a NCRA board member comes to a close, I’m running for a second term to continue my service. These past two years, I’ve been planning webinars and salons as part of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee, including one coming up on Oct 21, 2025 about Meaningful Community Engagement.

Although planning webinars doesn’t require my participation on the board, I am working on another major project that does. I am collaborating closely with staff to improve the NCRA website, newsletters, and flyers. The goal is to make it easier for members to navigate and find information about available committees or upcoming events, follow and influence policymaking in Sacramento, and network with other members. Streamlining the design would not only make NCRA more accessible and welcoming to our growing membership, but it would also ensure that we can communicate information more quickly to members at a glance.

I’d love to have further opportunity to carry out my ideas and continue helping to improve NCRA. Please vote for me!

LinkedIn

Incumbent, member since 2021

It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Directors for 3 terms since 2021—2 as President. I have approached this role with deep appreciation, pride, and a strong sense of responsibility. I am now seeking a final term—not to serve again as an officer, but to help support a smooth leadership transition and offer continuity as the Board welcomes a new President.

Over the past 4 years, I’ve witnessed remarkable growth in our small but mighty association. I am especially proud of the following accomplishments:

* Formalizing contracts and updating job descriptions for our contract staff to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

* Collaborating with our Executive Director to oversee the ratification of our updated bylaws.

* Co-chairing the Recycling Update Program Committee (2023–2025), with one the most diverse speaker programs and the latest policies and topics in resource recovery in Northern California.

* Producing 2 of the largest Recycling Update conferences in NCRA’s 30-year history.

* Supporting our Legislative Chair and partners during NCRA Lobby Days in Sacramento (2024 and 2025) because we deserve a seat at the table of legislation that impacts or advances zero waste.

* Establishing a policy ensuring NCRA donates to a local Indigenous organization in the community hosting Recycling Update, because we can and should REMATRIATE the land.

Serving our community of compassionate and dedicated zero wasters has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. I look forward to continuing to contribute to NCRA’s mission, supporting the next generation of leadership, and of course fighting landfilling and incineration.

LinkedIn