Malia Becker, Organizer, Center for Biological Diversity

Malia Becker leads creative outreach campaigns at the Center for Biological Diversity addressing the intersection of endless growth, reproductive health, inequitable consumption, and the wildlife extinction crisis. She manages two campaigns focused on alternative economies and reproductive rights: Simplify the Holidays and Endangered Species Condoms. Before joining the Center, Malia worked in healthcare patient access and administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in geography and public health.

Chandler Poole, Alternative Economies Fellow, Center for Biological Diversity

Hello! My name is Chandler Poole! I am a fellow under the guidance of the Center for Biological Diversity. My role as a fellow involves learning more about alternative economies, specifically solidarity economies, and their benefits for environmentalism. I am currently working on a project to create a Library of Things on University of North Florida campus. My hope is not only it’s immediate success, but to also lay down the ground work for more LoTs across the country!

Ben Auger, Facilities Engagement Coordinator, George Mason University

Ben Auger (he/they) is a higher education professional with 10+ years of experience, presently working as the Engagement Coordinator for the Marketing & Communications team in the Facilities department at George Mason University. He facilitates engagement between the university community and Facilities to increase awareness about and engagement with Facilities’ many opportunities and resources. He also provides strategic engagement support to Facilities colleagues across 16 teams to amplify the impact of various engagement-focused activities and initiatives. Prior to this role at George Mason, he worked in various sustainability positions with Facilities’ University Sustainability team. Before joining George Mason, he worked as a student affairs professional at two public, 4-year higher education institutions. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and history and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.

Colleen Regan, Zero Waste Specialist, George Mason University

Colleen Regan works as a Zero Waste Specialist in the University Sustainability office at George Mason University. She collaborates closely with the Facilities Recycling team to expand reuse pathways on campus and improve access to composting and recycling infrastructure. She helps implement Mason’s annual sustainable move-out initiative, Patriot Packout (PPO), which collects donated items at the end of each spring semester and redistributes them to the Mason community for free. Currently, she facilitates the PPO Planning Committee, comprised of Mason students, staff, and alumni who oversee the initiative’s planning and execution. Before joining the Facilities department’s University Sustainability office, Colleen was a Mason student! She holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

Khadija Elmewafy, Patriot Packout Intern with University Sustainability, George Mason University

Kay is a senior at George Mason University, majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a focus on Business and Sustainability. She is enrolled in the bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program, presently completing graduate courses towards a master’s in business Managment degree with a concentration in Environmental and Sustainability Management. Currently, Kay is completing the first internship with Patriot Packout, a zero-waste move-out initiative supported by University Sustainability. In her internship, she is engaging George Mason students about Patriot Packout through workshops, events, and activities and raising awareness within the university community on various sustainability issues, including textile waste. Kay is also an artist, with an interest in mixed media and analog photography, creating work that blends creativity and environmental themes.