LEAVE IT BETTER

ABOUT LEAVE IT BETTER FOUNDATION

Leave it Better Foundation was founded in 2009 with the conviction that youth are the key to healing our environment. Through hands-on activities, STEAM projects, gardening, and mindfulness exercises, we purpose to fill the void in our nation’s school system where environmental education is concerned. Our programs are designed to provide students with a space where they can master the art of being mindful towards themselves, each other, their communities and the world.

OUR TEAM

BRIANA BLACK

Executive Director & Lead Educator

Briana’s journey with LIBF is a unique one. When she was in middle school at age 11, she was a student participating in Leave It Better programs. She also did hands-on work to restore a neighborhood park in her community. Growing up, the concept of growing and eating her own food was foreign. Restoring the park, left her with a deeper understanding of the process of growing her own food and a sense of pride about being involved in her community.

ASHLEY GONZALEZ

Director of Education

Born and raised in New York, Ashley always had a passion for creating art realistic to her and her community. She first joined Leave It Better team 2018 as a Video Editor working behind the scenes. She is now a Lead Educator at P94 and Dos Puentes. Through Leave It Better she has been able to bind her passion for film and healthier living in fast paced environments together.

NATALIE DUDENSING

Educator

Natalie began working with Leave it Better in the spring of 2024 and recently graduated from NYU with a degree Environmental Studies. She has a growing passion for environmental education. Growing up in California introduced Natalie to her love of nature and being outdoors although she loves the speed and creativity of New York City! She is thrilled to be part of the team and is looking forward to imparting her knowledge and love of the environment to students through the Leave it Better program!

GRAHAM MERIWETHER

Founder, Partnerships + Operations

Graham is a lifelong lover of the outdoors who believes youth are the key to healing our planet. He is passionate about local agriculture, hands-on learning and independent film and is excited to be a part of Leave It Better.

ILIANA RIOS

Lead Educator

Iliana is a native New Yorker who recently graduated with an Environmental Studies major at NYU.. Being raised in the city has made her grow to appreciate the delightful urban nature and greenspaces available in every borough. She is curious of the varying levels of understanding that each individual has about the environment, inspired by their unique circumstances. Iliana is excited to combine her interests of education and advocacy at LIB and has made it an aim to seek compassionate paths towards environmental education.

SARAH HAMED

Lead Educator

Sarah graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies from Hunter College. Her connection with Leave it Better began in 2017 when she discovered promoting activity-based learning is one of her passions. She is motivated by experiences that challenge her to be better and has made it her goal to diversify learning not only in education but other fields as well. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Childhood Education.

EMMA ZUMBO

Supporting Educator

Emma is pursuing a Master’s in Philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center and joined Leave It Better in the Spring of 2025. She loves hiking, scuba diving, and wandering the farmer’s market and is excited to share her love of nature and learning with students across New York.

OUR BOARD

CLAIRE KLEINMAN

Claire is an artist and filmmaker who recently graduated from Cooper Union, she was born and raised in NYC. Despite growing up around concrete she has developed a deep appreciation for plants. She believes we have a lot to learn from children, and that children can learn a lot from nurturing their bond with the natural world.

MAKENA MUGAMBI

Makena recently received a B.A. in Politics and Environmental Studies. She believes that people who can recognize and respond to their own needs are better positioned to address the needs of the world around them. By working with LIBF, she hopes to help youth take better care of themselves, each other, their communities, and the world.

KARL ROSAEN

Karl is the Co-Founder of Real Time Farms, LLC. Mr. Rosaen previously served as Vice President of Technology at Food52, Inc. where has served as both lead project manager and lead engineer.

LETICIA SANTOS

Leticia Santos is a recent graduate from NYU majoring in Environmental Studies and Psychology. Having grown up in Newark, New Jersey, she has had experience with urban life but hopes to leave the city’s environment more sustainable and leave her community more healthy.