OUR TEAM

The Roots of CITIZENS
Citizens for a better south florida

TREE Family

Ralph Ariza

Executive Director

Ralph J. Ariza is a Miami native and first generation Cuban-American. He received his Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Masters of Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida.


His areas of work have predominantly revolved around ecotourism, natural resource management and experiential education.


Ralph has worked on environmental projects in the US, Central America and the Caribbean. Ralph also has over 15 years of experience working with youths in non-formal learning environments teaching environmental topics; as well as yoga and mindfulness techniques.


When not working, you can find him exploring the outdoors, reading, listening to music, cooking or tending to his garden.

Penelope Leal

Program Director

Penelope brings experience in Geographic Information Systems research and service-learning leadership, with a strong commitment to fostering equitable partnerships between organizations and the communities they serve. She is passionate about advancing efforts that recognize the intersectionalities of identity within the climate space and that promote environmental justice and effective science communication.


Before joining Citizens, Penelope interned with the City of Miami Beach’s Environment and Sustainability Department and later worked as a Student Research Assistant at the International Center for Tropical Botany. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Florida International University.

Lorena Marrero

Program Assistant

Lorena Marrero is a Cuban American photographer and arts administrator born and raised in Miami, Florida. She has curated events and educational workshops for local and international artists through organizations such as Leica Store Miami, The Peace Studio, and independent initiatives.


Currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Art Education, her creative practice explores cultural preservation and social narratives. Through her work, Lorena aims to build an evolving archive that educates, inspires, and celebrates the shared human experience.

Heidi Lellelid

Garden Education Specialist

As the Garden Education Specialist for CITIZENS, Heidi Lellelid trains and educates Miami-Dade County Public Schools faculty, students, volunteers, and interns on sustainable food production suited to the USDA 10b hardiness zone. She is passionate about helping the community understand where food truly comes from—emphasizing its connection to the Earth rather than to grocery stores or fast-food chains.


Over the past decade, Heidi has worked with the Earth Ethics Institute, where she managed and oversaw campus gardens at Miami Dade College as well as multiple gardens at MDCPS schools throughout Miami-Dade County. During her time at EEI, she also managed the CROPS program, a CSA-style initiative that provided students and faculty with affordable access to organic fruits and vegetables. Heidi earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Florida International University in 2013.

Britany Ziems

Grants Consultant
& Program Support

Mrs. Ziems served as Executive Director of Citizens for a Better South Florida for nine years, during which she cultivated strong community partnerships and developed collaborative programs that advanced the organization’s mission. She continues to support Citizens through grant development and program assistance.


Previously, Mrs. Ziems worked with the Earth Ethics Institute at Miami Dade College as an AmeriCorps VISTA Program Coordinator. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Florida’s School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Board of Directors

President

Arsenio Milian
President, Milian Swain & Associates

Vice-President

Richard Araluce
Store Manager, TD Bank

Treasurer

Deborah Swain
Vice President, Milian Swain & Associates

Secretary

Alberto J. Herrera, Ph.D.

Directors

Gary Milano

Fernando Craveiro de Sa, Ph.D.
HBC Engineering Company