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.

Andreina Zuluaga has an Associate of Arts in Biology from Miami Dade College. With a strong passion for zoology, conservation, environmental sciences, and sustainability, she has actively pursued these interests throughout her academic journey. As former president of the YES! for Environmental Sustainability Club at MDC Kendall, she had the opportunity to lead and contribute to initiatives that promoted sustainability on campus. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, she expanded her knowledge through a research internship at Florida International University (FIU), where she completed an undergraduate research project focused on the species richness of invasive plants in Florida. When she is not immersed in science, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies and TV shows, and reading. She is excited to pursue more opportunities in the environmental sciences field and make meaningful contributions to conservation efforts by working with CITIZENS.

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.

As the Garden Education Specialist for CITIZENS, Heidi Lellelid is training and educating MDCPS faculty and students, as well as volunteers and interns on the many aspects of growing and producing food in our 10B hardiness zone. Heidi is driven to help the community understand that their food does not originate from the grocery store or McDonalds, but comes from the Earth. Heidi has worked over the last ten years with the Earth Ethics Institute managing and overseeing their MDC Campus gardens as well as multiple gardens at MDCPS schools throughout Dade county. While at EEI, she also managed the CROPS program which was a CSA type share of organic fruits and vegetables that students and faculty could purchase at a reduced rate. She received her BA in Liberal Studies from Florida International University in 2013.

Mrs. Ziems served as Citizens for a Better South Florida’s Executive Director for 9 years cultivating community partnerships and developing effective collaborative programming to implement our organization’s mission. She continues to assist us through grant and program support. Prior to this position, she worked for the Earth Ethics Institute at Miami Dade College as an AmeriCorps VISTA Program Coordinator. She received her Master of Business Administration from Florida International University and her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Florida School of Natural Resources and Environment.