Ashley Alexandria Arroyo

Ashley Alexandria was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Queens. She graduated from Hunter College in 2012. She received her BA in English Literature and Public Policy, and is planning to go to law school where she hopes to pursue a career in the Public Interest sector. During her Civic Corps time with NYCHA, she hopes to work closely with the Resident Green Committees in developing consciousness-raising projects to engage the community in working to solve the issues which threaten the sustainability of NYCHA and the larger global community. She believes that environmental education is of the upmost importance in modern day society, as the problems that are solved today will be felt for generations to come.

Marquita Dias

Marquita is a 2012 graduate of SUNY Geneseo where she majored in Communication with a focus in Intercultural and Critical Studies. Although born in California, she was raised in western New York. Her interests include sustainable cultural communities, city planning, and public policy. She believes environmental education is pivotal to the survival of both the planet and the human race. Marquita believes the relationship individuals cultivate with the planet manifests into their overall personal health. A healthy, positive relationship with the earth leads to a happier more fulfilled life. She looks forward to assisting NYCHA’s RGCs cultivate this relationship and extend it to both their internal and external communities.

Michael Tracht

Michael Tracht grew up outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the University of Chicago in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, specializing in Egyptology.  Before starting with NYCHA, he worked in environmental organizing and advocacy, and he also gained experience with environmental policy analysis as a Senior Fellow with the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network.  Having most recently worked in campaign finance for a number of pro-environment candidates, Michael is very excited to be working at the grassroots level once again.  He hopes that as the Resident Green Committees grow and become increasingly active, NYCHA residents will not only strengthen their communities but will also see themselves as pioneers of widespread environmental stewardship.

Lee Kaplan

Lee was born in New York City and raised in Westchester County, NY.  He graduated from NYU in 2011 with a degree in Politics.  He has extensive experience in the advertising industry, but recently decided to transition to a career in public service out of a desire to help others.  He plans to attend law school following the conclusion of his Civic Corps term.  Lee is very excited to help tackle the environmental challenges NYCHA is facing.  He recognizes the importance of green initiatives and the impact they can have on NYCHA’s future.  He looks forward to working with the Resident Green Committees to help make NYCHA developments greener, more beautiful places to live, and to ensure the long term sustainability of public housing in New York City.