Staff

Barbara Martinez-GuerreroBarbara Martinez-Guerrero
Barbara Martinez-Guerrero

— Executive Director

  • M.A. – Teachers College, Columbia University

  • B.S. – Florida International University

  • Professional Educator’s Certificate for the State of Florida & State of New York

Barbara grew up in south Florida, graduating from G. Holmes Braddock, a local public school in Miami and attending FIU to obtain her undergraduate degree in elementary education with a focus on Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL). She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having spent two years teaching English as a foreign/second language in a high school in eastern Europe.

She was a classroom teacher for 10 years teaching both in Miami public schools and New York City public schools. She earned her Master’s at Teachers College, Columbia University for International Educational Development with a focus on Peace Education and Conflict Resolution. Upon her return to Miami, she began her informal educator experience through Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s environmental education outreach program where she integrated sustainability and conservation lessons to teachers and students throughout south Florida. Her experiences uniquely position her to take on the role of Executive Director, leading the organization in expanding its programs in the region.

Alexandra Gruenbaum (frm. Ender)Alexandra Gruenbaum (frm. Ender)
Alexandra Gruenbaum (frm. Ender)

— Program Manager

  • University of Miami

  • M.A. in Marine Conservation

  • B.A. in Marine Affairs

Alexandra moved to Miami in 2007 from Kansas to attend the University of Miami. There she obtained her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in marine conservation. Prior to joining Dream in Green Alexandra was researching fisheries ecology with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Looking for new challenges outside of scientific research, Alexandra came across the opportunity to join the Dream in Green team. She is excited to be a part of DIG by heading its programs both in schools and the community and to oversee their expansion in South Florida.

Founders

Nicholas Gunia
Nicholas Gunia

— Founder & Current Board Member

  • BA Dartmouth College

  • Juris Doctor degree, summa cum laude, University of Miami

  • Davis Polk & Wardwell NYC

  • President of K.G. International

Nick Gunia, LEED AP, was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Miami. He graduated from Dartmouth College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Nick earned his Juris Doctor degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was on the University of Miami Law Review.

He began his career at the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City, where his practice areas included mergers and acquisitions, banking and investment management. In 2003, Nick relocated to Miami to serve as President of K.G. International, Inc., a leading Miami-based distributor of chemicals, ingredients, and packaging materials.

Carlos Canino
Carlos Canino

— Founder & Alumni Advisory Committee

  • West Point Graduate > Rank of Captain

  • Law Degree Florida State University

Carlos is a graduate of West Point. A former Army Captain, he led soldiers in the United States and the Republic of Korea over a seven-year military career and piloted the UH-60 Black Hawk, OH-58 scout, and UH-1 Huey helicopters. He went on to earn a law degree from the Florida State University College of Law and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently practices as a litigation partner with the law firm of Stearns Weaver Miller in Miami, Florida. In addition to devoting his time to Dream in Green, he is the President of the Board of Directors for Legal Services of Greater Miami, an organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services to Miami-Dade County’s low income citizens.

Amy Rosenberg
Amy Rosenberg

— Co-Founder

  • B.A. University of Pennsylvania

  • J.D. University of Miami School of Law

Amy Rosenberg is an attorney and arts & environmental advocate who founded the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts young patrons group. Amy is a member of Art Basel’s Junior Host Committee and sits on the boards of LegalArt, the Funding Arts Network, New World Symphony’s executive committee and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Amy is a Leadership Miami alum and was a Fellow in the prestigious Miami Fellows Initiative.

Board of Directors

Odette Smalley
Odette Smalley

— Chair

  • BS – Management with Accounting concentration, Tulane University

  • MBA – Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

  • Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase, NY

Odette is a Banker in the Corporate & Investment Bank, and is responsible for the US and Canadian subsidiaries of Latin American, Iberian and Nordic Multinational Corporations.  Her focus is to drive new business development and sales of JPMorgan’s broad array of banking products across debt capital markets, risk management, trade and treasury services.  Prior to this role, Odette spent over seven years in the Corporate Credit Risk team.

Before joining JPMorgan as a post MBA grad, Odette held various corporate finance positions at private and public companies and was an auditor at a major public accounting firm.

When she isn’t traveling for work, Odette enjoys traveling for fun and spending time with her family and friends, especially the younger generation which fuel her passion for protecting the environment.

Diego Cancel
Diego J. Cancel

— Vice-Chair

  • BS Env. Tech & Management from North Carolina State University

Diego J. Cancel is a dedicated sustainability professional with extensive experience in environmental education, program development, and community engagement. Currently serving as Sustainability and Resiliency Supervisor for the City of Coral Gables, Diego oversees a variety of environmental initiatives, including energy, water, and waste management, policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration to enhance sustainability efforts citywide.

Throughout his career, Diego has worked with non-profit, private, and government organizations, where he has coordinated environmental workshops, led successful grant writing initiatives, and developed educational tools for diverse audiences.

With a passion for fostering environmental stewardship, Diego is proud to serve as a board member supporting environmental education programs that reach over 100 schools and numerous community workshops annually.

Team Raysa AjuhaTeam Raysa Ajuha
Raysa Ajuha

— Treasurer

  • University of Miami

Raysa Ahuja is currently a global Strategic HR Executive in 2026 with more than 15 years of experience leading organizational transformation, talent strategy, and culture development across multinational organizations. She currently serves as a Global HR Leader at Kaseya, where she oversees people strategy, leadership development, and organizational design to support sustainable, highperformance growth.
 
Raysa joined the Dream in Green Board of Directors in January 2026 as Treasurer, contributing her governance expertise and strong commitment to community impact. She is deeply passionate about expanding environmental education and empowering young people and families to make informed, sustainable choices—an enthusiasm that aligns closely with Dream in Green’s mission to foster longterm environmental stewardship.

Originally from the Dominican Republic and with over 30 years in Miami, Raysa is a proud mother of two daughters and is deeply committed to serving her community through leadership, mentorship, and sustainability focused initiatives.
Team Theresa Pinto
Theresa Pinto

— Secretary

  • BS in Biology,
    BA in Religious Studies &
    Certificate in Environmental Studies
    > Florida International University

  • Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, MA Science > University of California, Berkeley

Theresa Pinto chose to leave the research world post her academic achievements to engage in more direct public policy work and went to work for the US Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency. In 2017, she helped organize and found the March for Science Miami, an advocacy group for evidence-based policymaking and science education. That same year, Pinto became a J.D. candidate at the University of Miami School of Law, where she was a certified legal intern with the Environmental Justice Clinic and a Student Editor for the online law journal JOTWELL. She also took part in the Guardian ad Litem and Wage Theft Advocacy programs. Pinto received her J.D. with a concentration in Environmental Law in 2020 and is currently a practicing community lawyer and policy analyst with the P.E.E.R. Group. 

Throughout the years, she continued to teach and present to learners of all ages across a wide range of institutions, including UC Berkeley, Recurso Micològia in Mexico, University of Florida, Florida International University, Miami Dade College’s Green Urban Living Center, Urban Paradise Guild, and Catalyst Miami. She also co-led the Environmental Justice Clinic in 2022.

She continues to advise and educate the next generation of environmental leaders in her current positions as Lecturer and Director of Civic Engagement in the University of Miami’s Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. Her practice is dedicated to promoting scientific and environmental principles as a force for social change, especially where they intersect with environmental justice, public health, and equitable development.

Mark Peck
Mark Peck

— Board of Director Member

  • University of Alabama

  • B.S. Quantitative Finance

  • CFA Charterholder

Mark is a third generation Floridian born and raised in Fort Lauderdale. He left Florida for a short time to attend the University of Alabama. After graduating, Mark returned to begin a career in finance and now works on the Strategic Finance team at Magic Leap. Mark is a proud CFA Charterholder, who has a passion for strategic thinking. He spends most of his free time on the water fishing or diving, and his connection with the ocean is what drives him to contribute positively to the environment.

Emily Guerra
Emily Guerra

— Board of Director Member

  • Dynamic Sustainability Consultant

  • Advisory Board at USGBC Florida

A resident of Palm Beach County and owner and operator of a national real estate holdings company holding a portfolio with Industrial and commercial properties. A second hat that Emily wears is as a Green School Professional.

This role started about 2014 and helped to green her daughter’s elementary school through FAU’s Green School Recognition Program. These efforts were most successful and other schools asked for her help, which gained the attention of The School District of Palm Beach County( SDPBC) who was a partner to FAU’s program.

Emily was offered a stipend from the SDPBC for 1 year to try out an “Ambassador” pilot. This concept was to facilitate schools helping schools. In the pilot she was assigned 4 schools to help in their green school journey in hopes to gain
recognition and set them up for future success. Post this success and Emily was then hired by FAU to help form The Green School Recognition Ambassador Program. Emily and 11 other ambassadors primary focus was to help new schools in Palm Beach and Martin Counties that were public , private or charter, to holistically transition schools in becoming a green
recognized school. Assistance and support was provided to the already 130 recognized schools. The grant funded Green School Recognition Program unfortunately ceased after 2021.

In 2019 the South Florida Chapter of United States Green Building Council (USGBC) asked Emily to join as their Green School Chair and from there USGBC Florida asked her to join their,
Market Leadership Advisory Board as their Florida Green School Chair.

With this board position she helped coordinate and host a monthly USGBC Florida Green School Committee call. This call consists of teachers, school district officials, and business partners with schools from around Florida. A committee interested speaker of a topic gives a 20 minute discussion and allow time for a Q&A for the attendees. This call is to keep our Florida community learning together and helps them to help each other grow and give advice through struggles and celebrate accomplishments. Emily is also a Program Advisor for the 2025 Green
School Conference, hosted by the Center for Green Schools, that is held in Orlando Florida in March.

“Every step of this 10 year journey has been very rewarding and I’ve loved every connection, networking opportunity and interaction that I have had along the way.”

Marica Mitchell
Marica Mitchell

— Board of Director Member

  • M.A. Educational Leadership: Adult Education, Florida Atlantic University

  • B.S. Computer Information Systems, Florida A&M University

Marica Mitchell is a dedicated Mathematics educator with over 20 years of experience in developing innovative STEAM-focused curricula and advancing student engagement through modern technology and hands-on learning. Currently serving as a Math Educator and STEAM Liaison at Miami Dade County Public Schools, she has led successful training workshops, enhanced curriculum development, and secured grants to improve student learning outcomes. Recognized as Teacher of the Year and for her outstanding contributions to STEM education, Marica combines her expertise in project management and instructional design with a deep commitment to community involvement and fostering equitable education.

In addition to her professional achievements, Marica actively serves on various boards. As a member of the City of Miramar Historic Advisory Board, she collaborates with community leaders to address local changes and challenges.
She also participates in Emerge Broward’s Board Engagement program, which provides individuals with valuable insights and practical experience in nonprofit board service.

Furthermore, as a board member of Pathfinders, she supports first-generation students in college readiness and career exploration. Through these roles, Marica continues to advocate for educational equity and community empowerment.

Team Justine DereszTeam Justine Deresz
Justine Deresz

— Board of Director Member

  • University of Floria

Marica Mitchell is a dedicated Mathematics educator with over 20 years of experience in developing innovative STEAM-focused curricula and advancing student engagement through modern technology and hands-on learning. Currently serving as a Math Educator and STEAM Liaison at Miami Dade County Public Schools, she has led successful training workshops, enhanced curriculum development, and secured grants to improve student learning outcomes. Recognized as Teacher of the Year and for her outstanding contributions to STEM education, Marica combines her expertise in project management and instructional design with a deep commitment to community involvement and fostering equitable education.

In addition to her professional achievements, Marica actively serves on various boards. As a member of the City of Miramar Historic Advisory Board, she collaborates with community leaders to address local changes and challenges.
She also participates in Emerge Broward’s Board Engagement program, which provides individuals with valuable insights and practical experience in nonprofit board service.

Furthermore, as a board member of Pathfinders, she supports first-generation students in college readiness and career exploration. Through these roles, Marica continues to advocate for educational equity and community empowerment.

Team Alexis SegalTeam Alexis Segal
Alexis Segal

— Board of Director Member

  • Bachelor of Science degree Georgetown University

  • Law degree Emory University

  • Florida Climate Institute fellowship

Born and raised in Miami, Alexis spent most of her weekends sailing or motoring around Biscayne Bay or the Florida Keys with her family. This made learning about South Florida’s unique topography and ecosystems one of her favorite
interests, including a cherished fourth grade diorama of an Everglades alligator hole which remains in her parents’ garage. 

She practiced corporate litigation in New York City and Washington D.C. for nearly eight years prior to launching Biscayne Bay Waterkeeper (now Miami Waterkeeper) in January 2011. In 2013, Alexis was awarded a Florida Climate Institute fellowship from University of Florida School of Law, where she focused her research on the impacts of climate change on aspects of the U.S. legal system, specifically focusing on mitigation strategies for wetlands and marine areas.

Transitioning to federal policy in 2014, Alexis spent two years at the White House Council on Environmental Quality as Deputy Associate Director for Land and Waters. She then served for more than 8 years as Senior Policy Advisor for Environment and Natural Resources in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, Alexis was the inaugural Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, a newly established federal agency tasked with improving the transparency and coordination of environmental permitting across the federal government.

Excited to be back home in the “305”, Alexis now works with a variety of non-profit and foundation organizations and is thrilled to be part of the Dream in Green Board of Directors.