Speakers for 2026
Will & Eve are Chair and Vice-Chair of the California Food Recovery Coalition (CFRC). Outside of CFRC each is CEO of a Food Recovery Organization. Will is CEO of ExtraFood (San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma) and Eve is CEO of White Pony Express (Contra Costa County).
Denaya is the Senior Director for GAIA’s U.S. and Canada Region, where she leads a skilled team working to advance zero waste and environmental justice. GAIA challenges plastics, petrochemicals, and incineration industries, also addressing emerging issues like electric vehicle battery waste, and strengthening grassroots organizing and coalition power across North America. She will reflect on GAIA’s regional journey and share insights on the work ahead as movements, continuing to build community power and champion community-led solutions that protect people and the planet.
Monica is the Senior Director of Global Programs at GAIA, guiding cross-regional programs with a superstar team spanning seven countries. After serving two terms on the NCRA board (2004‑2008), she’s thrilled to speak at RU to celebrate successful collaborations and what we’re learning on policy, research, and grassroots campaigns to protect Environmental Justice and prevent waste.
Nicole Tai is the CEO of Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply, an online marketplace for reclaimed lumber. She is also President of the Board at GreenLynx, a deconstruction contractor and reuse facility based in Santa Rosa, CA. Nicole co-founded the Bay Area Deconstruction Workgroup, organized a CalGreen Subcommittee on deconstruction, and is Chair of Reuse Alliance, Past President of Marin Builders Association, and a member of Build Reuse.
Rosalynn is a Senior Sustainability Specialist in communications at the San Mateo County Sustainability Department. Her role involves developing and implementing communication strategies that drive engagement with sustainability initiatives and resources.
Jack is a Sustainability Specialist in Waste Reduction at the San Mateo County Sustainability Department. His role involves developing and implementing countywide SB 1383 edible food recovery and recovered organic waste product procurement programs and initiatives.
From an Arthur Boone quote about RU
The City of San Mateo supports NCRA and the Recycling Update.
Environmental Innovations is a certified Women-Owned Small Business, California Green Business, and B Corp that partners with municipalities to turn environmental policy into durable behavior change.
Nothing Wasted Consulting launched in 2009, primarily focusing on events, venues, and subcontracting to larger environmental firms. Currently, our company provides consulting services to Bay Area tech companies, advising on current solid waste regulations and legislation as well as environmental startups, waste management authorities, garbage haulers, and local jurisdictions. Our team has expertise in conducting visual audits, waste characterizations, technical assistance outreach, route reviews, and C&D facility evaluations.
We drive innovative environmental solutions that empower businesses and governments to meet regulatory demands while advancing responsible, sustainable growth. Our vision is to transform environmental compliance challenges into opportunities for innovation, guiding organizations…
