Youth Leadership Archives
2024-2025 Members
Shelomit Ortiz
Shelomit, a senior at FMHS, is thrilled to be part of the KLCB Youth Environmental Leadership program this year! As a dedicated senior board member of the Cape Coral Youth Council, she collaborates with peers to plan community-engaging activities for local youth and families. In her free time, Shelomit volunteers at local food banks, participates in cleanups, and helps out at thrift stores. She’s an active member of her school’s Neuroscience Club, Environmental Club, and Spanish Honor Society, and a committed Key Club member involved in community service initiatives. Passionate about waste reduction and beautification, Shelomit envisions a cleaner, more sustainable community, and has proposed a “Green Workshop” to teach eco-friendly practices through interactive activities. This year, she’s eager to make a positive impact on the local environment and community in a fun, safe, and enriching way.
Azriela Contreras
Azriela Contreras is a sophomore at Canterbury School. She is involved in Model United Nations, Mock Trial, Student Council, and Mensa. As the president of her school's UNA-USA chapter, she channels her passion for global issues into meaningful action. This summer, she expanded her expertise by studying Political Science at Georgetown University. Azriela's commitment to environmental advocacy was ignited after attending a Model UN conference focused on sustainable energy. There, she acknowledged the true severity of this crisis. Eager to deepen her understanding of environmental issues, she is determined to make a positive impact on the world. When she's not working on her many projects, you can find Azriela immersed in classic literature or rewatching Gilmore Girls. In college, she plans to major in International Relations or Political Science.
Samira Turnage
Samira is a passionate and driven high school student with a deep commitment to community service, leadership, and environmental advocacy. As a writer for her school newspaper, leader of the book club, and co-leader of the art club, Samira is actively involved in fostering creativity and discussion among her peers. She’s an ambassador-level Girl Scout, holds a Silver Award, and is working toward her Gold Award, showcasing her dedication through roles like CIT, where she helps lead camps and campfire circles. Additionally, Samira volunteers in Teen Court, contributing to a unique peer-led justice system. Known for her strong organizational skills, she excels at identifying tasks, creating actionable plans, and executing them effectively. Her creativity and ability to connect with others make her a valuable team player and leader. Driven by a passion for environmental change, Samira is spearheading a recycling initiative at her high school, determined to establish a lasting program that promotes responsible waste management.
Kellan Suriyasena
Born in Atlanta, GA, Kellan is a Sophomore in the International Baccalaureate program at Dunbar High School in Fort Myers. Kellan loves the beaches and being on the water. He enjoys the school year in Fort Myers and spends his summers in Sri Lanka, a tropical island located in the Indian Ocean. During his travels to Sri Lanka, Kellan founded an organization with his friends called Pearls Not Plastics; an initiative dedicated to the preservation of beaches and wildlife in Sri Lanka. The organization is dedicated to creating awareness about proper waste disposal. His love for the world’s waterways and the protection of wildlife led him to join Keep Lee County Beautiful in Fort Myers. Kellan hopes to create a greater understanding among his peers and the youth of Lee County to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them and protect it for future generations.
David Romero
David is a bilingual and enthusiastic high school student with an international perspective, having grown up in Spain and participated in SENDA, a Spanish youth group focused on developing social skills. He's also an active member of the Boy Scouts, committed to service and community improvement. Concerned about litter in his local waterways, especially around Cape Coral’s canal systems, David is passionate about environmental protection. He envisions organizing a kayaking clean-up event in the Lake Kennedy canal area, aiming to reduce pollutants and microplastics in Cape Coral and benefit the wider ecosystem of Lee County’s estuaries.
Madison Gallant
Madison is a junior at Gateway High School. She is a passionate environmental advocate and leader, driven by a deep love for the ocean and her community. She’s the founder and soon-to-be president of an environment club at her school, dedicated to raising awareness about local pollution in Lee County through short films, cleanups, and community outreach. Enrolled in AICE Environmental, Madison’s environmental journey began when a marine biologist inspired her at just eight years old. Since then, she has taken a paid camp focused on ocean pollution, organized beach cleanups worldwide, and regularly educates newcomers to her community about the damaging effects of littering and pollution on ecosystems. Madison is known for her strong organizational skills, effectively managing time, calendars, and reminders for herself and others. Her proactive approach includes unique ideas like beach day fundraisers and environmental awareness activities at school football games, aiming to fund future cleanups and foster community involvement. Through her work, she hopes to build a more sustainable, pollution-free future for her hometown and beyond.
Lucas Gomez
Lucas is a dedicated dual-enrollment student at FGCU with a passion for environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation. Alongside his interest in golf, where he participates in meets to deepen his skills and knowledge, Lucas is committed to eliminating waste to protect natural habitats and biodiversity. He recognizes the severe impact of waste, especially plastic and chemicals, on ecosystems and wildlife, and he actively advocates for waste reduction to ensure cleaner, safer environments. Known for his excellent time-management skills, Lucas brings organization and a results-oriented approach to his projects. Lucas plans to inspire youth to conduct monthly clean-ups, native planting, and recycling stations, aims to foster environmental stewardship, leadership skills, and a sense of community pride among young participants. Lucas envisions cleaner public spaces, heightened environmental awareness, and stronger community bonds as lasting impacts.
2023-24 Founding Members
Francesca Donalisio
Francesca Donalisio was born and raised in Lee County where she is now a senior at Bishop Verot High School. She is the Spanish Honor Society Vice President, an officer of the Science Honor Society, a 4-year member of the girls’ varsity lacrosse team, an active member of HOSA and National Honor Society, and a Girl Scout for 10+ years. Francesca has always had a strong desire to have a great impact both in and out of the classroom, which led her to join Keep Lee County Beautiful and to start developing a mentoring program for low-income Hispanic students called Adelante. Some of her many passions include volunteering at the hospital, traveling, and working with children. She aspires to be an obstetrician when she’s older where she will continue to pursue her passions.
Grace Harvey
Originally born in the sunny Fort Myers, Florida, Grace has spent her entire life growing up in Lee County. At a young age she had always found herself spending time outdoors exploring new places emerging herself in nature. She currently is a senior attending North Fort Myers High School and plans on attending the United States Naval Academy to pursue aviation. Grace is a part of many extracurricular activities such as being a class officer for Student Government, a member of National Honor Society, Girl Scouts, and is a part of the Junior Leadership of Cape Coral Committee. Over the past four years of high school, Grace has received over 500 volunteer hours through various projects throughout her community. During her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach and gym. Her favorite food is pickles and pasta (not together of course!) Along with spending time in Florida, Grace enjoys traveling out of the country to explore exotic destinations. Being a part of the Keep Lee County Beautiful Youth Council allows her to express her opinions while maintaining a beautiful environment for her hometown.
Kylee Lange
She is passionate about the natural world and hopes to earn a degree in environmental engineering. Kylee volunteers throughout her community for various events or projects and is very involved in her school. Alongside the many clubs, such as her school’s Model United Nations club and Environmental Action club, Kylee is involved in her school’s marching band as well. When she is not volunteering or participating in club activities, Kylee spends her free time crocheting, reading, or playing the alto saxophone
Riley McFarland
As a senior at Cape Coral High School and a member of the International Baccalaureate program, Riley McFarland hopes to pursue a degree in environmental studies. She participates in National Honor Society, IB Ambassadors, Student Advisory Council, Cross Country and Track Teams, and Belle Verde Farms (sustainable school garden) in her free time. Relevant coursework includes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AP Environmental Science, and IB systems and societies. Volunteer work consists of organizations such as Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Rescue Rehab, school sports teams, hurricane cleanup groups, and Faith Community Church. Born and raised in Lee County, Riley’s interests revolve around remediation and water quality, specifically in relation to eutrophication of canals and pollution in the Caloosahatchee River. With this opportunity, she hopes to learn more about the complex issues that affect Lee County and implement knowledge she gains to enact change upon struggling ecosystems, increasing the quality of life of Lee County residents. She hopes to engage with members of the community in support of the mission of not only the youth council, but Keep Lee County Beautiful as an entity. Additionally, she hopes to foster connections for future involvement and rehabilitation of the environmental issues that affect Lee County.
Kathryn Wendland
Kathryn is a rising senior at Fort Myers High School. She is striving to make a difference in her community as a member of the Youth Advisory Council. Her goal is to educate people about our environment's circumstances and encourage people in Lee County to be more proactive and enhance our backyard.
Austen Summy
Austen is a 14-year-old freshman at Fort Myers High School. He has lived in Lee County with his family since he was six. He likes spending time with his family and friends, especially his younger brother. He has a passion for the outdoors and has been volunteering with Keep Lee County Beautiful (KLCB) for several years, participating in beach cleanups. He is looking forward to being an active participant on the KLCB Youth Advisory Council. Austen hopes that he can help make an impact on Lee County and its environment by working with the other members of the Youth Advisory Council.
Samira Turnage
Samira is a sophomore at The Canterbury School of Fort Myers. As a senior girl scout, she mentors the younger girls in developing their leadership abilities. In her free time, Samira volunteers at the Calusa Nature Center, paints with watercolors , and is a part of her school's girls varsity golf team. She aspires to become a diagnostic radiologist and to own a vacation home in Southampton, NY.
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