Youth Environmental Leadership
Youth Environmental Leadership seeks to provide and modify a safer, healthier, and cleaner environment for the people of Lee County. Through input and engagement from a younger generation, we will create a beautiful place for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Keep Lee County Beautiful is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 KLCB Youth Council. This is a unique opportunity for high school students from diverse backgrounds across the county to participate in a service-learning and leadership development program. Members will contribute to and inform KLCB on programs while acting as ambassadors and leaders for youth service at their schools and in their communities. The KLCB Youth Council creates a framework for youth engagement. KLCB seeks to infuse the youth voice into our programs and build on the model of youth leadership seen in our partner affiliates.
Those interested in applying must meet the following criteria:
• Be enrolled in public, private, virtual or homeschool (in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12) in August 2025
• Be a resident of Lee County, FL for the duration of the school year
• Be able to commit to a term from September 2025 – May 2026. Current tentative meeting dates are September 5th & 20th, October 9th & 19th, November 8th & 18th, December 11th, January 13th & 24th, February 7th & 17th, March 7th & 23rd, April 18th & 27th, May 8th. Typically once per month will be a meeting (the weekday date) and once per month will be a service project (the weekend date).
APPLY HERE FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Email Jenn@klcb.org or call 239-334-3488 with questions
2024-2025 Youth Environmental Leadership
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.
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.
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.
Position Open
Bio coming soon.
Position Open
Bio coming soon.
Position Open
Bio coming soon.
See former members HERE.