Bounce Back Recycle was founded in 2024 by two high school friends hoping to promote more sustainable practices in their communities. At Bounce Back Recycle, we believe that small actions add up to big impacts. What began as a small project within their community has grown into a worldwide effort to reduce waste and inspire more eco-friendly practices. Our mission is to provided recycled and repurposed resources, like tennis balls, to our partner organizations located all over the world. Today, our Board of Directors spans 15 countries across 4 continents, with backgrounds from public policy to environmentalism to research.
If you would like to donate balls, partner, or volunteer with us, please see the get involved page. If you would like to request a ball donation shipment, please see the donation request page. If you would like to contact us, please follow us on Instagram @BounceBackRecycle or email us at BounceBackRecycle@gmail.com.
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Seattle, Washington, USA
Lorenzo Beltran is a senior at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Washington. Hoping to promote sustainable practices, he co-founded Bounce Back Recycle during his sophomore year. Outside of BBR, Lorenzo has received an advanced certification for open water diving and has advocated and lobbied for healthcare and environmental equity policies, competed at international Model UN conferences across North America and Asia with All-American MUN, and conducted climate research at NASA and GLOBE Mission EARTH. In his free time, he loves trying out new recipes when baking and curating Spotify playlists (his favourite artists include The Marias and Tyler the Creator)!
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Folasayo (Sayo) Adeoye is a senior at Bolingbrook High School, Illinois. She developed Bounce Back Recycle alongside Enzo after years of playing tennis. Sayo is currently co-authoring a neuroscience paper with Northwestern professors. A three-time published poet, Sayo is also publishing her philosophy manifesto Sayopinions, encouraging others to navigate life through logic and empathy; an approach that also fuels her commitment to enviromental sustainabilty. She advocates for trans rights and global equity, is Head of Research at Childhood Matters (a mental health organizaton in California), and has earned awards at international Model UN conferences. Outside of school, she enjoys art and music, ranging from Bad Bunny to Mitski.
Chief Financial Officer
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Orion Walker-Ortiz is a senior at Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Illinois. With the goal of understanding environmental challenges and lasting solutions, Orion joined Bounce Back Recycle with two of his friends during his sophomore year. After completing a 2-year long marketing internship at Chicago Neighborhood Properties, and studying political theory at the University of Chicago during the Summer of 2025, he hopes to use the skills he's learned in creating equitable environmental policy through effective marketing and lobbying. Beyond work, he enjoys listening to music (mostly Madison Beer & Tyla), going to brunch with his friends, and binge watching episodes of Netflix's "Suits."
Deputy Executive Director & Marketing/Content Director
Montreal, Québec, Canada
Jemima Koffi is a student based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She likes trying different flavors at different boba stores. In addition, she has an unhealthy addiction to blockblast and Tetris (it’s always the block games!) and can do a really good Siri impression.
Manila, Philippines
Anya Beltran is a sophomore at Immaculate Conception Academy. With experience in production design and facilitation, she uses these skills to exemplify creativity and empathy in environmental advocacy. Having shadowed industry pioneers in architecture, design, and engineering, Anya advocates for collective action toward making sustainability an accessible part of everyday living and an engaging form of cultural expression. Outside (and inside) school, Anya enjoys cheerleading, figure skating, and everything art! She loves trying (and making) new food and listening to new music (currently Phoebe Bridgers and house music!).
Snoqualmie, Washington, USA
Averie Codlin is currently a junior at Mount Si High School, set to graduate in 2027. Based in Washington State, she is excited to serve as one of the Directors of Media for the coming year. Averie serves as the president of her school’s Model United Nations program, where she helps expose students to international relations, policy making, and public speaking. Averie is a varsity diver on her school’s swim and dive team. She also enjoys ice skating and competing in mock trial. In her free time, she enjoys handing out with her friends.
Nairobi, Kenya
I'm passionate about creating sustainable communities through environmental conservation waste management innovations and circular economy solutions. I believe that solving the environmental challenges begins at grassroot level dump sites in the streets and settlements where ordinary people struggle to make a living from waste. I dream to build a community learning and recycling center. This will act as a safe space for the wastepickers and the community. I am deeply passionate about addressing poor waste management and pollution youth unemployment and Neglect of Wastepickers Rights
Lagos, Nigeria
Emmanuel Egbor is a final-year Law undergrad at the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Nigeria where he served as the Solicitor-General. He holds a DIPLOMA in ‘International Environmental Law and Governance’ and has over 30 certifications on specialized courses on the intersection of Sustainable Finance and Law. He has interned at Ashurst-UK, working on Sustainable Finance and ESG-Compliance projects. Emmanuel Egbor is the erstwhile President, the Energy Club, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he led his team to raise funds, increasing Club's funds by over 1000%. He currently volunteers with the Committee on Natural-Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, International Law Association (Nigerian-Branch) to drive sustainable finance and energy discuss in Nigeria.
Quetta, Pakistan
I’m Khalid Mehmood Kakar, Founder and CEO of Eco Protectors Balochistan (EPB), a youth-led movement dedicated to restoring ecosystems and empowering communities in Pakistan. With a background in Environmental Science and training in GIS, I combine scientific knowledge with grassroots action to address climate challenges. Through seed ball campaigns, biodiversity restoration, and strategic communication in English and Urdu, I mobilize young people to take seasonal, locally relevant action. Recognized as a youth climate leader, I believe in the power of collaboration, storytelling, and visual advocacy to inspire change and protect our shared future.
New Delhi, India
Koyyana Mahesh is a climate activist and strong advocator for renewable energy, committed to a sustainable future. With a strong belief in the power of collective action and promotes innovative solutions to combat climate change, emphasizing clean energy adoption in a decentralised way. Through his research initiatives, he inspires others to embrace eco-consciousness. His work focuses on bridging policy, technology, and efforts to create impactful change. His enthusiasm and expertise on renewables and climate-focused projects and vision for a greener, more resilient planet is an add-on.
Latteh, Ghana
Thelma is a water engineer and environmental advocate from northern Ghana. She is passionate about building climate resilience and sustainable water systems. With hands-on experience in field sampling, erosion modeling, and leading the youth-led enterprise, she believes in the power of local innovation rooted in scientific rigor. Thelma enjoys collaborating with communities especially women and youth to co-create solutions that protect land, ensure water security, and promote sustainability. Outside of engineering, she loves exploring new ideas through reading, engaging in climate dialogues, and finding inspiration in nature and everyday acts of care.
Kigali, Rwanda
I am a final-year undergraduate student at the University of Rwanda, pursuing a degree in Business Information Technology. I am passionate about sustainability, innovation, and community empowerment. As a YOUNGO delegation member and participant in DOT Rwanda’s climate change initiatives, I actively engage in environmental advocacy and youth-driven climate action. I also serve as a Zindi University Ambassador, promoting the use of artificial intelligence to address local challenges. Joining the Bounce Back Recycle Board of Directors gives me the opportunity to combine my passion for technology, leadership, and sustainability to create meaningful change and build a greener future for all.
East Africa Regional Director
Iganga, Uganda
I am a dynamic agriculture professional awarded by the Uganda Martyrs University in 2019 and with expertise in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming, and community development. With experience in project management, farmer training, and team leadership, I've made significant contributions to agricultural projects in Uganda. I'm passionate about promoting organic practices, climate smart agriculture, environmental department and empowering communities. I'm excited to leverage my skills and knowledge to drive success in a dynamic organization and contribute to sustainable development.
East Africa Regional Director
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Margaret Robert is a renewable energy and sustainability enthusiast from Tanzania with a passion for creating impact through clean and inclusive solutions. She holds a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s in Financial Engineering, combining her technical knowledge with financial insight to drive sustainable growth. Margaret is deeply committed to empowering communities, promoting environmental awareness, and inspiring young people to take part in Africa’s green transition. She believes in collaboration, lifelong learning, and the power of small consistent actions to make a lasting difference for people and the planet.
West Africa Regional Director
Monrovia, Liberia
Lucia N. Yeenee is a passionate Liberian youth leader, human rights activist, and a dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Zero Plastic Liberia, an NGO at the forefront of combating plastic pollution through education, advocacy, and community action in her home country. Lucia holds a Master's degree in Environmental and Development Studies and leverages her expertise in environmental economics. Beyond her environmental work, she actively champions community empowerment and youth development. In her free time, Lucia enjoys reading about sustainable development and exploring innovative solutions for community-led conservation.
Southern Africa Regional Director
Chingola, Zambia
I am a medical student at the Copperbelt University School of Medicine with a deep commitment to sustainability, climate action, and community health. My work focuses on integrating environmental awareness with public health to create lasting, community-centered solutions. I have participated in various humanitarian and environmental initiatives aimed at promoting waste management, recycling, and health education in Zambia. As a fellow of the Aspire Leaders Program and an active member of youth-led climate networks, I am driven by a vision of a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable world for future generations.
South Asia Regional Director
Bhubaneswar, India
Kshitiranjan Swain is an environmental activist and data professional from Bhubaneswar, India, associated with the Sattvic Soul Foundation. He has been actively involved in environmental initiatives such as plantation drives, plogging (jogging and picking up litter), and representing the foundation at various national and state-level conferences. Profession: He works as a data professional. Activism: He is a climate activist and field volunteer for the Sattvic Soul Foundation. Activities: His activities include participating in and organizing events like plantation drives and plogging drives to clean up natural areas like dams. He also represents the foundation at conferences and international forums like Youth4COP and Youth for Climate Action. Recognition: He has been recognized as an "Environment Warrior".
South Asia Regional Director
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Rony Islam is a Bangladeshi law graduate and LL.M. candidate passionate about human rights, environmental justice and sustainable development. He founded several social welfare organisations: Global Youths’ Initiative for Climate Justice, Matriniketan-Home for Aged & Street Children, Campus Financial Support and co-founded Green Hope’s Hometex & Handicrafts Industries, a youth-led enterprise promoting eco-friendly products. He has actively engaged in SDG-focused initiatives, including recycling drives, community empowerment, and climate awareness campaigns. His work bridges academic study with grassroots leadership, reflecting a vision for social justice and sustainability. He speaks Bangla, English, basic French and German.
Western Europe Regional Director
Crawley, United Kingdom
Fatima holds a Master of Science from Gothernburg University in Sweden, and Bachelors from the University of Zambia, with training in Environment, Science, and Technology from Washington DC, among other certifications. She holds awards of excellence in policy analysis (covering climate change, energy, and anti-corruption), human rights advocacy, Model United Nations, presentation, arts, and academics (including mathematics) from Zambia, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S. government. She has served on several Boards including the Non-governmental Gender Organisations' Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Elections Committee in Zambia, and Society for International Affairs Gothernburg in Sweden, among others. Outside her profession, Fatima writes poetry, enjoys a good laugh, and loves gospel music and nature.