Team

Executive Director, London Environmental Network

Skylar Franke

Skylar Franke is a community mobilizer and engagement specialist. Skylar is happiest when talking to new people and eating good food with friends and family. Skylar is passionate about building community, environmental advocacy, local food systems, great wine and ethical coffee.

She has over 6 years of experience in advancing action in the environmental sector by running a variety of environmental programs in London while working at ReForest London and the London Environmental Network. She graduated in 2013 from King’s University College at Western University with an honours B.A. in Social Justice and Peace Studies and French Studies. Skylar was awarded the Top 20 in their 20’s in 2018 by Business London and the Leading Women, Leading Girls Award from the Province of Ontario.

Skylar is responsible for overseeing the development of new programs and initiatives including Green Economy London, as well as all other aspects of running the London Environmental Network.

skylar@londonenvironment.net

Director of Programs

Marianne Griffith

Marianne Griffith is a committed environmentalist and an advocate for local, sustainable food systems and renewable energy. She’s worked with London based organizations to promote sustainability and community driven carbon and waste reduction, including Growing Chefs, The Root Cellar and Building Better. She’s worked on social justice and sustainable development projects in Indigenous communities in many countries and she works closely with First Nations communities in Ontario to increase access to clean water, clean energy sources and sustainable, affordable housing.

She is a Certified Energy Auditor, a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, a LEED Green Associate, and has extensive building science training including Energy Star and CHBA Net Zero Builder.  She is currently the Green Economy London Hub Manager where she is committed to help London businesses set and achieve sustainability targets.

She believes that changing our behaviour to reduce emissions is our responsibility to ensure our children have a decent quality of life.

greeneconomy@londonenvironment.net

Green Economy London Hub Manager

Natalie Merchant

Natalie is a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Growing up in Thunder Bay surrounded by vast forests and lakes, she is constantly reminded of nature’s astounding beauty, value, and the use we can make of it. She believes healthy environments are essential for healthy communities, and wants to help build and promote sustainable practices to ensure healthy environments for future generations.

Natalie recently completed her Masters at Western University in Environment and Sustainability (MES) and has a degree in biology specializing in conservation and biodiversity. She recently completed a project with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, researching new methods for calculating carbon sequestration and urban forest management best practices.

Environmental Efficiency Coordinatoor

Sasha Owens

Sasha is passionate about environmental sustainability with particular interest in renewable energy and urban agriculture. Growing up in London, Sasha has always been motivated to work for and support local businesses and her community. Sasha has an undergraduate degree in Applied Technology – Biotechnology from Fanshawe College is currently completing her Masters of Environment and Sustainability (MES) at Western University. She is excited to be working with Green Economy London to inspire positive change for the environment and community.

Business Development Specialist

Maya Gandhi

As a student currently pursuing a degree in Honors Business Administration with a Sustainability Certificate from Ivey Business School, Maya loves learning from and working in her community to make sustainable change. In her free time, she enjoys hiking on new trails and seeking out unique vegan and vegetarian food places. Maya is excited to be helping Green Economy London prove that businesses can be both sustainable and successful.