About Us
The mission of the OEC is to empower youth to be active participants in creating positive change for themselves, their communities and the environment.
We envision a future where youth are equipped with the skills, opportunities, and support to thrive as leaders, changemakers, and advocates for environmental sustainability. OEC seeks to build a world of inclusivity, respect, and equal opportunity where every individual has the tools to succeed and make a meaningful impact on their community.
Our Story
2003
Eli MacDonald Green team was founded on the Southside
2005
Partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension and re-branded as Onondaga Earth Corps
2015
Received official 501(c)3 status
2022
Became accredited by The Corps Network
Meet our team
Staff
Greg Michel
Executive Director
Ishmel Berkley
Young Adult Program Coordinator
Tay Stenson
Youth Program Coordinator
Walter Walker
Personal Development Team Lead
Amanda Cruty
Advanced Young Adult Coordinator
Julia Smith
Project Manager
Logan Reidsma
Foreman
Kayla Lobbins
Foreman
Katherine Hallinan
Program Assistant
Terrance Castro-Valdes
Crew Leader
Amanda Ives
Crew Leader
Nathaniel Baker
Crew Leader
Gorgeous Williams
Crew Leader
Andrew Straughter
Crew Leader
Sunny Guyette
Crew Leader
Shedalia Payne
Crew Leader
Michael Gregory
Crew Leader
Andrew Straughter
Crew Leader
Dave Straughter
Crew Leader
Naomi Cator-Szymanski
Crew Leader
Board:
Babette Baker
President
Patrona Jones-Rowser
Vice President
Jeffrey Smith
Treasurer
Cynthia Dowdell
Secretary
Meqdad Abdu Ali
Director
James Burt
Director
Alicia Ernest
Director
Allison Speicher
Director
Andrew Maxwell
Director
Jonell Robinson
Director