Executive Director/interim Board President

Elyse is an artist, activist and change-maker. She sees her role in the world as bringing people and concepts together, inspiring connections to nature, its beauty and wisdom and clearing the clutter to get to what’s real, simple and beneficial for all life to thrive. Her zero waste journey began with a gray whale encounter and a promise to protect its ocean home and by extension the planetary ecosystem. She believes in starting where you are, focusing on what can be done locally and sharing leadership as we all have something to learn.

Shenandoah has been interested in environmental issues since childhood. She holds a Bachelor's degree in biology from environmentally progressive Humboldt State University. While working on her Masters in Conservation Biology at the University of Hawaii, she volunteered for monthly garbage clean ups at “Trash Beach” on the south end of the Big Island and was horrified to see first hand the volume of plastic pollution in our oceans. She is passionate about making the world a better place for wildlife and future generations. She enjoys hiking, birdwatching, gardening, cooking, and preserving seasonal produce.

Joining the Board of Directors at Spokane Zero Waste, Rebecca brings a fresh perspective to the table. Her experience in the tech environment equips her with a strategic mindset and a proficiency in navigating complex systems—skills that are invaluable in steering the organization toward innovative solutions. Her commitment to continuous learning extends to understanding the unique challenges faced by the nonprofit sector, and she is eager to contribute her technical skills to drive positive change for Spokane Zero Waste’s mission.

Maggie is an attorney who provides legal assistance in a range of Social Security disability matters. She earned her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where she was a part of the Law Women’s Caucus, the Public Interest Law Association and the Unemployment Law Clinic. She is currently running a solo law practice focusing on disability claims, and is Adjunct Faculty at Gonzaga University School of Law. For years Maggie has focused her legal practices on issues of welfare, disability, unemployment compensation and domestic violence survivor advocacy. Maggie is passionate about social and environmental justice. She loves to spend time outdoors, growing flowers, and exploring rivers, mountains, and beaches.

Constance Holland is an oral storyteller, a writer and an educator who is originally from Colorado.  She has worked for, volunteered with and sat on the boards of environmental non-profits in Colorado, California and Washington. She taught environmental policy in colleges in Arizona and Colorado. She is passionate about changing our economy from one of planned obsolescence to one that encourages the repair, reuse and upcycling of goods. Having grown up on a farm she is committed to regenerative agriculture and finding ways to utilize food waste as compost and fertilizer thus reducing the chemical dependence of modern U S agriculture. Telling Spokane Zero Waste's story of creating a more sustainable community is part of her role on the SZW board.

Madison Dior Wade is a visual and behavioral artist, and decidedly kaleidoscopic thinker, deeply driven by a vision of Spokane that is even more vibrant, resilient, diverse, and sustainable. Holding a BA in Psychology and an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from Whitworth University, Madison supports Autistic children and their families, in reaching functional and social goals, from a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Especially interested in inspiring eco-friendly practices and more circular economies, within our community, Madison is passionate about applying evidence-based practices and behavioral science outside the realm of Autism, to support the mission of Spokane Zero Waste.