Our Team
Meet the People Behind the Gardens
Green Guerillas is powered by a dedicated team of gardeners, educators, organizers, and advocates who believe in the power of community-run green spaces. Working alongside neighborhood leaders across New York City, we support community gardens, grow local leadership, and strengthen equitable food systems through hands-on programs, collaboration, and care. Our team brings this mission to life every day — in the gardens, in our partnerships, and across the city.
Iyeshima Harris-Ouedraogo
Executive Director
Iyeshima began her food justice journey over 10 years ago as a Youth Tiller with Green Guerillas. Originally from Jamaica, she found comfort in farming and community as she adapted to a new culture, and went on to become a dedicated advocate for youth leadership and food justice.
Rissa Lachica
Youth Program
Coordinator
Rissa is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and sustainable urban gardening. A recipient of the Brooklyn Urban Gardener Certificate from Brooklyn Botanic Garden, they bring hands-on experience supporting community-led greening and food justice initiatives across Brooklyn.
Avika Talmor
Community Gardens Organizer
Avika is a Brooklyn-born facilitator, organizer, and somatic coach committed to environmental, climate, and food justice. Through youth workshops, community organizing, and creative practice, she works to build stronger, more connected communities locally and beyond.
Derrick Whitehorn
Community Engagement Coordinator
Derrick is a Garden Apprentice, Youth Mentor, and a former member in the Youth Empowerment Pipeline. His love for gardening sprouted during his sophomore year of high school while working with the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, where he developed an interest in food justice and community growing.
Perla Acevedo
Special Projects
Coordinator
Perla is a student at The City College of New York, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Childhood Education. She is passionate about working with children and youth and actively participating in nonprofit organizations that give back to BIPOC and low-income communities.
Leslie Gomez Rivera
Policy Associate
Leslie is a current senior at Hunter College majoring in Urban Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Leslie’s dedication to fighting for equitable systems in food and urban spaces has been a passion of hers for many years.
Our Board of Directors
Meet the people who help guide Green Guerillas’ mission and future. Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated leaders from diverse backgrounds who offer their experience, insight, and stewardship to ensure our work stays grounded in community, equity, and long-term impact for the gardens and neighborhoods we proudly serve.