Arlae Castellanos

Arlae Castellanos is a passionate educator and sustainability leader dedicated to creating innovative solutions for the future of our planet. With over a decade of experience in program development, environmental education, and nonprofit leadership, Arlae has made it her mission to equip the next generation with the critical thinking skills necessary to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Her journey in sustainability began with a deep academic interest in environmental economics, and it has since evolved into a career that spans continents and sectors. Having spent significant time in Africa, Arlae worked on developing permaculture and entrepreneurship programs that not only promoted sustainability but also addressed community needs with creative solutions and limited resources. This experience gave her a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the need for innovative, out-of-the-box thinking.

Before taking the helm at the Green Schools Alliance, Arlae worked at a nonprofit in New York, where she led the development of “Green Track,” a program aimed at teaching STEM subjects to underserved youth through project-based learning. She also taught on a variety of sustainability topics, from energy auditing to solar power for developing nations, which further fueled her passion for connecting young people to real-world sustainability solutions.

At the Green Schools Alliance, Arlae’s leadership has been instrumental in developing and launching the START program (Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool), a powerful tool that helps schools track and improve their sustainability efforts. Under her guidance, START has become a cornerstone of the Alliance’s work, providing schools with the data-driven resources they need to create tailored sustainability roadmaps, reduce their environmental footprints, and engage students in meaningful environmental action.

Arlae believes deeply in the power of education to drive change. She views schools as not just places of learning, but as incubators for innovation, where students can develop the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in sustainability. By integrating data, project-based learning, and hands-on experiences, she ensures that the programs she develops are both impactful and engaging, giving students the tools they need to understand the relationship between their actions and the health of the planet.

Her vision for the future is clear: to continue building scalable, impactful programs that empower students, educators, and communities to lead the way toward a more sustainable world. Whether through her work at GSA, her time in Africa, or her past experiences in New York, Arlae is driven by one goal: to ensure that the next generation is ready to meet the environmental challenges ahead, with creativity, innovation, and the will to make a difference.

Green Schools Alliance (GSA)
Executive Director (2018 – Present)
Arlae directs the strategic vision of GSA, ensuring the organization's mission is met while driving long-term sustainability goals. She played a key role in the development and execution of START, including research, planning, committee coordination, design, and launch. She leads fundraising efforts, donor outreach, and business development while maintaining partnerships and sponsorships. Her work as a liaison between the board of directors and staff ensures smooth execution of the organization’s mission.

Program Manager (2015 – 2018)
In her previous role, Arlae helped build and refine GSA’s programs, leading to the creation of impactful initiatives like the Renewable Energy Credits Program (RECs) and the Purchasing Solution Marketplace. Her work helped schools transition to renewable energy and adopt sustainable purchasing practices, furthering GSA’s commitment to environmental education.

Harlem Grown Financial (2013 – 2014)
Arlae performed research on food deserts in West Harlem and recommended strategies to improve financial scalability for community-driven programs. Her work increased community awareness and helped improve local food access.

Comprehensive Development Inc. (CDI)
Green Track Program Manager (2011 – 2014)
In partnership with the NYC Department of Education, Arlae managed environmental internships and social action projects for older youth. She created curricula in career readiness, urban sustainability, and environmental justice, earning recognition for her innovative approaches to education.

H.E.LP Malawi – International Teacher/Permaculture Instructor
Arlae taught in Malawi, promoting sustainable practices through permaculture and working with local communities to improve environmental design. She also contributed to the creation of environmentally friendly infrastructure in the region.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics
The City College of New York – Magna Cum Laude
Arlae’s academic background in environmental economics underpins her strategic approach to sustainability. Her work in Africa and in New York has been informed by her interdisciplinary studies and dedication to social and environmental justice.

Volunteer Work
Arlae is deeply committed to community service, maintaining and restoring natural spaces in New York’s Sarah D. Roosevelt Park and contributing to sustainable development projects in Rwanda. Her volunteer work reflects her lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Honors & Achievements

• Awarded a $50,000 grant as a finalist for the Zayed Future Energy Prize (Global High School Category)

• Dean’s List, CUNY Baccalaureate For Unique & Interdisciplinary Studies

• IVGD Community Service Award for 2,000 hours of volunteer work

Arlae’s leadership in sustainability and education continues to inspire and drive positive change. Her efforts to develop innovative tools like START are shaping the future of school sustainability and empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.