Who we are

We are passionate about sparking change in schools by championing the principles of reducing, recycling, and reusing through both innovative and traditional approaches. Our primary focus areas currently include promoting environmental literacy through art and implementing effective composting programs.

Pencil 2 Planet, founded in June 2023, is a youth-led environmental conservation organization committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability through art.

  • A young man with short, curly blonde hair smiling, standing outdoors in front of a tree with dark purple and green leaves.

    Gavin Tesser

    Founder and Co-Executive Director

    Gavin is the founder and Co-Executive Director of Pencil 2 Planet. Witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of environmental degradation, Gavin wants to be part of the solution. Therefore, he is going to dedicate his life to environmental reform, with a focus on environmental policymaking. His journey towards this goal is already well underway—founding Pencil 2 Planet, collaborating directly with the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to increase youth engagement, serving as a Future Blue Youth Council Member, and more. In addition, he uses environmental artwork as a way of expressing his thoughts on environmental damage and teaches others how to do the same!

  • Paige Bruskrud

    Co-Executive Director

    Paige is a Co-Executive Director of Pencil 2 Planet, blending over 12 years of artistic experience with a deep commitment to environmental advocacy. Passionate about sustainability and creative reuse, she incorporates recycled materials into her work to inspire mindful creation. Paige has participated in composting initiatives, organized art opportunities for underprivileged youth, and contributed to environmental art contests. Through her leadership, she hopes to empower others to see art not just as expression, but as a catalyst for change, equity, and ecological awareness

  • Young woman with long, curly dark hair and light skin, wearing a blue jacket and smiling at the camera, standing against a textured wall with an electrical outlet.

    Ava Paridari

    Co-Vice President and Social Media Manager

    Ava is Co-Vice President of Pencil 2 Planet and is in charge of social media and composting! Ava is passionate about environmental protection, sustainability, and policy reform. She has been a Girl Scout for nearly 13 years, and her Silver Award and Gold Award projects both explored garden/outdoor renovation. With her gold award, she specifically teaches children more about how to make more sustainable choices for themselves. Her favorite subjects in school are math and science. She loves to play music on the saxophone or piano. She also enjoys crocheting and watching TV shows and movies, especially sitcoms, soap operas, and romantic comedies. 

  • A young woman with short, wavy brown hair smiling, standing in front of a wire fence with a textured wall behind her.

    Noelle McMorris

    Co-Vice President

    Noelle is a passionate advocate for both artistic expression and sustainability. She helps lead the composting project at school and organizes environmental art classes for underprivileged youth. Outside of her role, she’s deeply committed to making change—whether that’s organizing climate-focused projects, working on her own creative pieces that highlight environmental issues, or simply finding beauty in everyday moments of nature. She believes in the power of youth voices and aims to continue using art as a tool for advocacy, healing, and hope.

  • Young girl with light brown hair and a black sleeveless top smiling outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a building in the background.

    Phoebe Hartford

    Co-Vice President

    As a dedicated journalist, Phoebe brings strong communication skills to the table, as well as an understanding of the power of storytelling and art to inspire change. Phoebe believes that introducing environmental awareness at a young age will shape a more compassionate generation. She has assisted underprivileged children through art opportunities, taken the lead on composting projects in the community, and is committed to organizing meaningful artistic activities.

  • A young woman with dark hair in two braids, wearing large hoop earrings and a gray sweatshirt, taking a selfie in a room with pink walls and a dresser.

    Maya Morvarid

    Publicity Director

    Maya is the Director of Publicity of Pencil to Planet. She helps to spread awareness of the organization and writes blogs in order to promote their mission. By leading through writing and volunteering, she hopes to spark interest in other youth organizations that are willing to aid and support Pencil 2 Planets’ mission of a sustainable environment. 

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