Introducing four remarkable individuals that are joining our passionate team!

Luis Calderon, a Washington D.C. native, who has always had a fondness for being near water and has recently relocated to Baltimore City's Inner Harbor. Joining the IPC family as an Outreach Assistant, he will be responsible for covering Baltimore City and County, as well as Harford County areas. After obtaining a BA in Business Administration, Luis found his true passion for community work and actively participating in projects that bring about meaningful change. His previous experiences in culinary arts and nonprofit development work have equipped him with valuable skills. Notably, he most recently worked at an immigration law firm. In his free time, Luis indulges in playing his guitar, creating harmonious melodies, and cherishing moments spent with his loved ones. Being a devoted cat-dad, he takes care of four wonderful kitties. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Luis not only bridges language barriers but also fosters inclusivity within the communities he serves. Nuestra bahía es sagrada y hay que preservarla!

Serving as IPC's new Office Manager, Rachel Jennifer was born and raised in Maryland and had an interest in the natural world around her from an early age. Her curiosity led her to pursue a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from Salisbury University. She has also honed her knack for organizing through various roles over the years, including home and office organization -- which will be key for keeping IPC's offices running smoothly. Rachel enjoys spending her time cultivating native plants, vegetables, & herbs in her garden, cooking new recipes and listening to music with her husband, playing soccer and board games with her daughters, discovering hiking trails with her dog, and spending time with her extended family. She is thrilled to be sharing her passion for the outdoors and conservation with the IPC team, while utilizing her organization skills.

Ellie Plisko, a native of Catonsville, MD, is currently in the final stages of completing her degree at the University of Tampa. With a B.S. in applied sociology, she is eagerly preparing to embark on a graduate program focused on urban and regional planning. Therefore, she will be joining IPC this summer to intern for IPC's GIS Task Force. This presents an exhilarating opportunity for Ellie to merge her passions for GIS mapping, sociology, and urban planning. She is enthusiastic about the collaborative work that awaits her this summer and is eager to contribute her skills and knowledge to the team.

Johanna Antine is a rising high-school senior at Berman Hebrew Academy. They first realized their love of the environment as a five year old, planting their first garden with their kindergarten class. Johanna was a fellow in the Einayich Yonim fellowship program where they learned how to work with communities to create change. In October of 2022 Johanna implemented a community composting initiative for their congregation that is still going strong. This summer they will support Anna and Sarah on our Leadership Development team to shape our monthly Learning Labs, Volunteer Mentor Program, and more!

While Luis' bilingualism serves as a valuable asset that we have not previously had on staff, Rachel, Ellie, and Johanna also bring their own unique backgrounds and passions to the IPC team. Rachel's love for the natural world and organization skills, Ellie's expertise in applied sociology and urban planning, and Johanna's environmental advocacy from a young age all contribute to the collective dedication of the IPC team towards fostering sustainability and community engagement.

Together, they are excited to embark on this journey, working hand in hand with IPC to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.