OUR TEAM

Geoff is the founder of GGI as well as a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and social impact advocate. With over 15 years of experience in international education, impact investment, and social entrepreneurship. Based in Hong Kong, Geoff is a veteran educator committed to advancing experiential learning strategies and equipping students with the tools to take ownership of their education. Geoff regularly contributes to a highly-regarded peer-reviewed educational journal, sharing insights on empowering writing and experiential educational strategies. He has given keynotes on my areas of expertise at several prestigious events, including those hosted by TEDx, the United Nations, ServICE, and Lnoppen Group. Additionally, he has had the honor of being invited to deliver commencement speeches at international schools, as well. Whether through interactive workshops, providing experiential educational opportunities, or leadership training Geoff's commitment to helping students and educators make the most of their creative potential in today’s competitive, AI-driven world is what drives him.

“Advocacy is easy; action is hard. I want my students to stop talking about the crisis and start getting their hands dirty by building the solutions themselves." Steven Riss is an experienced educator and school leader who believes that true learning happens when students take the lead. Originally from Colorado, Steven grew up with a deep-seated respect for the outdoors. Moving to Southeast Asia and seeing the impact of plastic pollution first-hand shifted his focus from simple volunteerism to systemic, student-led change. As the head of the Bangkok branch of Grin Green International (GGI) from 2021 to 2024, Steven focused on the "business side" of service. He helped students navigate the complexities of running an organization—from branding and strategy to building sustainable internal structures. Now based in Singapore, Steven continues to expand the GGI footprint by successfully launching and leading a new branch of GGI within his current school community, as well as, consulting with students around the world on how they can start their own sustainable enterprise. Steven’s approach combines metacognitive reflection with real-world entrepreneurship. He doesn’t just teach students about the environment; he gives them the tools to build their own movements, fostering a generation of confident, reflective citizens who are ready to shape a better future.

Kouta Suzuki is a dedicated university student and social impact advocate. Currently, he is pursuing his education at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. His strong passion lies in learning and promoting the concept of sustainability through the platform of Grin Green International. His involvement with GGI was not only a personal decision but also a transformative experience that has fueled his inspiration on a daily basis. He is driven by the desire to reshape the perception of sustainability in Japan, with a particular focus on providing diverse opportunities for students. His goal is to meticulously plan, coordinate, and deliver educational programs that leverage various environmental initiatives. He firmly believes that fostering education and raising awareness about global challenges requires the creation of a platform for meaningful discussions, dialogues, and collaborations. Through interactive discussions and a multitude of opportunities, he eagerly anticipates the exciting prospects that lie ahead. He is enthusiastic about furthering the GGI mission and merging ideologies with the hope to contribute to a greater cause."

Emmy Josefson is a passionate and dedicated educator with a decade of experience. Throughout her teaching career, she has primarily focused on history. However, her deep concern for the environment has led her to shift her focus towards environmental education. The realization that our planet is rapidly becoming uninhabitable has made her recognize that everything else pales in comparison. She is thrilled to be a part of the Grin Green team as it allows her to channel her efforts into a direction that truly matters. This opportunity provides her with the platform to combine her expertise in education with her unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. As both an educator and a mother of three boys, she is driven by the desire to make a positive impact and strive to leave behind a better world for future generations. In her role as the Doha Hub Manager, she is dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental passion and leadership within the team. She works closely with educators, students, and community members to develop comprehensive environmental programs and initiatives that promote awareness, action, and sustainable practices. By providing guidance, resources, and support, she aims to empower individuals to become environmentally conscious and proactive, inspiring a collective effort towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Nartia is an international educator from the Philippines based in Hong Kong. She has an impressive decade-long teaching career and is both a chemist and a passionate environmentalist. She has shaped countless students' minds, earning them respect and admiration as an educator who goes above and beyond.Beyond her role as an educator, Nartia's credentials as a chemist and environmentalist are genuinely remarkable. Her devotion to preserving coastal ecosystems is unyielding, as she champions causes like marine research and blue carbon initiatives. Nartia's work extends across borders, notably in the Philippines, where she collaborated closely with local rural government officials to develop comprehensive coastal rehabilitation plans, empowering communities to protect their cherished natural resources. Her involvement in national research projects in the Philippines underscores her dedication to advancing our understanding of coastal environments. Her influence extends far beyond academia and conservation, as she serves as a champion of ethical research practices, imparting her wisdom to others about the significance of responsible and principled inquiry. Her commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified through hands-on involvement in coastal education, coastal clean-up initiatives, and community outreach in the Philippines and Thailand. Her versatility shines through as she contributes her insights to various international educational learning management systems contents and holds a distinguished position as a textbook author in the Philippines. Her innovative spirit knows no bounds, as she has designed immersive virtual reality environments to revolutionize science teaching, firmly believing in the power of cutting-edge technology to inspire the upcoming generation of scientists and environmental advocates. Nartia is more than just an educator and environmentalist; she represents a visionary catalyst for positive change, guiding us toward a future marked by sustainability and progress.