Our People
SEEDlings' board of directors is comprised of seven voting members who are responsible for the legal and fiduciary
operations of the organization. The full board of directors meets once a month and committees meet as needed to prepare recommendations
for full board approval.
Board of Directors
Mary Ensch
Founder/President & CEO
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Mary Ensch is the founder and CEO of SEEDlings. A native Californian and avid traveler, Mary's passion for international development and conservation developed at an early age. Her passion matured and pushed her to complete her B.A. in International Development Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. She went on to continue post-graduate research at the London School of Economics where she received her MSc. in Local Economic Development.
Mary Ensch is well-versed in linking the theories and practices of economics and sustainable development. Some of her research involves designing a competitive clean energy framework and model for the California IT cluster and burgeoning California cleantech transportation cluster. She has undertaken extensive fieldwork on urban regeneration projects and has collectively and independently conducted ethnographic research for the Urban Planning Department at UCLA and the University of Cambridge, England. In addition, she has worked with the Wealth Management Division at Merrill Lynch and is a LEED Green Associate candidate. In her free time she enjoys traveling, running on the beach, and cooking different cuisines.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Using cloth rags instead of paper towels
2. Recycling
3. Paperless billing
4. Buying food/items from locally owned small businesses.
5. Walking/biking instead of driving
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Get a private pilot’s license
2. Take part in RacingThePlanet 4 Desert series
3. Adopt a child
4. Write a book
5. Learn guitar
Founder/President & CEO
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Mary Ensch is the founder and CEO of SEEDlings. A native Californian and avid traveler, Mary's passion for international development and conservation developed at an early age. Her passion matured and pushed her to complete her B.A. in International Development Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. She went on to continue post-graduate research at the London School of Economics where she received her MSc. in Local Economic Development.
Mary Ensch is well-versed in linking the theories and practices of economics and sustainable development. Some of her research involves designing a competitive clean energy framework and model for the California IT cluster and burgeoning California cleantech transportation cluster. She has undertaken extensive fieldwork on urban regeneration projects and has collectively and independently conducted ethnographic research for the Urban Planning Department at UCLA and the University of Cambridge, England. In addition, she has worked with the Wealth Management Division at Merrill Lynch and is a LEED Green Associate candidate. In her free time she enjoys traveling, running on the beach, and cooking different cuisines.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Using cloth rags instead of paper towels
2. Recycling
3. Paperless billing
4. Buying food/items from locally owned small businesses.
5. Walking/biking instead of driving
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Get a private pilot’s license
2. Take part in RacingThePlanet 4 Desert series
3. Adopt a child
4. Write a book
5. Learn guitar
Kimberly Cozart
Vice President
Languages: English, Spanish
Kimberly Cozart is a university instructor and political analyst. While interested in all aspects of politics, her research has focused on economic development, U.S. foreign policy, and the effects of globalization. Ms.Cozart believes sustainable development is important; she has observed firsthand how short-sighted infrastructure plans can harm communities and hinder future opportunities. She currently teaches Latin American Studies and International Relations. In her spare time she enjoys historical nonfiction, classical music, and traveling.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
Top Five Goals in Life:
Vice President
Languages: English, Spanish
Kimberly Cozart is a university instructor and political analyst. While interested in all aspects of politics, her research has focused on economic development, U.S. foreign policy, and the effects of globalization. Ms.Cozart believes sustainable development is important; she has observed firsthand how short-sighted infrastructure plans can harm communities and hinder future opportunities. She currently teaches Latin American Studies and International Relations. In her spare time she enjoys historical nonfiction, classical music, and traveling.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
- Car Pooling
- Using recyclable water bottles and refillable containers
- Buying locally-grown produce
- Refurbishing vintage furniture
- Donating unwanted goods to charity instead of throwing them away
Top Five Goals in Life:
- Increase social justice and representation to underserved populations
- See all "New Seven Wonders of the World"
- Publicly preform Alleluia from the "Exsultate Jubilate"
- Become multi-lingual
- Grow into an ever-more informed global citizen and helping others to do the same
Katie LaPotin
Board Member
Languages: English, German
Katie LaPotin is a member of the board for SEEDlings. Originally from Philadelphia, Katie's first taste of sustainable development came when she attended American University in Washington, D.C., which has itself taken strides to become one of the most sustainable universities in the world. Katie has a Bachelor's Degree from American in Political Science, and continued her studies at the London School of Economics by receiving a Master's of Science in Politics and Communications. Katie's background in public policy and communications provides her with an unique perspective to SEEDlings and one that will help the organization grow. Katie is well-versed in environmental policy and online marketing, and hopes to use these skills to watch our little SEEDlings develop into a much-larger plant. If Katie has any free time she can usually be found sweating away on the elliptical, shopping for new shoes, hanging out with friends, or traveling to places she has never been before.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Using cloth shopping bags rather than throwaway plastic ones
2. Using recycled products whenever possible, such as with refilled ink and paper
3. Shopping at stores that promote organic/local-sourced products
4. Receiving my billing statements online
5. Using a Brita pitcher/refillable water bottles daily
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Own my own consulting firm
2. Travel around the world and experience new cultures
3. Adopt two beagles
4. Finish learning how to play guitar and piano
5. Be happy :)
Board Member
Languages: English, German
Katie LaPotin is a member of the board for SEEDlings. Originally from Philadelphia, Katie's first taste of sustainable development came when she attended American University in Washington, D.C., which has itself taken strides to become one of the most sustainable universities in the world. Katie has a Bachelor's Degree from American in Political Science, and continued her studies at the London School of Economics by receiving a Master's of Science in Politics and Communications. Katie's background in public policy and communications provides her with an unique perspective to SEEDlings and one that will help the organization grow. Katie is well-versed in environmental policy and online marketing, and hopes to use these skills to watch our little SEEDlings develop into a much-larger plant. If Katie has any free time she can usually be found sweating away on the elliptical, shopping for new shoes, hanging out with friends, or traveling to places she has never been before.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Using cloth shopping bags rather than throwaway plastic ones
2. Using recycled products whenever possible, such as with refilled ink and paper
3. Shopping at stores that promote organic/local-sourced products
4. Receiving my billing statements online
5. Using a Brita pitcher/refillable water bottles daily
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Own my own consulting firm
2. Travel around the world and experience new cultures
3. Adopt two beagles
4. Finish learning how to play guitar and piano
5. Be happy :)
Ashwani Kumar
Board Member
Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu
Ashwani is a software developer, entrepreneur currently living in San Francisco, CA. Born and raised in India, Ashwani received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from IIT Kharagpur, India and a master’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. After getting his master's degree, Ashwani worked at Altera and Advent for a total of 5 years. However, recently he is exploring his entrepreneurial side working on new projects. Ashwani is also a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) level 3 candidate. His interests include theatre arts, basketball and working out. Ashwani hopes to contribute to SEEDlings by providing a different perspective and additional knowledge in the areas of economic development and IT development and design.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Recycling
2. Walking
3. Turning off all appliances as much as possible
4. Hanging clothes to dry
5. Reusing plastic bags/containers, etc.
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Travel the world
2. Own a NBA team
3. Make an A grade movie
4. Complete ironman triathlon after age 40
5. Create new things which millions of people use
Board Member
Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu
Ashwani is a software developer, entrepreneur currently living in San Francisco, CA. Born and raised in India, Ashwani received a bachelor’s degree in computer science from IIT Kharagpur, India and a master’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. After getting his master's degree, Ashwani worked at Altera and Advent for a total of 5 years. However, recently he is exploring his entrepreneurial side working on new projects. Ashwani is also a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) level 3 candidate. His interests include theatre arts, basketball and working out. Ashwani hopes to contribute to SEEDlings by providing a different perspective and additional knowledge in the areas of economic development and IT development and design.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Recycling
2. Walking
3. Turning off all appliances as much as possible
4. Hanging clothes to dry
5. Reusing plastic bags/containers, etc.
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Travel the world
2. Own a NBA team
3. Make an A grade movie
4. Complete ironman triathlon after age 40
5. Create new things which millions of people use
Linda Ensch
Board Member
Languages: English
Linda Ensch is a plein-air artist who works primarily with oils on canvas and board.
The vibrant colors and dynamic lines of each brushstroke reflect the extremes in her life --from living in the Alaskan Bush to exploring the complex palette of riches in the French Riviera. Linda finds peace and purpose through her artwork. Whether at home, with her family, gardening, or riding her bicycle, she is always in the creative process. Linda believes joining SEEDlings will surely compliment her passion for nature as well as helping within the community.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Biking
2. Washing clothes in cold water whenever possible
3. Taking short showers
4. Recycling
5. Using a clothesline to save energy
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Visit the Caribbean
2. Write a play
3. Build a greenhouse
4. Paint a mural
5. Be happy in life
Board Member
Languages: English
Linda Ensch is a plein-air artist who works primarily with oils on canvas and board.
The vibrant colors and dynamic lines of each brushstroke reflect the extremes in her life --from living in the Alaskan Bush to exploring the complex palette of riches in the French Riviera. Linda finds peace and purpose through her artwork. Whether at home, with her family, gardening, or riding her bicycle, she is always in the creative process. Linda believes joining SEEDlings will surely compliment her passion for nature as well as helping within the community.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
1. Biking
2. Washing clothes in cold water whenever possible
3. Taking short showers
4. Recycling
5. Using a clothesline to save energy
Top Five Goals in Life:
1. Visit the Caribbean
2. Write a play
3. Build a greenhouse
4. Paint a mural
5. Be happy in life
Valerie Munthe
Board Member
Languages: English, American Sign Language, Spanish
Valerie Munthe is a member of the board of SEEDlings and also a native to California. Born in the Bay Area and raised in the agricultural cornerstone of Sonoma County, Valerie has lived the life of a true "country girl." After numerous attempts at city life, Valerie and her husband, Jesse, discovered that Guerneville, Ca is the place to settle down and raise their two children. Currently, she is in her 4th year at the Santa Rosa Junior College, working toward an English Degree with an emphasis on local history. She is the co-author of an Arcadia Books' Local History volume: "Then & Now: Russian River." There are numerous books projects currently in the works. Valerie joined the SEEDlings Board of Directors because she wants to make a difference. An avid gardener and self-proclaimed "citizen of the planet", she strives to make the Earth a better place for her own (as well as ALL) children. It is her pleasure to be a part of such extraordinary developments that SEEDlings has to offer and she looks forward to the great changes yet to come.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
Top Five Goals in Life:
Board Member
Languages: English, American Sign Language, Spanish
Valerie Munthe is a member of the board of SEEDlings and also a native to California. Born in the Bay Area and raised in the agricultural cornerstone of Sonoma County, Valerie has lived the life of a true "country girl." After numerous attempts at city life, Valerie and her husband, Jesse, discovered that Guerneville, Ca is the place to settle down and raise their two children. Currently, she is in her 4th year at the Santa Rosa Junior College, working toward an English Degree with an emphasis on local history. She is the co-author of an Arcadia Books' Local History volume: "Then & Now: Russian River." There are numerous books projects currently in the works. Valerie joined the SEEDlings Board of Directors because she wants to make a difference. An avid gardener and self-proclaimed "citizen of the planet", she strives to make the Earth a better place for her own (as well as ALL) children. It is her pleasure to be a part of such extraordinary developments that SEEDlings has to offer and she looks forward to the great changes yet to come.
Five Ways I Embrace Sustainable Development:
- Use recycled products or materials for projects
- Encourage those around me to do the same (as #1)
- Educate my children and their friends on the importance of reduction of consumerism, recycling and gardening
- I have my own organic garden and use natural methods to boost plant production and pest control
- Paperless billing/banking
Top Five Goals in Life:
- To establish a career that allows for the flexibility needed in my life
- To be a well-known writer of local histories and biographies
- To contribute my time, energy and (possibly) money to a worthy organization
- Own a home/farm
- Travel the world
