EspañolAbout Us
While the E4NG organization may be new, the community-focused work of its founding members dates back decades. Individually each of the intergenerational, international team members has spearheaded cultural, environmental, and educational initiatives both in the U.S. and Galapagos.
Together as a team we combine our talents and experiences to focus our energies on practical, community-based projects that empower local citizens to revalue and protect their unique islands. Learn more about each of us below:
Projects Team
Ashleigh Klingman
Is an educator and participatory community project coordinator. Having completed her master’s and bachelor’s degree in the U.S., she has lived and worked for more than 15 years on San Cristobal Island. As a young girl she spent her days exploring in Mother Nature and always dreamed of using her skills to contribute to conservation. As E4NG’s executive director, Ashleigh seeks to combine her childhood passion with her contemporary professional experience to inspire fellow educators, children, and families to learn more about how to appreciate — and care for — nature.
Founding Members
David Essoyan
Was raised in Asia and the Middle East by his journalist parents. He feels especially connected to Hawaii, Galapagos and Japan where he spent nearly half his life. Retired from a career trading Asian stocks, David is living his dream of tending the fruit orchard his father left for him on the north shore of O‘ahu, teaching martial arts, and actively guiding the Hacienda Tranquila ranch project on San Cristobal with partner Geovanny Sarigu. As one of E4NG’s advisors, David looks for ways to connect the Hacienda Tranquila’s 121-acre ranch to meaningful education for conservation.
L. Eleni Avendaño
Is a freelance journalist, filmmaker and managing editor of Hawaii’s student news program on PBS Hawai‘i, called HIKI NŌ. The Honolulu-born storyteller holds a master’s degree in journalism from U.C. Berkeley. Eleni’s family is involved with the restoration of 1,600 acres of Oahu mountainside that were damaged by decades of erosion, wildfires, and growth of non-native plants. As E4NG’s strategic partner liaison, Eleni hopes to cultivate a sister relationship between the Hawaiian Islands and the Galapagos islands to share knowledge, or mana‘o.
Geovanny Sarigu
Cofounded Hacienda Tranquila with partner David Essoyan in 2004 and enjoys the dichotomy of cattle ranching in the highlands and surfing the beautiful waves off the San Cristobal coast. Geovanny has worked for years with international volunteers in outdoors education, and he is a local leader in independent endemic plant reforestation projects on the ranch. Geovanny blends his positivity and natural leadership abilities, with a sharp and forward-looking strategic sensibility. Above all else, he is committed to preserving the fragile ecosystem that he calls home and looks forward to sharing his vision and passions as E4NG´s strategic planning committee chair.
Ilenya Robalino
Has a gift for the visual arts and a deep interest in sustainable fashion and poetry. From a young age, she has participated in community arts activities leading her to complete a Communications B.A. and Fashion Brand Management and Creation M.A. As E4NG’s communication committee chair, Ilenya strives to contribute to a deeper cultural identity in the Galapagos Islands by creatively illustrating ways participants can share in the collective responsibility we all have to conserve this special place.
Joyce Robalino
Is a cultural manager, researcher, and social activist from Galapagos. Since her teenage years, she has been a member of different social organizations and initiatives to promote children´s and women´s rights and Galapagos cultural identity. With a degree in International Relations from the San Francisco of Quito University and master’s degree in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development from the International University of Valencia, Joyce is determined to shape and execute meaningful and effective projects through the E4NG as Board Secretary.
Leidy Apolo
Has coordinated Galapagos Science Center’s “Connecting with Nature Program” over the last three years that she codesigned with Ashleigh and international scientists thanks to support from Galapagos Conservation Trust. Leidy is happiest outside in her garden or planning creative environmental education activities with her daughters. As an E4NG advisor, Leidy hopes to forge connections and synergies with local organizations and initiatives.
Michael Ben-Eli
Is the founder of The Sustainability Laboratory, a U.S.-based, not-for-profit, research, development, and education organization. The Lab was established to develop and demonstrate groundbreaking approaches to sustainability practices, expanding prospects and producing positive, life affirming impacts on people and ecosystems in all parts of the world. Prior to launching The Lab, Michael pioneered applications of Systems Thinking and Cybernetics in management and organization. As E4NG’s Board Chairman, Michael will contribute his knowledge and passion to help the organization run efficiently and be effective in its mission.
Our strategic partners include:
The Sustainability Laboratory
The Sustainability Labs is a 501.c.3 located in the United States of America that receives funds for joint projects.
Hacienda Tranquila
Hacienda Tranquila is a 121-acre ranch in the highlands of San Cristobal Island where E4NG conducts outdoor education activities.