Who We Are

Lanette Sobel, Executive Director & Co-founder

Born in Washington, DC and raised in Northern Virginia, Lanette has a BS in Commerce with a double concentration in Finance and MIS from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. She is the Managing Partner of Ecosante Consulting, LLC, an environmental consultancy focused on greening the hospitality and commercial office building industry in South Florida and the Caribbean. Lanette also teaches traditional composting, vermiculture, "how to green your home" as well as "how to green your hotel" at Miami Dade Community College and Fairchild Tropic Botanical Gardens.

Concerned about her planet as well as her fellow humans, she has fundraised for children in Afghanistan, blood cancer research and Tibetan refugees, raising almost $30,000 and helping to finish a school in India for Tibetans. Also an avid traveler, she has visited 40 countries over the course of 2.5 years, from Tibet and Syria to Iceland and her motherland, Peru.

Tiana Madera, co-founder

Tiana Kai Madera was born in Kona, Hawaii and relocated to Key Biscayne, Florida at a young age. She was raised in the Hospitality Industry along with her four brothers, bestowing her the privilege to travel around the world. Always enjoying art and promotions, in 1999 she began showcasing and selling her paintings in South Florida.

She graduated from Loyola University, New Orleans with a BA in Advertising and Marketing in 2003. Within her time in New Orleans she transferred to Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, Italy to focus on art and International Marketing. Always working in sales and marketing, she decided to pursue a Masters in Business Administration at the top-ranked Chapman Graduate School of Business, Florida International University.

Her dream was to always create a non-profit with personal ties. Fertile Earth Foundation involves the environment and promoting the desperate need for change in the community. Tiana has always been vocal about the environment and helping others, hence her efforts in many other non-profit fundraisers. FEF allows her to focus on her passion for engaging others and showcasing important 'green' options for each individual to embrace in their own lives.

Robert Ruano, Board Member

Robert Ruano is the president of Ecostrata Services, a development consulting company helping organizations raise funds or increase their exposure to government agencies. He has worked with entities working to improve healthcare in Haiti, plant trees in a suburban neighborhood, or recycle waste oil and grease, just to name a few. Prior to founding Ecostrata Services, Robert was the Director of Grants and Sustainable Initiatives for the City of Miami. In this role Robert was responsible for securing grant funds, in excess of $68 million, which supported numerous City programs and all the City’s environmental initiatives. In addition, he oversaw compliance with the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement to ensure the City's commitment to sustainability.  Prior to joining the City of Miami, Robert was Executive Director of Regis House, a nonprofit community mental health center serving youth, adults and families. He is an alumnus of Volunteer Florida, serving two terms as a governor-appointed Commissioner, and a graduate of Leadership Miami. Robert is chair of the United Way’s Emergency Food & Shelter Board and a former member of the Miami River Commission and Citizen’s for A Better South Florida.  He holds a Bachelors of Science in Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Adrian Felix, Board Member

Adrian Felix is an attorney with Carlton Fields, and a member of the firm’s Business Litigation and Trade Regulation Practice Group. Mr. Felix’s experience includes work in commercial litigation, construction, employment discrimination, franchise law, identity theft, and criminal defense.

A graduate of Duke University and University of Miami School of Law, he also serves on American Bar Association (2007-present), Young Lawyers Division, Litigation Vice-Chair (2009-2010), The Florida Bar (2006-present), Dade County Bar Association (2006-present) and Miami Chamber Music, Inc. Board of Directors (2006-present).

Michael Reynolds, Chairman of the Board

Miami native, Michael Reynolds has enjoyed many years in the city's beautiful outdoors.  With a deep appreciation for how nature has enriched his life, he is focused on helping the planet stay healthy.

Michael recieved a B.A. in architecture from Tulane University and a M.S. in exercise physiology from Florida International University.  He started Better Life Fitness, a personal training company, in 2000, with the goal of helping others reach a healthier life."

From Timbuktu to Tahiti, Michael is a passionate traveler.  With over 90 countries visited he is most excited about traveling on the local bus in places "off the grid."

Other non-profits Michael has worked with; Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Project Medishare.

Olga Lucia Gomez, Director of Development

Susan Dean, Assistant Director of Development

Susan Dean Graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BA in Communications; majored in Film and minored in Italian.  She grew up in Dallas, Texas and has resided in Miami Beach the last eight years.  Susan is a working actress represented by Runways/The Talent Group, who also holds her Florida real estate lisence with Sasco Realty, Inc.  Susan is a passionate foodie, art, music and animal lover who cares about the environment.

Eli Stamp, Board of Directors Subcommittee Chair

Eli is also an estimator for the general contracting company Groden/Stamp Construction, Inc.