Our Team
Executive Director
Staff
Luis Aguilar
Green Team Program Director
Luis Aguilar joins Groundwork as the new Youth Employment Program Manager. His passion for conservation and love for prairies began in Houston, TX where he is originally from. Luis studied Biology at the University of Houston - Downtown. Now in the Queen City of Cincinnati, he is continuing his education in Environmental Biosciences at the University of Cincinnati. With his background working as a Youth Leader, Environmental Educator and Applied Conservation Research Intern in Texas, he aims to protect our threatened flora & fauna and hopes to connect the next generation of conservation stewards to the great outdoors!
Sierra Hayden is a dedicated advocate for Environmental Justice, armed with a Sustainable Agriculture degree. Her professional journey has been a steadfast commitment to tackling issues of environmental education, equitable food access, and revitalizing disinvested communities. Sierra's formative years were spent on two acres in rural Kentucky, where outdoor exploration was her primary pastime, as children were not allowed indoors. It was during this period that her profound appreciation for the outdoors first took root. As she shifted into her teenage and young adult years, Sierra transitioned into living in low-income urban neighborhoods, where she witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of food apartheid, the absence of community ownership, and the scarcity of environmental education resources.
Having personally experienced life within the welfare system, Sierra recognizes the vital importance of ensuring equitable access to green education. Her passion lies in equipping today's youth with the necessary tools to thrive in a world where environmental awareness is key.
Green Corps
Anthony Buie
Born in Northside Anthony Buie spent most of his time in the woods of Mt Airy forest and around nature which shaped his passion for the outdoors. This deep interest and thirst for knowledge led Anthony to Groundwork MCA in 2014 where he became a part of the organization’s youth green workforce by becoming a green team member. After that summer Anthony stayed associated with Groundwork while taking on leadership roles with the YMCA. Anthony continued to expand upon his passion for the outdoors and joined Groundwork ORV’s Green Corps where he continues to thrive as a professional and continues to develop and grow within his workspace.
Lia De La Cruz
Lia was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to Fairfield, Ohio with her family when she was about two years old. She’s loved being outdoors and being involved with nature since she was very young. She likes to take walks and hikes whenever she can, some of her favorite places she’s hiked have been Red River Gorge in Kentucky, Hinton, West Virginia, and Thurmond, West Virginia. When she’s not outdoors, she likes to watch movies and spend time with friends and family, and her cat, Skunk. She also loves reading and practicing yoga. She’s very passionate about environmental and social justice and is eager to learn more about both as she continues to go through life. She is very excited to see what the future has in store for her!
Anthony Smith
Anthony is the Green Corps lead sawyer. He's a member of the South Cumminsville climate safe neighborhoods, enjoys hiking and helping to make a change in the community. Anthony also takes interest in learning about the environment and teaching the youth why it’s important that we take care of it.
Brad O’Shea
Brad’s love for the outdoors started at a young age when he joined cub scouts and has since found a passion for the outdoors. Brad has a degree in History from Northern Kentucky University but his passion rests with environmental restoration, protection and justice. Prior to joining Groundwork Brad worked for the Center of Environmental Restoration for several years gaining valuable knowledge and experience about native plants, invasive species management, streambank restoration and heavy machinery operating. Brad joined Groundwork ORV in 2022 as a Green Team Leader but quickly advanced to becoming a member of the Green Corp where he continues to grow as a professional.
Daniel Hill
Daniel was born and raised in Cincinnati spending much of his youth in Bond HIll. Growing up Daniel attended online school which led him to have a desire to be outdoors and in nature. Daniel’s curiosity about his surrounding environment led him to joining Groundwork’s Green Team in 2020. Daniel gained lots of knowledge and had a lot of experience through associating himself with Groundwork which eventually led him to joining full time as a member of the Groundwork’s Green Corp after graduation where he continues to grow and exceed his own expectations.
Lilly Harvey
Lilly began working at Groundwork to partake in field work that directly impacts the local ecology and residents, allowing them to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Passionate about community growth to enhance quality of life and facilitate access to resources. Lilly has been focused on pursuing a career focused on environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and community building. Consistently active in various community programs and small scale farming operations utilizing permaculture design.