About Us
Clean Earth Initiative (CEI), a 501c3, was founded to create a unified voice of conservation organizations in Florida. As a unified voice, we bring in more funding and are more efficient with statewide conservation priorities. We focus on advocacy, conservation, and education.
We have divided the state into 10 regions where we host annual in person networking events. These events are for local conservation nonprofits, elected officials, and foundations to learn about new initiatives and programs in their area. Following these events, nonprofits are invited to join mission-based committees where key conservation issues are discussed and addressed. Please visit the committee page to learn more. Our events have brought together 100+ conservation nonprofits from around Florida.
CEI host’s family fun days, bringing children, teens, and seniors to State Parks and other natural sites. This helps us raise awareness and draw inspiration from Florida’s unique ecosystems.
We provide microgrants for organizations looking to implement conservation projects and environmental programming.
Florida is home to a diverse array of ecosystems that thrive thanks to the state’s unique climate, geography, and abundant water resources. From the swamps of the Everglades to the coastal dunes and coral reefs, these ecosystems are vital for supporting a rich variety of plant and animal life.
Florida is home to an estimated 46,000 species of plants, animals, and other organisms, making it one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S. The state also boasts around 4,200 native plant species. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from coral reefs and mangroves to upland forests and wetlands, support this rich variety of life. However, Florida is also a hotspot for invasive species, with hundreds of non-native plants and animals competing with native species, land and altering natural ecosystems.
Together, our voice is stronger and more effective as we advocate and protect Florida’s local ecosystems.
We believe that a healthier ecosystem creates a better quality of life.
Meet The Board
Jonathan Rubin, MPA
President & Executive Director
Jonathan Rubin is a passionate conservationist and public policy expert. Rubin founded CEI to create a unified voice for conservation and environmental issues facing local communities. Rubin founded CEI with nearly a decade of experience working with nonprofits, local businesses, municipalities, state and federal governments.
As the Founder and Director of Fresh Florida Farms, a regenerative agriculture company servicing Florida, Rubin worked closely with the University of Florida, the USDA, and the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS). Growing over 70 Non-GMO crop varieties, hydroponically with climate control, Rubin was able to eliminate the need for pesticides, minimize water usage, and create a streamlined growing process. Fresh Florida Farms serviced supermarkets, food banks, and national food distributors. It practiced waste-to-value solutions, smart packaging, climate resilience, and growing methods to fight crop disease. Jonathan launched Fresh Florida Farms in November 2020, eventually selling his company in November 2024, before launching Clean Earth Initiative. Columbia University wrote the following article on Jonathan and Fresh Florida Farms.
Serving on the Teach Florida Advocacy team from February 2022 until April 2023, an educational nonprofit organization, Rubin worked with over 100 elected officials to move legislation forward, providing more than $640 million for Florida schools. Teach Florida comprises of a coalition of 40+ private schools throughout Florida. Teach Florida is part of Teach Coalition, which includes states such as New York, New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania, where similar school choice initiatives were created following the success of Teach Florida.
Rubin has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Environmental Science & Policy from the School of International & Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, graduating in May 2020. During his studies, Rubin led a team consulting for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, NYCDEP. He advised on water management programs serving over 8 million NYC residents, helping further develop department methodologies on drinking water and resource reuse.
Rubin leads Clean Earth Initiative (CEI) with a deep commitment to conservation, sustainable development, political advocacy, and environmental stewardship.
Ariella Weitzman
Director
Ariella Weitzman is an accomplished financial and operations executive with more than 20 years of experience leading strategic initiatives across diverse sectors, including renewable energy, apparel manufacturing, and nonprofit education. She has a proven track record of strengthening financial performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and guiding organizations through digital transformation and organizational change.
Ariella holds dual degrees from Boston University, a BS in Business and Finance from the School of Management and a BA in International Relations from the College of Arts and Sciences. She also studied abroad at Oxford University’s St. Anne’s College. She began her career at GE Capital as a financial analyst, managing and funding global solar and wind power projects in Senegal, Portugal, and Mexico. Building on this foundation in sustainable finance, Ariella transitioned to the apparel manufacturing and retail industry, where she leveraged her renewable energy expertise to advance environmental responsibility across the supply chain. Her initiatives included globally sourcing recycled textiles, reducing polybag usage by 80%, and partnering with green-certified factories to achieve measurable annual carbon emission reductions.
Most recently, Ariella brought her financial and operational leadership to the education sector, overseeing an annual budget exceeding $20 million and directing cross-functional teams through large-scale construction and technology modernization efforts. Her tenure culminated in the development of a new $30 million energy-efficient building constructed with sustainable materials.
Across all her roles, Ariella has demonstrated an ability to translate financial data into strategic insights, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and align financial strategy with mission-driven goals. Passionate about advancing organizational sustainability and impact, she is dedicated to applying her expertise in financial governance, risk management, and strategic planning to further the mission and long-term success of the organizations she serves. Her work history is a testament to her commitment to fiscal stewardship and environmental sustainability.
Michael Joshua
Director
Michael Joshua is a highly respected professional farrier with more than 36 years of experience in equine hoof care, education, and industry leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts and Technology from Western State University of Colorado, providing a strong foundation in both technical skill and business management.
Michael began his farrier career through a rigorous two-year apprenticeship in horseshoeing under Mitch Taylor at the Kentucky Horseshoeing School. In 1992, he joined both the Rocky Mountain Farriers Association (RMFA) and the American Farrier’s Association (AFA), marking the start of decades of service and leadership within the profession.
From 1997 to 2000, Michael served as Editor of the RMFA Newsletter, earning the AFA Best Newsletter Award four consecutive years (1997–2000). He joined the AFA Board as a general member in 1992 and went on to represent the RMFA chapter to the AFA Board from 1993 to 2006. In 2005, he additionally served as the AFA Board Representative for the state of Wyoming. Between 1998 and 2000, Michael sat on the AFA General Board, where he served as Chair of the Research Committee. During this time, he acted as a liaison to the American Horse Council, a federal advisory board, and also served as a liaison between the AFA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). From 2000 to 2006, he was a member of the AFA Executive Board, serving as Chairman of Finance.
Michael is a founding member of the World Championship Blacksmiths (WCB) organization, established in 2006, a prestigious international blacksmithing competition that remains active today. From 1994 to 2000, he was the Lead Farrier for the Horse Protection League in Colorado, where he also served as Treasurer and President. In addition to his farrier practice, Michael has been a sought-after educator and speaker. He conducted business clinics for farriers across the United States titled “How to Run Your Business as a Self-Employed Owner” for AFA chapters nationwide. He has presented at numerous professional conferences, including the Annual AFA Conference, Dr. Doug Butler’s Farrier- Focused Conference, RMFA events, and the International Hoof Care Summit.
Internationally, Michael played a key role in advancing farrier education in Israel. He conducted multiple clinics for Israeli farriers on topics such as equine biomechanics and proper hoof care, served as the farrier for the Israeli Olympic Team, and founded the AFA Chapter in Israel. Widely recognized for his expertise, Michael was in high demand throughout his career and was frequently flown across the United States to provide farrier services for elite three-day eventing, dressage, and hunter-jumper horses. His career reflects a rare combination of technical excellence, leadership, education, and international influence within the farrier profession.