Our Team
Barbara Riegger
Director / President / Co-founder
As a mom of three and a global citizen, I’ve lived and worked across continents—deepening my love for nature and diverse cultures. Through my travels, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of pollution and the urgent need for change. With a BA in IT and an MBA in Strategy & Innovation, I’m
committed to reducing waste, raising awareness, and driving real, lasting impact for our planet.
Lori Ward
Director / Treasurer / Co-founder
Driven by a deep appreciation for the outdoors, I enjoy hiking, golfing, and capturing nature through photography. Traveling through national parks and visiting different parts of the globe has heightened my awareness of our planet’s vulnerability and the importance of protecting it.
With a BBA in Accounting and Marketing and an MBA in Leadership and Change Management, I bring a strong foundation in business and a passion for service to Bottles2Bricks. I’m deeply committed to helping others, especially those underserved, and believe that small, intentional choices rooted in compassion can spark meaningful, lasting change. As a mom of three, I’m inspired to create a more sustainable world and a hopeful future for the next generation.
Smiley Hsu
Director / Technology / Co-founder
I am an entrepreneur, and I love the outdoors. When I am not working on environmental causes, I’m usually doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, golfing or taking a stroll on the beach. Having seen firsthand the extent of the plastic pollution problem on the beaches of
Miami, I have become an advocate of reducing plastic consumption. I graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with advanced degrees in Engineering and Computer Science.
Ahmed Moumine
Activist for Africa
I began my journey as an Environmentalist, which is my true passion, and as a Climate Policy Advocate, committed to building sustainable, circular and resilient futures across Africa. I founded Think Green, an NGO dedicated to environmental protection through hands-on, community-based solutions.
Over time, I have coordinated several impactful projects under Bottles2Bricks, transforming plastic wasteinto eco-bricks, used to build classrooms community centers, toilets and water tanks in underserved communities in Cameroon and beyond. These efforts reduce pollution and create local jobs.
I’ve represented youth and civil society in climate negotiations, contributing to global through strategic advocacy.I am the founder of Think Green, an environmental movement that has gathered hundreds of youths around Cameroon and beyond to inspire them to take action and speak out for the environment. We have focused our efforts on plastic pollution, a serious problem which has been neglected here for years. It is a huge challenge and I am committed to making a positive impact. I took the No Plastic Drinks pledge. I am a very social person; l love soccer and discovering new places.
Isabella Leigh
Marketing
Driven by a passion for people, planet, and purpose, I help shape Bottles2Bricks’ mission of turning plastic waste into sustainable building materials. With a background in marketing and storytelling, I create content that educates, inspires, and mobilizes communities—bringing global attention to a cause that truly matters.
As a Marketing Major at Texas Christian University, I’ve combined my academic background with hands-on experience in social media strategy, content creating, and project execution. Working with Bottles2Bricks allows me to use my passions to amplify a movement I deeply believe in, rooted in sustainability, Innovation and global collaboration.
Peter Tirinnanzi
Legal
I was raised in an Air Force family living throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Throughout my childhood, my fondest vacation spots have been on the coastal beach towns of Cape Cod, MA, along the Chesapeake Bay, and Northern Italy’s Adriatic shoreline. I lived on the west coast
during part of my career allowing me to further experience beach living (Venice Beach). As a result, I have become keenly aware of the need to protect our natural resources through education and individual action. I have earned the following degrees:
B.A. from University of Texas/Austin; M.B.A. from University of Notre Dame; M.A. from Georgetown University; and J.D from District of Columbia School of Law.
Henry Mellet
Fundraising
My family and I call the suburbs of New York City home, where we spend much of our time outdoors—kicking around a soccer ball at the park, casting lines into the Long Island Sound, or simply biking through town for the sheer joy of it. Our deep respect for
nature shapes how we live. I educate anyone who will listen about the long-lasting effects of plastic on the environment. I also dedicate time to volunteering with organizations that champion global education. I’m a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.
Aaron Malatesta
Construction Advisor
I believe every community deserves safe and resilient buildings they can rely on. My work includes both structural and forensic engineering, where I enjoy the hands-on aspect of investigating buildings, understanding how they perform, and tackling new challenges. Supporting Bottles2Bricks gives me the opportunity to combine that passion with a mission to create sustainable spaces that truly make a difference.
Outside of work, I love to travel, experience different cultures, spend time adventuring in nature with my family, and I’m always looking for suggestions for new snorkeling spots.