Our Executive Board Members.

Aleksandra Plewa, CEO

Aleksandra Plewa is an environmental leader and social entrepreneur based in Chicago. With a background in Biology, she shifted from a career in laboratory work to founding EcoShip, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting small and local businesses while reducing waste. Inspired by her immigrant parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, Aleksandra learned early the value of hard work and community impact. In 2022, she launched EcoShip to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of material reuse across Illinois. She is passionate about building a more sustainable, resilient city. Outside of EcoShip, Aleksandra enjoys exploring nature and connecting with local makers.

Peter Proctor, CFO

Peter Proctor is a floriculturist at Garfield Park Conservatory. With a background in Environmental Science and Business, he brings extensive expertise to his role as EcoShip’s Chief Financial Officer, blending analytical skills with a passion for sustainability. Peter has been running an e-commerce store since 2019 and has always strive to make it sustainable. Peter has been reusing shipping materials since the day he started, in an effort to keep his business green. He is proud to help advance EcoShip’s mission of reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. Outside of his typical work day, you can find Peter building shelves for EcoShip or tending plants in his backyard.

Kara Desai

Kara Desai is a marketing leader and entrepreneur based in Bucktown, Chicago. She brings over a decade of experience leading growth and brand strategy at companies like OPENLANE, Inventables, and Grubhub, and is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations thrive. Kara began volunteering with EcoShip in 2024, joined the Associate Board in early 2025, and became an Executive Board member in June 2025. She is proud to support EcoShip’s mission of reducing waste and fostering sustainable business practices. Outside of work, Kara enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and volunteering her time to causes that strengthen local communities.

Kayla Silverman

Kayla Silverman is an Export Representative at McMaster-Carr and has spent nearly six years building expertise in customer service, sales, and operations. Her career path has taken her through industries like retail, hospitality, and capacity management, shaping her people-first approach and passion for problem-solving. A Connecticut native, Kayla moved to Chicago from Cleveland and was inspired by the city’s resilience and commitment to sustainability. She is proud to support EcoShip’s mission of reducing waste and fostering community connections. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys pilates, running, thrifting, baking gluten- and dairy-free desserts, and spending time with her dogs.

Associate Board

  • Izzy Ryde

  • Carolina Portilla

  • Emily Sun

  • Christine Berndt

  • Sara Tabatabai

  • Anna Ifft

  • Caitlin Howe

  • Samantha Thompson

  • Penelopi Perez

  • Chris Jeske

  • Elza Vucane

  • Anindita Dutta

  • Sarah Horn

  • Kelsey Olson

  • Grace Pulliam

Join the Associate Board (starting April 15th)

More About our Associate Board.

  • The associate board sits below the executive board. It is made out of community members who are interested and excited to be a bigger part of EcoShip.

  • Our associate board does a lot!

    • Help out at the store by sorting materials, setting up for events, and organizing the store.

    • Host events such as workshops, trivia nights, networking, social, and more!

    • Create marketing materials and social media posts.

    • Conduct outreach and secure new partnerships or collaborations.

    • Promote EcoShip in their professional and social networks.

    • Help fundraise through events, givebacks, and personal campaigns.

    • Help with statistics and visuals on our website.

    • And more!

  • Our terms are now 9 months.

  • We ask that you are fully ready to commit your time to our fast-growing organization.

    • Represent and promote EcoShip whenever you can.

    • Attend 6 out of the 9 meetings (combination of in-person and remote)

    • Have clear communication with the executive board who you will check in with and your associate board team who you will work on projects with.

    • Attending in-person events (collections, tabling, social, volunteer) and helping out at the store. We don’t require a specific number of in-person hours, but please be present. If you cannot be at our physical location a lot, bring EcoShip to your community (work, neighborhood, school).

  • Yes! We encourage new ideas, because we never know what might take off. If you work better on your own, please do! Just keep us in the loop (:

  • Join our group of regular volunteers instead! Our volunteers help with both remote and in-person tasks.

  • That’s okay, but let us know! We get it, life is busy and unpredictable, but please don’t string us along. You can always apply for the next term!

    If you continue to not show up and cut communication, our executive board reserves the right to terminate your position.