Our leadership
Founders & Co-Presidents
The two students who started Batteries4Better.
Directors
The team running B4B’s programs, partnerships and operations.
Hi, my name is Ayman, and I'm a junior at Maggie L. Walker. I have a deep connection to recycling, especially on the engineering side. I also enjoy making websites, building robots, and developing machine learning algorithms.
Hi, my name is Emmett and I am from Richmond, Virginia. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends. I was inspired to join Batteries4Better after realizing how big of an issue improper battery disposal is, and that I had an opportunity to work to fix it. I am excited to work to better my community and to spread environmental awareness in hopes that more and more people will be inspired to join our cause.
My name is Soham Mishra, and I'm from Glen Allen, Virginia. I'm a senior at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School with a strong interest in chemistry, biology, and the ways science can be used to make a positive impact. Outside of school, I enjoy playing cricket, playing the flute, and spending time with friends and family. I joined Batteries4Better because I wanted to contribute to a simple but meaningful effort to keep batteries out of landfills and encourage more responsible recycling in my community. I'm excited to be part of a program that turns small actions into a bigger environmental impact.
My name is Jack Collins, and I serve as the Director of Volunteer & Education for Batteries4Better, a student-led nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainability through battery recycling and environmental education. I am passionate about community service and helping others understand how small actions can make a lasting impact on the environment. Through my role, I work with volunteers and educational initiatives to inspire greater environmental awareness and engagement. What drew me to Batteries4Better was the opportunity to combine leadership, service, and sustainability to create meaningful change. Outside of my nonprofit work, I enjoy playing soccer and golf, which have taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I am proud to be part of an organization that empowers young people to make a difference and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
I enjoy working with technology, manufacturing, and engineering, especially finding creative ways to solve real-world problems. I'm currently exploring CNC manufacturing and supply chain management. Outside of school and work, I enjoy soccer, working out, and spending time with friends and family. I got involved with Batteries4Better because I'm interested in practical initiatives to create positive change and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Hi! My name is Deven Baker, and I'm from Midlothian, Virginia. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of sports, reading books, and, most importantly, hanging out with friends. I heard about Batteries4Better from a few of my friends, and was instantly intrigued about how I can make a difference. Currently, I'm excited to expand the reach of Batteries4Better beyond our current scope, raising awareness for the initiative.
Hi, my name is Darshen Raman, and I'm a high school senior currently located in Midlothian, Virginia. I've always had a passion for serving communities, and am an active volunteer at local hospitals and food banks. I joined Batteries4Better because I see it as a simple, accessible way to make a large positive impact on the environment. In my spare time, I enjoy playing drums, tennis, and going to the gym.
Hi, I'm Siddharth Gattu, a senior at Maggie Walker Governor's School, from Henrico County. I'm motivated to make a real impact in my community, which is what drew me to serve as Director of Finance for the Henrico chapter of Batteries4Better. Currently, I spend my time running my own marketing firm. Outside of school, I enjoy swimming and volleyball, and I'm looking to pursue a future in finance and business.
Regional Chapter Directors
Students leading B4B chapters in their own communities.
Hi, my name is Clive Ayee. I'm from Glen Allen, Virginia. I decided to join Batteries4Better because I saw potential in the organization, and recycling batteries is an important step toward protecting our environment. Another reason I wanted to join is because I enjoy working on creative projects and collaborating with others. I try to be involved as much as possible and make new connections as a member of this team.
Hello, my name is Ethan McKenna and I am from Hanover, Virginia. I attend Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. I enjoy playing sports like volleyball. I joined Batteries4Better because of how much impact I could have on my community, environmentally and socially, through this organization.
Hi, my name is Simon Smith. I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, but now live in Richmond, Virginia. I have always been very interested in science and passionate about environmental activism, and I aspire to be a chemical engineer in the future. Outside of school and community activities, I enjoy watching movies and fishing. I'm very excited to join this undertaking and use my abilities and dedication to hopefully bring real change to my community and beyond.
Hey there, my name is Greycen Brocato and I'm located in Midlothian, Virginia. I love to compete, whether that's out on the soccer field, in scholastic competitions, or in games. In my free time, I enjoy spending my time out with friends or learning new skills. My passion for Batteries4Better is fueled by a basic desire for me and others to take small, unified steps toward environmental and societal improvement in our imperfect surroundings. I truly believe this organization holds a pivotal role in this progress.
Hi, my name is Riley Ashley, and I'm from Midlothian, Virginia. I enjoy staying active, spending time outdoors, and exploring a variety of interests. I have a curious mindset and I'm always willing to try new things — I value personal growth, learning, and making the most of new opportunities. Whether I'm working on individual goals or spending time with friends and family, I try to bring a positive attitude and I enjoy experiences that are both challenging and rewarding.
Hi, I'm Om! I'm a rising senior from Loudoun County, Virginia. I love building things, whether that's creating new platforms and research for my community or competing against my peers in varied competitions. I joined Batteries4Better because I saw real potential in the initiative — it's doing something that hasn't really been done before, and I believe in it. I'm always flexible and ready to try new things and get involved in any way I can. Outside of that, I'm big on playing and watching sports, and I always love connecting with new people.
Hi! My name is Shafeeq Ali, and I live in Dallas, Texas. I'm excited to work with Batteries4Better this year and help spread awareness for our mission. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, basketball, and pickleball. I also like to go to the gym, eat out, or hang out with friends. This year, I hope to educate people on environmental awareness and push the Batteries4Better message across people in Texas.
Hi! My name is Dhanya Papanasa. I am a junior in high school and I'm from Sacramento, California! Some of my hobbies include dance, public speaking, and baking! I am interested in pursuing biomedicine in the future. I decided to get involved with Batteries4Better because environmental sustainability is important to me and I believe that small community efforts can create meaningful change. I'm excited to help raise awareness about environmental conservation and inspire others to take action for a cleaner, healthier future.
Hello! I'm Sanvi from North Carolina. I'm a student fascinated with how science and technology can affect our society. I'm especially interested in fields such as medicine, biomedical science, and finding creative solutions for real-life situations. Apart from academics, I play cello and piano, paint, and play badminton. I joined Batteries4Better because I am passionate about sustainability and believe that small, practical innovations can make a meaningful difference in our communities and environment. I'm excited to learn, collaborate with others, and contribute to creating a more sustainable future.
Hello, my name is Shreyas and I'm a senior at Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Arkansas. I enjoy running, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with friends. I'm excited to become involved with Batteries4Better to help bring awareness to the Northwest Arkansas community about the importance of recycling and helping to create a more sustainable way of living.
My name is Chidera Gift Nwakanma, I'm from Nigeria, a graduate of University of Port Harcourt Nigeria, studied business management science and experienced in administration, project coordination and external relations. I'm highly organized, a quick learner and enjoy building relationships and supporting business growth. I'm excited about this opportunity to develop my skills and contribute to the team.
I'm Thomas Kumwenda, from Lilongwe, Malawi. I'm a Quality Control Specialist with a background in Animal Science, and I enjoy working with people, learning, and turning ideas into practical solutions. I joined Batteries4Better because I believe young people can play a meaningful role in solving environmental challenges and creating lasting change in our communities. I'm excited to contribute, learn, and help empower others through this work. Outside of work, I enjoy chess, soccer, technology, education, and my Christian faith — areas that continue to shape how I think, lead, and serve others.
Want to join the team?
B4B is student-led, but volunteers of all ages run drives with us. Tell us where you are and we will plug you into the next one.