Carlos Pesantes
Founder · Executive Director · Master Composter · Beekeeper · Board Member · Core Member
Carlos A. Pesantes is a native of Lima, Peru who immigrated to the USA in the early 80’s. He grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, attended public school, and graduated with a degree in Biology and Anthropology from Queens College. Carlos served in the US Army, which inspired his love of service. He has worked in public health as an Environmental Scientist and Community Coordinator for over 15 years. He provided emergency assistance to NYC in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy (Irma and Maria in PR), the Ebola, Legionella, Zika, and Measles outbreaks, as well as throughout the COVID pandemic.
Feeling frustrated with the lack of response to environmental issues, he examined his own personal choices, decided to join a local CSA, started a food scrap drop off in his community, and become a Master Composter. This addressed food waste at the source, counter-balanced habitual consumerism, and reduced carbon footprints. The Compost Collective was officially formed in 2012 and moved to its current location on Yellowstone at that time. It has now grown to serve over 500 households in the local Forest Hills area.
Carlos believes in the power of connection, inclusion, balance and youth empowerment. Although he knows change begins with one person, he sees our collective power can create long-lasting effects for generations to come. In his spare time, Carlos enjoys reading, gardening, beekeeping, playing music, cooking and a good cup of tea!