Our International Leaders
Evan Nied - Founder and CEO
Lucia Morton - International Program Director
Ben Horwitz - International President
Evan is a first year and Jefferson and Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia. Concerned about the flooding in his home town after a number of storms in the last few years, Evan started researching small ways he could make a difference. Planting trees seemed to make the most sense and he began his nonprofit ventures thus forth. Eva
Evan is a first year and Jefferson and Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia. Concerned about the flooding in his home town after a number of storms in the last few years, Evan started researching small ways he could make a difference. Planting trees seemed to make the most sense and he began his nonprofit ventures thus forth. Evan enjoys playing tennis, working on startups, and practicing piano.
Ben Horwitz - International President
Lucia Morton - International Program Director
Ben Horwitz - International President
Ben Horwitz is a Senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and absolutely loves the outdoors. Ben started the St. Louis Planting Shade chapter in 2021. After his first year, Ben was promoted to Planting Shade's International President. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, being outside, and biking in his f
Ben Horwitz is a Senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and absolutely loves the outdoors. Ben started the St. Louis Planting Shade chapter in 2021. After his first year, Ben was promoted to Planting Shade's International President. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, being outside, and biking in his free time. Ben strives to take care of the environment and aims to make it a safe and beautiful place for many generations to come.
Lucia Morton - International Program Director
Lucia Morton - International Program Director
Lucia Morton - International Program Director
Lucia Morton is the International Program Director for Planting Shade and is a Senior at the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy. She adores exploration and discovery whether it’s through school, travel, or personal projects. She is constantly taking in the world around her by staying active and engaged. From practicing mindful consume
Lucia Morton is the International Program Director for Planting Shade and is a Senior at the Entrepreneurship and Business Academy. She adores exploration and discovery whether it’s through school, travel, or personal projects. She is constantly taking in the world around her by staying active and engaged. From practicing mindful consumer habits to giving back to the planet, she hopes to lead her community towards more sustainable living.
Luke Leshin - Chief Artistic Director
Luke Boynton - Chief Marketing Officer
Lucia Morton - International Program Director
Luke is a senior at Horizon High School in Pheonix, Arizona. CEO of Lesher Media, Luke has a growing passion for creative work in design and video production. Luke was also responsible for the newly designed Planting Shade logo and chapter marketing since 2022. In his free time, he plays hockey for his school (among a variety of sports). He also loves to play with his dogs and to be outside.
Luke Boynton - Chief Marketing Officer
Luke Boynton - Chief Marketing Officer
Luke Boynton - Chief Marketing Officer
Luke is a senior at the Kempsville High School Entrepreneurship and Business Academy and has served as the main social media management since the organization’s infancy. Luke loves making a difference in other people’s lives and is passionate about helping those in need in any way he can. His main aspirations are photography and videography.