Home / Who We Are
Who we areThe people behind the planting.
A Tampa-based 501(c)(3) led by a solar entrepreneur and powered by volunteers we call Eco-Soldiers and Eco-Marines.
Led by an entrepreneur who scaled solar worldwide.
Alicia Valdes is a global entrepreneur, environmental conservation leader and philanthropist. Before founding Global Eco Army she was President and CEO of Bright Solar Systems, a solar consulting firm operating in 17 countries.
- Fluent in English, Spanish and Romanian
- Advised on solar technology deployment at state and national levels
- Builds partnerships with local nonprofits and international organizations
Three groups, one mission.
Leadership
Our President & CEO sets strategy across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force branches and builds the partnerships that fund them.
Eco-Soldiers & Marines
More than 1,000 volunteers of all ages planted trees and cleaned waterways in our first year alone, across four continents.
Partners & sponsors
Local businesses and organizations supply trees, tools, meals and media coverage — and receive an official certificate.
See certificatesFrom Tampa to four continents.
What began as one team’s promise to put the planet first has grown into a volunteer network planting trees and delivering clean water.
Backing fellow nonprofits
Supported 12 environmental nonprofits, including Greenpeace, The Ocean Cleanup and The Nature Conservancy.
Four continents, 1,000+ volunteers
Tree plantings and cleanups across four continents, more than 1,000 volunteers engaged and $250,000 raised.
Recognized by the City of Tampa
On our second anniversary, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor officially recognized the organization’s environmental goals.
Earth Day with 22 sponsors
Businesses from Starbucks to The Home Depot joined volunteers to plant trees in the Tampa Bay area.
Tree planting in East Africa
Ongoing planting events, clean-water projects and community environmental education.
In the field.
Photos from the April 22, 2023 planting day with our sponsors.
