Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexa Simeone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alexa, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a National Geographic certified educator, founder of Lele Art Lab. We unite art, science, and design education to reimagine environmental education. Empowering youth to shape the climate future they desire and not merely adapt to change but design it. We help them hone their skills to become creative leaders, systems thinkers, innovative collaborators and effective problem solvers who can lead collective action, implement community – driven climate solutions and work together to make a meaningful impact. Ocean trash turns into art and the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) adds to our scientific method. Youth train as citizen scientists, maker labs replace science lessons and in the words of my student: “protecting the planet is so cool.”

We connect scientific knowledge with youth led climate action through design challenges, community engagement art, public installations, and innovative pop-up events featuring our mobile, push-powered art lab. We have piloted three projects reaching 1000 young learners in South Florida, thanks to the support of county, city officials and our valued community partners. We’ve successfully increased awareness on critical issues like sea level rise, water quality, marine habitats, coral restoration, hydroponics, and the identification of microplastics and other contaminants.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most fulfilling moments arise from the realization that my endeavors have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to establishing more sustainable and equitable spaces within society. When a student shares, “I was once afraid of the ocean, but not anymore. I love seeing the biodiversity and know I have an opportunity to protect it.” Means I have done my job, art has served its purpose, opened new doors to a new science identity and allowed us to all come together for a shared goal. The community connection is the most rewarding aspect of it all.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The heart of what I do is centered on improving our waterways, and the launch of the SEA LAB project is a key step in advancing that mission. Through various initiatives and dedicated efforts, the organization I started,  aims to make a positive impact on the overall well-being and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. This involves addressing challenges such as pollution, habitat degradation, and other factors that affect the quality of our water resources.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leleartlab.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leleartlab/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leleartlab
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-simeone/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/leleartlab
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Q61qLLGruJOlNjx1Y7SZQ