Our Mission:
“Cleaning up our World, one piece of trash at a time!”
Our Values:
Love | Conservation | Collaboration | Leadership | Innovation
MEET OUR BOARD:
Justin Imamura
Location: San José, California
Role and Impact: Founder & President | Punk Rock Eagle Scout | Builder of Community-Driven Change
“Justin doesn’t just clean up trash. He rallies a generation to believe their impact matters.” — The Trash Punx Team
From punk rock stages to creek beds littered with trash, Justin Imamura has always found power in showing up loud and full of heart. A Coachella-performing musician and Eagle Scout, Justin founded The Trash Punx to turn frustration into action and give his city something it desperately needed: hope wrapped in high-energy environmental cleanup.
He brings creativity, culture, and community wherever he goes—building a movement where every cleanup feels like a call to purpose. Under his leadership, The Trash Punx has grown from a passion project to a global force for change.
TJ Lauters
Location: San José, California
Role and Impact: Vice President & Secretary | Connector | Community Caretaker
“TJ shows us that taking care of your neighborhood is the ultimate form of love.” — The Trash Punx Team
TJ Lauters grew up biking creekside trails and playing hockey in neighborhood parks—but when dumping and pollution started to rise, he knew he couldn’t just watch. Now Vice President of The Trash Punx, TJ helps create the safe, welcoming spaces he wants his son (and everyone’s kids) to enjoy.
After a chance encounter with Justin at Great America, the two became cleanup co-conspirators. At every event, you’ll find TJ welcoming volunteers, making sure things run smoothly, and lifting spirits with his signature good vibes.
Vanessa Rogier
Location: San José, California
Role and Impact: CFO & Conservation Manager | Wildlife Advocate | Global Steward of Change
“Vanessa is our compass—leading with integrity, grounding us in purpose, and always keeping the planet at the center.” — The Trash Punx Team
Raised in remote, wild places, Vanessa Rogier grew up knowing the planet was worth protecting. With decades of experience leading global conservation programs—including 25 years as a Bay Area Conservation Director—she’s protected everything from wetlands to endangered wildlife.
Joining The Trash Punx was a full-circle moment: an opportunity to connect local impact with global vision. As CFO and Conservation Manager, Vanessa blends heart, humor, and strategy to grow programs, build partnerships, and ensure every action supports a healthier Earth.
Heather Bedy
Location: San José, California
Role and Impact: Board Member | Zero-Waste Champion | Circular Economy Advocate
“Heather turns everyday habits into radical acts of sustainability—and brings others along with joy.” — The Trash Punx Team
Heather Bedy’s grandmother taught her something simple but profound: reuse everything. That seed took root, and by 2014, Heather dove into the world of zero waste—learning how to recycle the “non-recyclables” and make small shifts with big impact.
Today, she’s a key voice for sustainability in her community. Whether it’s helping others navigate hard-to-recycle items or amplifying the message of reuse, Heather brings intention, creativity, and optimism to everything she does.
Andre Meggerson
Location: San José, California
Role and Impact: Board Member | Community Builder | Drum-Beating Crocheting Trash Warrior
“Andre reminds us that the strongest changemakers lead with joy, compassion, and a little bit of rhythm.” — The Trash Punx Team
A lifelong San Jose local, Andre Meggerson brings joy to the work of justice. You might find him leading a cleanup, spinning on the dance floor, or crocheting faster than anyone in California—all with the same heart for people and the planet.
Andre’s strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. He leads with kindness, humor, and deep community love. As a Board Member, his energy, commitment, and creativity lift the team and inspire everyone around him to do more good.
Derik Vo | Board Member
Location: San José, California
Role and Impact: Board Member | Data Wizard | Trash Punx OG
“Derik is proof that data and heart go hand in hand—and that showing up matters.” — The Trash Punx Team
If you’ve ever seen a guy dancing while waving massive flags at a cleanup—that’s Derik Vo. One of the very first Trash Punx volunteers, Derik joined after the 2017 floods and never looked back.
Now a core team member and data analyst, Derik brings both spirit and structure to every event. His passion is contagious, and his behind-the-scenes work helps the team track impact, make smart decisions, and keep things running strong.