Innovator-in-Residence

Cyrus Boga

Cyrus Boga is the founder of Novamaya.  After working for many years in investment banking and in corporate finance, he spent the better part of a decade establishing and running a multimillion dollar social entrepreneurial venture that had over 40 employees at its peak.  He is grateful for having had the opportunity to straddle many different worlds, and his broad professional and academic experiences have informed his philosophy and passion for relevant, transdisciplinary education.

He has an M.A. from the Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University, a B.A. from Hamilton College, and undertook coursework and research towards his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Yale University. He is a member of several professional and civic organizations.

Anastasia Plakias

Anastasia Plakias is the co-founder and Vice President of Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm, a rooftop farming and green roofing business dedicated to organic urban farming. A published writer and photographer, Anastasia is a passionate and outspoken crusader for fresh, healthy foods and greener, more sustainable cities. She is also the co-founder of City Growers, an educational non-profit organization that works to educate New York City youth about agriculture, food, and the urban environment. In addition, she regularly holds workshops and speaks on topics related to urban farming and sustainability.