Born in Nigeria, grew up in the United States and today lives in Israel.
Sharona initiated an environmental project, Tuesdays for Trash, and today she is active in the President’s Climate Crisis Forum and has been selected to receive the National Geographic Young Explorers grant as one of 15 young people aged 18-25 from 13 countries chosen for their “groundbreaking and impactful environmental solutions achieved through leadership and courage.” With the grant, Sharona is expanding the project and is currently publishing a children’s book on environmental issues.
MEET SHARONA:
Tell us about Your project:
It began very innocently as a simple gesture during the height of the COVID-19. During lockdowns my friend and I found ourselves craving a way to reconnect with the world beyond our screens. One day, we grabbed some bags, headed to our university’s park blocks, and began picking up litter while catching up. It was a small, restorative act, but what surprised us was the reactions from passersby. People paused to smile, thank us, and we quickly noticed how fulfilling it was to clean up and act.
It gave us a sense of purpose. So much so that we thought to invite other friends and encourage people around the world to join us. We called it Tuesdays for Trash, created a mission to inspire everyone around the world to dedicate at least one day a week to the planet by picking up trash, and from there things sort of spiraled.
Today the initiative has evolved into an international movement, with 15 chapters, participants in over 60 countries, and more than 87,000 pounds of trash removed. It began with two people, a few bags, and a simple desire to do good—and it has blossomed into a global force for climate justice and community empowerment.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is not giving up hope, even when the challenges seemed insurmountable. It’s always been difficult in my field of work but especially in the last year adding sirens blaring, rockets falling, and the constant weight of fear and uncertainty. It was a time of unimaginable suffering, but I clung to the belief that something better was possible. What carried me through was the unwavering support of my team and the people who believe in Tuesdays for Trash.
How would you describe the impact of your Masa program on your life and professional path?
My experience with Masa marked a pivotal moment in both my personal and professional journey. Through my internship (in a start-up called UBQ Materials, which transforms waste into reusable materials) I gained firsthand exposure to the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This role deepened my understanding of the climate landscape in Israel and gave me skills and networks to navigate it ideally.
Masa was very supportive in helping me bring Tuesdays for Trash to life in Tel Aviv. With the encouragement of my Madricha, we organized the first T4T Tel Aviv Chapter cleanup at Gan Meir with our cohort group. The event was a powerful moment for me—solidifying my place in the city and making a major goal I had a reality. Over the years, Masa has continued to support Tuesdays for Trash, fostering a meaningful relationship with us that has amplified the movement’s reach and impact in Israel.
The program served as a launchpad for my career in environmental activism and sustainable innovation. It equipped me with the skills, network, and confidence to build a bridge between my values and my work.
Who is your role model?
My role model isn’t just one individual—it’s every person who has opened a door for me, given me a leg up, or put their own needs aside to create a seat at the table for me. These people embody a selflessness and generosity that I aspire to emulate in everything I do. They’ve taught me that leadership is about lifting others up and sharing opportunities to ensure that more voices are heard.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself standing at the intersection of global impact and personal fulfillment, having dedicated my life to addressing the garbage crisis and fostering peace through environmental peacebuilding. I envision a world where people no longer must be convinced to want clean air and clean water. I hope to achieve this through storytelling, policies, and cultural shifts that I’ll have had the privilege of contributing to. My work will have played a role in empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices.
What is your advice for young Jews around the world who want to make a difference?
To embrace the principle of Tikkun Olam—our sacred responsibility to repair the world. The challenges we face today—climate change, inequality, conflict—may seem insurmountable, but Tikkun Olam teaches us that no action is too small when it comes to healing the world. Every effort we make, no matter how modest, contributes to the collective good.