CO-FOUNDER

Ryder moved around as a kid, eventually ending up in the South Bay of Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a BS in Chemistry and a minor in Philosophy. Outside of work Ryder enjoys playing music and surfing.

In addition to his role at improper, Ryder is working as an Analytical Specialist on the Research and Development team at a chemical manufacturing company. He aspires to use his passion for chemistry to create a more sustainable future.

CO-FOUNDER

Ryan grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles, where he learned to appreciate the natural world and work with marginalized populations. He is currently a graduate student researching surface waters and groundwaters to i) determine the presence, sources, and processes of contamination, and (ii) investigate the various ways contaminated water affects human and ecosystem health. Ryan views improper as an outlet to channel his interests in creativity and the environment into a mission of serving others.

HEAD OF BRANDING

Trey ended up in the South Bay of Los Angeles in the fourth grade after moving around as a kid. Since moving there, he has grown an appreciation for the ocean and ocean preservation. He loves to surf whenever possible. Trey is a junior at the University of Colorado working towards a BS in Business Administration. After school he hopes to turn his passion for the ocean and surfing into a career.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MADAGASCAR

Growing up in Ihosy, Tojo developed a love for illustration at a young age, which later evolved into a deep passion for photography and storytelling. After completing graphic design training in Germany, he returned to Madagascar and spent years working with the U.S. Peace Corps, gaining strong experience in intercultural competency, diversity, and inclusion. Beyond his work with improper Madagascar, Tojo founded his own communication company specializing in rural development and cultural preservation.

RESEARCH DIRECTOR, MADAGASCAR

Walter grew up on the Southeastern coast of Madagascar in Andranovolo Village. He is a graduate student at the University of Fianarantsoa, studying biodiversity and hydrology. Walter oversees all of improper’s research activities and leads the development of our planetary health solutions in Madagascar.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

Drew grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and now calls Boston, Massachusetts, home. Graduating from Babson College with a focus on Sustainability and Finance, he sees in Improper an immense opportunity to advocate for living life on one's own terms. In a world where individuals often face overwhelming pressure, the improper ethos provides a welcomed sanctuary—a chance to temporarily detach from worldly demands while simultaneously empowering individuals to actively contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Meg has moved around for most of her life, eventually, ending up in Colorado where her passion for sustainability and environmental convservation truly developed. She is currently a senior at UCLA studying Business Economics and Cognitive Science with the hope of pursuing a career in environmental consulting. On campus, she is a project manager for a consulting firm that focuses on implementing decarbonization and zero waste strategies.

MARKETING INTERN

Maddie grew up in Southern California, where her love for the beach and coastal lifestyle shaped her passion for community engagement. Now a graduating senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, she is majoring in Media Studies with a double minor in Business and Communication. With an interest in brand strategy and digital media, she hopes to pursue a career in marketing, blending creativity with purpose-driven messaging.

INNOVATION ENGINEERING INTERN

Nachi is researching and developing carbon dioxide removal and conversion technologies to create carbon-negative textiles for our goods.