Our Inspiration
As longtime San Jose residents, we’ve watched our beloved local lakes—Lake Cunningham and Almaden Lake—decline from vibrant community spaces to waters too polluted for safe recreation. Watching this has been heartbreaking.
As former employees of the City of San Jose, we also saw the other side — the dedicated city staff working tirelessly to protect these lakes, often frustrated by limited tools and resources that couldn’t stop the decline.
When we discovered a proven way to reverse this damage and make our lakes swimmable again, we knew we had to act. We began imagining triathlons returning, families boating, and children once again playing by clean, living waters.
Then we learned that restoration solutions extend far beyond bodies of water—offering ways to improve the health of entire ecosystems, from ponds and wetlands to farmland and open spaces. That realization expanded our mission and deepened our excitement.
That’s why we created the Restoration Ecosystem Foundation—to connect government agencies and nonprofit organizations with the right tools and partnerships to bring nature back to life.
We invite you to join us in bringing new life to our waters and our lands—and renewed hope to the communities that depend on them.
VISION
Transforming our planet through healthy, resilient ecosystems.
MISSION
We empower partners with resources and funding to restore ecosystems and revitalize communities.
VALUES
Innovation
Impact
Collaboration
Commitment to Excellence
Stewardship
Board of Directors
Ammal Elhaddad
Ammal is a nationally recognized consultant with over two decades of experience across the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. A former AmeriCorps member, she is deeply committed to advancing sustainable development and civic empowerment through scalable, impact-oriented solutions. She has led innovative public-private partnerships and community-driven initiatives that expand access to opportunity and foster resilient, thriving communities. A graduate of the University of Miami, Ammal earned her bachelor's degree in Biology and English from the College of Arts & Sciences, where she cultivated a strong foundation in ecological systems and a longstanding dedication to public service. She brings a unique blend of scientific insight and operational expertise to her work with mission-driven organizations across sectors focused on creating transformative and enduring impact.
Michele Dexter
Michele is a dedicated public servant with over a decade of experience serving San José, working alongside three consecutive councilmembers. A third-generation San José native, her deep roots and family legacy of entrepreneurship inspire her commitment to the community. In 2002, she co-founded NDYNAMICS, Inc., providing IT services to businesses while raising her two sons. Known for her hands-on leadership and ability to bring people together, Michele is also CERT-trained, a licensed ham radio operator, and an active neighborhood organizer, earning a reputation for dedication and trust throughout San José.
Juliana Khamis
Juliana is an experienced educator and community advocate with over a decade of teaching anthropology at San Jose City College. With a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, she is passionate about fostering critical thinking and supporting underserved students both in the classroom and through her work with the San Jose Unified School District. Beyond education, Juliana has held leadership roles with local nonprofits, including the San Jose Parks Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos/Almaden, where she champions youth scholarship and community engagement. Known for her inclusive leadership style and commitment to service, she brings heart, insight, and impact to every endeavor.