Meet Our Team
Introducing
Ernie Perez
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & EVENT MANAGER
Born into a family of farmers and builders, Emily has always loved to grow and make things. A self-described arts and nature geek, Emily holds dual degrees in theater and sustainability which folds nicely into her vision for EcoWilde–gorgeous floral drama with a green lens. She saw so much waste in the event industry and so many opportunities to be a little gentler with our planet and to people too (Emily is a BIG fan of paying a living wage and providing worker protections). She stops to smell the roses on her off time by loving up on her super sweet furry daughters (two cats pals and one pup), walking in the woods with her buddies, and searching for her next donut.
Liz Lukehart
LAND & COMMUNITY STEWARD
Liz is a real deal pro in sustainability. She is a long time environmental advocate with education in environmental law and climate journalism (we are so lucky to have Liz!) Liz is a committed gardener with a particular interest in ecological and sustainable gardening. With nearly ten years of experience in growing cut flowers, food, and native plants, as well as seed saving, Liz led EcoWilde’s own first hyper local growing season and cared for our florals so tenderly that we grew more than we ever imagined! We are so excited to have the groundwork to grow for many seasons to come. In her freetime, she acts as Chairperson of the Village of Oak Park's Environment and Energy Commission and writes an amazing substack called “The Suburban Wilderness”.
Emily Neumann
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Born into a family of farmers and builders, Emily has always loved to grow and make things. A self-described arts and nature geek, Emily holds dual degrees in theater and sustainability which folds nicely into her vision for EcoWilde–gorgeous floral drama with a green lens. She saw so much waste in the event industry and so many opportunities to be a little gentler with our planet and to people too (Emily is a BIG fan of paying a living wage and providing worker protections). She stops to smell the roses on her off time by loving up on her super sweet furry daughters (two cats pals and one pup), walking in the woods with her buddies, and searching for her next donut.
Pawlie
BESTEST GIRL IN THE WORLD
In-house professional snuggler and world champion feather hunter, Pawlie, joined Ecowilde at the tender age of 8 weeks (birthday November 22, 2022— Sagittarius kitty!) This former barn cat turned design meeting supervisor, makes sure that every event goes purrfectly!