Cy Maramangalam 2015 Health Leader Cy Maramangalam is co-founder of Cedar and Sage Gourmet Coffee Service and associate director of operations for Cradles to Crayons. Cy Maramangalam’s love of the outdoors led him to the job he held in 2015. At the time, he ran Cadence Youth Cycling, a Philadelphia youth program that helps build youth into leaders through the sport of bicycling. He’s changed jobs since then, but he’s still focused on the environment. First, he worked for Tesla. Tesla makes electric cars, but Mr. Maramangalam worked as regional channel manager in its solar energy division. Solar energy is clean and “sustainable,” says Mr. Maramangalam. That means it’s not going to run out, as oil or other energy sources could. Doing work that benefits the environment is very important to Mr. Maramangalam. “My passion is doing something for the planet, and being able to do that with my work is a good feeling,” he says. When a layoff ended his job at Tesla, he and his wife, Jessica, decided to start a business. 29 They wanted to build something together that does good in the world and allows time and flexibility to be present for their two young sons. They chose to start Cedar and Sage Gourmet Coffee Service, a company that provides Italian coffee machines and gourmet coffee to workplaces and tries to help protect the environment. “Our goal is to be 100 percent waste-free,” Mr. Maramangalam explains. “Everything that goes into the machine will not go into a landfill. What doesn’t go into your belly will go into a compost bin or recycling bin.” He continues to be involved in the commu- nity as well, and works as associate director of operations for Cradles to Crayons, which provides essentials for daily living to children in need. Mr. Maramangalam says kids can get involved in protecting the environment. “Youth are the most under-resourced but most powerful voice in America,” he says. “Don’t be afraid of your size, don’t be afraid of using your voice. When you use your voice for good, people listen.” —By Healthy News staff La Salle Academy