Blake Rupe is a passionate conservationist turned entrepreneur and the Founder of Re-APP, Inc.  Blake’s journey into the startup world began during the summer of 2013 when she was conducting research on the marine debris situation in Veracruz, Mexico for her Master’s degree.  After her experiences working with the devastation and frustration of garbage in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, Blake became passionate about solving this major leak in the waste materials system.  While completing her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa, Blake founded Re-APP with the goal of increasing recycling rates among the average American.  Blake is currently working on the newest version of the application, Sift, with her team.  When not working, Blake can be found exploring state parks, eating ice cream, or traveling around the Midwest.