Living in a coastal town (Kennebunk/Kennebunkport), sea level rise and associated impacts became more and more prevalent as I grew up. In high school, I took a Gulf of Maine Field Studies Class where I learned about New England ecosystems, community organization efforts/projects, climate science, as well as the importance of individual and collective sustainable actions. This class, the field work, and community workshops I facilitated, grew an exponential passion in my life for environmental and sustainability work. I began seeing what small decisions/changes I could make in my own lifestyle, before eventually working my way up to state level efforts towards how we, as a state and region, can prioritize sustainability in our materials management, community interactions, and energy efficiency.

Every little choice matters and counts! The decisions we make do have impacts, especially collectively, and going green doesn't necessitate perfection. There are increasingly more affordable and realistic opportunities to engage in a sustainable lifestyle, from subsidized/incentivized heat pumps and solar, to local coffee shops offering a discount for bringing in your own mug! Don't be scared to ask questions, put in a little extra work/time, and share your experience with others. In my experience, intergenerational and diverse engagement opportunities is the best path forwards to longterm change - living sustainably is also about investing in your relationship with the community and building psychological resilience to climate impacts. There is always going to be fatigue and anxiety, but there is also so much to be hopeful for, and by "going green" you can be the motivation for somebody else close to you to do the same!

I prioritize sustainability because it's essential for the long-term health of our planet and future generations. The interconnectedness of our environment, economy, and society means that sustainable practices benefit everyone by preserving natural resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a balanced and equitable world. Emphasizing sustainability aligns with the broader goal of ensuring a thriving future for all.

Going green is about doing our part for the planet. It's fulfilling to know that my actions contribute to a healthier world for future generations. Ultimately, the journey to sustainability is personal, but it's also something that can bring a community together. Sharing experiences, successes, and even challenges can help everyone progress toward a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

Practicing sustainability in my personal life has always been important to me, and I wanted to work in a field that can drive impact at a faster and wider scale than individual choices can.

Passion for the mission and a willingness to learn can help with breaking into a new industry.

I realized during grade school that climate change would be the defining challenge for my generation to overcome. That expectation has become truer than I could have imagined. If tackled right, it is also the greatest opportunity of this century.

Our decisions as individuals are too small, alone, to matter. But our decisions as individuals are consequential. How can that be? It starts with how we vote, which sways elections. Then, the choices we make in other ways reverberate across our communities, in how we talk, the signals we send, the norms we embrace. That is how individual actions can add up to transformative change.

I have been passionate about energy and the environment since high school, when I started a recycling club. My parents instilled that value in me. I also believe in a religious basis for taking care of the earth and using resources wisely.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Network as much as you can. Take advantage of as many learning opportunities as possible. Show your passion proudly!

For me on a personal level, I have decided the best climate impact I can have is through accountability and transparency by assisting in the emissions reporting process to improve accuracy. Then it is a question of where to direct that energy and which industry. Through a lot of research it became clear to me that while companies are very good at measuring their direct emissions, when it comes to the supply chain there is a huge lack of visibility. The supply chain accounts for 90% of organization emissions and within that trucking is the largest sector, making this industry the largest target for emissions reporting and reduction. My goal is to take a bottom-up approach to emissions reporting starting with the largest source of emissions (upstream and downstream trucking), by equipping fleets with the proper technology to accurately measure their emissions.

Pick a problem bigger than you to solve. When the problem feels impossible then you will always have a reason to keep going, keep innovating, and keep magnifying your impact.

My passion for sustainable energy and the impact it can have on our future drove me to pursue this field. The potential to innovate in energy conversion and battery technology, especially in developing recycling methods, inspired me to focus on this area during my academic journey. This passion ultimately led me to establish Princeton NuEnergy, where I aim to bring cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges.

Stay curious and persistent, continually expanding your knowledge and skills. Focus on solving real-world problems, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.

During college, I wanted to do something that I could be proud of, no matter who I was around. I wanted to do something that was cool, creative, bold and that would be helpful to people/the world, while still being very unique.

Start small and connect with people who want to do what you want to do, who you can look at and laugh with, even when things go wrong.

I decided to prioritize sustainability because I believe it is crucial for creating a healthier, more resilient future for both our communities and the environment. Embracing sustainable practices, community solar aligns with my commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting long-term energy efficiency.

I’d encourage my neighbors to start incorporating sustainable practices into their daily lives. Begin with small changes like using energy-efficient light bulbs or reducing water waste. Explore renewable energy options such as solar panels and consider investing in energy-efficient appliances or electric vehicles

I am convinced that transitioning to renewable energy can provide meaningful employment to many, energize economic prosperity, and be the agent to save our planet. People, profit, planet.

Find mentors and team members who share your vision and don't be afraid to fail.

Growing up in Honduras, Central America, I witnessed the rapid destruction of the natural resources supporting some of the country’s main activities: coffee, tobacco, bananas, lime for construction (calcium oxide), and precious hardwood. During my college years there, I conducted the design and testing of solar energy drying systems for coffee, with the potential to reduce deforestation caused by the use of wood in large dryers. While pursuing my graduate degree in energy engineering, with a focus on renewable energy at UMASS Lowell, I, along with two partners, founded a nonprofit organization to support small coffee growers in Latin America. This initiative aimed to have them enjoy the value added from further processing their products, participate more equitably in the coffee market, and reduce the environmental impact of their operations, including water effluents. Despite the high export value of many of these activities, growers and producers often bear the brunt of market risks and become indebted to fund their operations. It was then that I realized the importance of striving for a circular economy—one that provides a decent standard of living and preserves our environmental assets.

Be persistent, kind, and open minded; don't take 'no' for an answer, question everything.

When I had kids, my career kind of hit the breaks—I no longer seemed to be considered a fit for more traditional roles. And frankly, I didn’t want to fit those roles anymore. So I decided I needed to demonstrate for my 3 daughters that we women can create our own roles and our own goals. I also decided that I wanted to apply my skills to promoting more equitable and sustainable development for vulnerable people through technology innovation. Being Middle Eastern, I felt the best way to have cross cutting impact was to focus on water sustainability—water underpins every aspect of how people and the planet survive and thrive.

Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you!

I got exposed to the perils of fossil fuel systems growing up as a kid with my family in a one bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. We didn't have a heating system that worked in our apartment building. So when it got really cold in the winter and my parents would work nights, they would tell me to light a match, turn on the gas oven and open up the oven door to heat the apartment. But I also couldn’t forget to open up a window, because while heat was going to come into the apartment, so was carbon monoxide, which could cause us to suffocate. And millions of Americans across the country heat their buildings this way in the winter and worse. But it's not just low income buildings that are dangerous due to fossil fuel infrastructure. It turns out that the ovens and furnaces and other fossil fuel equipment that MOST of us have in our homes leak benzene, methane and nitrogen dioxide — even when they’re turned off. As a parent, the thought of our children breathing in methane and benzene while they sleep is terrifying. It turns out that gas stoves and furnaces are like lead paint, or cigarette smoke — things that we once thought were totally fine, but scientific research has discovered to be extremely dangerous. By electrifying our homes and community buildings we can solve two problems at once: we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions AND improve the health of our families.

In my opinion, building a startup should stem from a profound, internal motivation to solve a problem. Entrepreneurship isn't just about numbers; it requires a deep-seated passion. As climate entrepreneurs, we're eager to support anyone who shares our commitment to tackling climate issues because their success is our success in saving the planet for future generations.I often meet people thinking about creating a climate solutions startup but wonder if they should get experience working in a large, multi-national company first. What I know is the learning curve of running a startup far surpasses that of formal business education. While having experienced advisors with business training is helpful, the real value lies in the hands-on experience of solving problems in real-time. So, while formal education and experience shouldn't be a deterrent from starting a business, it's crucial to question whether you're genuinely fired up enough about the problem you want to solve to take the leap. It's a tough question that requires some introspection

My chosen field has resulted from the progression of my professional career growth. Originally, I started out working as an engineer in building automation systems, and from that turned my focus towards energy efficiency and energy optimization. Currently, my focus is on renewable energy and energy harvesting systems, and sustainable solutions. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and to this day continue to grow and expand my chosen field.

Trust your instincts and when you start to doubt yourself stop that thought. If you have a dream or goal follow it and find the people or organizations like Cleantech Open and NECEC who will support you in getting there. If you stumble (and you will) pick yourself up and move forward. As Henry Ford once said over a Century ago “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal”.

I think it is important to not just talk the talk, but to walk the walk when it comes to sustainability. That’s why in addition to dedicating my career to advancing sustainability, I’ve also taken steps to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle including driving an electric vehicle, hosting a honeybee hive at my home, and having an extensive garden of native pollinator plants. In addition, I profoundly understand the value of sustainability education. That is one of many reasons that I’ve served as adjunct professor of sustainability strategy and entrepreneurship in the Sustainability and Environmental Management Program at the Harvard University Extension School. Before this, I was on staff at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a postdoctoral researcher before spending five years as the Executive Director of the Earth System Initiative. Finally, I recently agreed to serve as the Chair of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Energy, Environment & Sustainability (EES) Committee, and I am proud to have served as the chair of the Conservation Committee for 20 years in my hometown of Natick, MA.

My simple advice is don’t wait to go green or to embrace sustainability – future generations are counting on us, and it is also a path for future success. I’m living proof that you can build a successful career in this field – over the past 20+ years in ESG consulting, I have been blessed to work in a field that resonates with my values regarding how humans, organizations, and the planet can (and must!) coexist harmoniously. We can do this, but it will take significant work, and we will need everyone on board – especially the next generation. I’m particularly proud to have had the opportunity to work with and mentor so many young people as they start their careers in the sustainability field. To see them succeed, learn new skills, and grow within our organization – or at times move onto new roles where they can further grow – continues to serve as a great source of inspiration and motivation.

I was drawn to mechanical engineering because of its broad applicability to solving the big challenges facing our people and planet. Born and raised in rural Wisconsin, I learned about the power, beauty, but also fragility of nature. Pursuing Mechanical Engineering was my chance to use my passion for STEM to become a steward for the environment.

I invested a lot of time early in my career journey to intentionally define my values and to understand my motivation for why I wanted to pursue the cleantech path. Regardless of the journey I took, taking the time to be unwaveringly honest with myself and to reflect on my choices allowed me to shape my daily actions so they would be aligned with what I truly cared about: positive impact for people and the planet. We all have to wrestle with questions that don’t have a ‘right’ or ‘popular’ answer, but when I look to understand my personal truths first I find the confidence to make even the toughest decisions seem clear. Mediation, therapy, peer support groups, mentor networks, etc. have supported me and given me amazing new perspectives and I constantly look for new resources and tools to try!

I am all-in to support development of energy systems which will provide for our energy needs while serving people, planet, and profit. From extended periods living in South America and the Caribbean, I have experienced the impact on people’s lives, economic development, and the environment absent reliable, accessible, and sustainable energy systems.

Surround yourself with really bright people and remain laser-focused on your project, with eyes wide-open tracking the surrounding markets. Listen deeply, and take time to reflect, so that you may support a team in accomplishing meaningful work.

I believe strongly in sustainability, both from the urgency of combating climate change, and also from the perspective that it's a more efficient and responsible use of our resources. In my professional life, our work at Uplight helps connect people and their smart and sustainable devices more strongly with their utility energy use. All of the rooftop solar, community solar, electric heat pumps, EVs, batteries and more that we're all installing can be cheaper, smarter and even make money and help the grid work better by connecting them with your local utility programs. In my personal life, we replaced our oil furnace with an electric heat pump when our AC unit died—with great rebates from MassSave through Eversource and the Eversource Demand Response program. Our plug-in hybrid only rarely needs to go to the gas station; and while our home has too many trees nearby for solar, our town offers clean energy aggregation program, where we can have our regular power supplied through clean sources.

It's getting easier and cheaper than it's ever been, and a better investment. Between prices of clean energy and devices going down, utility programs that pay you and your devices to assist the grid, and the actual savings, it's a no-brainer in addition to being a net positive to the community and the world. My one piece of advice: When you get a new sustainable home device (EV, smart thermostat, solar, battery), connect it to your utility with a demand program. It's free money that keeps you comfortable, reduces cost to you during peak grid times, pays you, and helps the grid keep running well at a lower cost to everyone. Total common sense, but often flies under the radar.

I recently heard a New York City deputy mayor refer to transportation as “quicksand,” a feature of all cities so invisibly but deeply impactful to quality of life that it’s nearly impossible to not get sucked in as a public servant. I chose a career in planning in general to effectuate progressive and sustainable policies, but, like many women, I sort of fell into the transportation quicksand; in my case, this happened by opportunity upon taking my first job after graduate school at DOT. I haven’t looked back.In my current role, developing specific, balanced solutions that work for each market we enter is a rewarding challenge. We know that motor vehicles account for approximately 80% of CO2 emissions in America, an already untenable statistic that turns unthinkable in places where people are solely reliant on gas-burning cars for even simple errands. But every place is different in their specific needs. Along with EV charging, many are also looking to re-allocate uses at the curb, for instance, choosing things like dedicated bus and bike lanes in lieu of private car storage. As a company, we bear in mind that there’s always a bigger picture that we’re part of and positively changing, which makes this work very fulfilling.

Find and stick to people who are curious about and open to new perspectives, and who aren’t deterred by temporary setbacks. Be patient. There’s so much work left to do to combat the effects of climate change, and so much to learn. There’s also so much good momentum to build on, and every contribution matters.

As a child I wanted to be a medical doctor. When I uncovered water quality issues in my local river, I realized I wanted to do something to solve the pollution problem. When I discovered the widespread prevalence and toxicity of PFAS "forever chemicals", I decided to dedicate my life to solving human health issues and spun out Aclarity, whose mission is to manage and permanently "destroying PFAS forever."

Entrepreneurship is hard. Build a network of people who have been in your shoes so they can coach you through it and cheer you on. Build your team with people who are better than you and who are passionate in your company's mission. Be honest with yourself, your team, your stakeholders, customers, and friends. Hold yourself and your team accountable. Build a protoytpe as fast as you can and test it with real customers at real sites. Fail fast, pivot, and celebrate success. Enjoy the ride!

I decided to prioritize sustainability because I believe in the importance of protecting our planet while I can for future generations. Driving an electric car is one way, I reduce my carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. Additionally, if I am given the choice to go paperless, which helps to conserve resources and reduce waste, I opt in. Working at Citizens Energy Corp, a corporation that not only provide clean energy from solar power but also gives back to the community, aligns with my values. It is fulfilling to be part of an organization that empowers people to make eco-friendly choices while supporting the community well-being.

Being from the islands, I've witnessed firsthand how the impact of climate change such as hurricanes can devastate our communities. These experiences have reinforced the importance of sustainability and resilience. Going green is not just a choice but a necessity for protecting our environment and ensuring our communities are better prepared for the future.  I would encourage my neighbors to consider the long-term benefits of going green. My journey started with small steps, like going paperless and driving an electric car, which have helped reduce my environmental impact while making life simpler. Working at JOE-4-SUN, a company committed to providing clean energy though solar power, has deepened my commitment. It is not just about reducing waste or saving energy--- it's about contributing to a healthier, more resilient community. When we embrace sustainable practices, we help safeguard the small islands like my hometown against the increasing intensity of storms and other climate-related challenges. I suggest starting with manageable steps, like reducing paper usage or exploring renewable energy options. Every small action adds up, and together, we can make a significant difference. The satisfaction of knowing you are part of a movement towards a sustainable future is incredibly rewarding. Plus, the benefits, like saving money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint, are tangible and worthwhile.

I work for a company that prioritizes sustainability, so it fits perfectly with my personal goals.

If you are not part of an environmental organization that prioritizes sustainability, do all the little things that help protect the environment for years to come.

I decided in collaboration with my then-business partner, but the decision was completely in alignment with my values. I felt that if I wasn't going to be present for my children at home, I wanted to be able to look them in the eye and tell them that if I wasn't home for pick up (or other similar moments), it was because I was working to try to make the world a better place.

The clean energy transition needs everyone — literally every role, every skill set, every everything, so find the places where you can contribute and start contributing. You don't have to wait for an invitation or an opportunity. look for the gaps and fill them.

We believe it is important to prioritize sustainability to decrease the effects of climate change.

Even small changes can make a difference, it is hard to do the right thing especially when it comes to protecting the environment.

There are abundant resources in water sources. I did scientific research on ion separation during my PhD study. Lithium extraction as part of my PhD research has significant impact on future clean energy industry and electrification transition. So, commercialization of emerging technology is what I am pursing right now, and I believe green lithium extraction will make the lithium battery and EV industry more environmentally sustainable.

I really encourage researchers who hold technologies try to commercialize the research results. Engineering research has to be really applied instead of staying in the lab all the time. Looking for business partners or technical team would be so important in entrepreneurship journey.

For the first 13 years of my life, we lived in Kangemi, shanties in Nairobi, Kenya, I saw and experienced firsthand showering in a bathroom without a roof as well as full of holes on the side, though we moved up economically and left the neighborhood, I have never forgotten that image. I learned at an early age that disenfranchised people have less power to change the macro framework within which they exist. My belief that "Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right." (Psalm 106:3) moved me in the direction of housing and climate justice - working to help others access resources, have meaningful participation in stakeholder processes and economically benefit from climate and housing policy.

To be sensitive and responsive to the needs and ideas of/from the most vulnerable among us. To be authentic and honest, and to embrace dialogue, every person one meets is first human before their position, wealth, or lack of it.

When I was studying physics in college, I took two classes that were instrumental in setting me on a course for my career. The first was an elective focused on the physics, engineering, and economics of energy sources with a particular focus on clean energy for the future. The second was a class in the business school about tech startups and innovation, through which I was able to visit a number of companies from startups to big tech firms. From there, I knew I wanted to work at the intersection of energy, technology, and business.

Be curious and open to new opportunities. Build on your own knowledge by learning from others as much as you can and you'll bring a unique perspective to every role.

I initially envisioned myself as an engineer specializing in prosthetic devices throughout my college years. However, after my internship with ACT in the summer of 2023, my perspective shifted. While I still plan to pursue prosthetics in the future, I’ve developed a strong interest in the clean energy industry. During my internship, I had the opportunity to engage with professionals in the field and learn about the impactful work they're doing to make a difference in the world. I want to be part of something that contributes to a sustainable future, and I believe renewable energy holds the key to that goal.

I encourage people to connect with professionals in the industry whenever possible. Learning from those with experience in clean energy has been invaluable for my journey. Additionally, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and show genuine interest. Engaging with the field will help you gain insights and open doors to new possibilities.

Lowering my carbon footprint was always a concern of mine and happy to be apart of a program who helps the environment.

A little goes a long way, It doesn't cost to save the world. -Don't litter  -Limit plastic use - Turn off unused lights -unplug all devices even when not using them, plant a tree.

I grew up on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia, where the increasingly detrimental effects of industrial waste in my childhood home on air quality, soil type, and water quality substantially changed her day-to-day experiences over time. Over the years, the relentless pollution caused corals to endlessly wash up on shore while severely harming human health. My mother and sibling developed location-specific asthma symptoms that have since improved upon their relocation. As these consequences affected my family’s, friends’, and communities’ day-to-day lives, I set out to reverse the damage done to human health and the environment. My exploration of avenues to mitigate these effects has led to my current path of climate entrepreneurship, where we are efficiently targeting these challenges.

It can be scary to make the leap, especially as a first-time founder. The way I approach it, as with any challenge, is to break the journey down into steps and to bring an openness to learning. The climate innovation space is incredibly diverse, with many voices that offer unique perspectives, and we will need each of them to solve the climate crisis.

I have always been interested in communications and public policy, which taught me the impact that the local policy environment can have on the success of any business plan. Community consensus drives change, so learning how to influence public opinion and work with stakeholders is crucial.I formed my first firm with the goal of developing public consensus to support a business issue or a campaign initiative. Community engagement and education is critical to encouraging consumers, residents, decision-makers, and elected officials to support your position or project. It’s about not only having a solid business plan but also being able to effectively communicate its value to stakeholders.In the realm of renewable energy, for instance, demonstrating the environmental benefits, job creation potential, and economic advantages can help sway public opinion and garner support from local policymakers.

We exist in a world where we are inundated with information 24/7. Understanding how public opinion can affect your business or cause is critical to success. So my advice is to volunteer in campaigns, on behalf of non-profits, and within neighborhood associations – where you can learn how public perceptions are formed and changed, and what issues your specific community cares about most. Being actively engaged in social media and staying in tune with current trends is also essential for understanding and influencing public opinion.

I hope to reduce the negative effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future.

Be persistent, and keep working hard at your goals and mission and you will succeed.

Because the negative social and environmental impacts of 8 billion people burning fossil fuels in earth's closed atmosphere seemed like both an existential challenge and generational opportunity. I'm in the clean energy industry to help create the better future we know is possible for ourselves and generations to come through decarbonization, electrification, diversity, equity and justice.

Get heavily involved with the NECEC, Greentown Labs, SEBANE and the other industry-related nonprofits that are doing excellent work throughout New England to advance the clean energy transition. Attend networking events, volunteer your time and consider clean energy certification programs like those offered by www.nabcep.org (North American Board of Certified Energy Practioners). "Walk the talk" by decarbonizing your lifestyle, and get involved with environmental nonprofits like Conservation Law Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club and the smaller local land trusts and community-based nonprofits that are creating positive change at the local level where you live and work. In a nutshell, do everything in your power to demonstrably help reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon pollution so that you have the most authentic credibility possible regarding the urgent need for a societal transition to renewable energy combined with storage and hyper-efficient electric technology.

To be part of something greater than numbers on a spreadsheet.

Build a sustainable future for the ones that come after us.

I've always been globally minded, and I see global warming as a universal challenge that everyone on this planet must face together. Supply chain emissions, in particular, present a complex systems problem that necessitates collaboration across various sectors to develop and implement sustainable solutions. By prioritizing sustainability initiatives in supply chains, we can achieve positive outcomes for communities, including economic benefits, improved health, and enhanced safety. My work in sustainability, no matter where the intervention occurs, contributes to creating a better future for everyone worldwide.

Everyone has a unique talent or skill—something they excel at. The first step is to identify what your "superpower" is. The next step is to find a way to combine that superpower with your passion for sustainability. By leveraging your strengths and interests, you can make a meaningful impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.

I chose my field because of my experience in the military and understanding first-hand how difficult of a challenge it is to produce clean energy sustainably.

Entrepreneurship isn't linear, build a team, respect and trust their advice, and together, you will go far. Sometimes you will have the right answer at the wrong time the challenge is figuring out when the time is right to implement your solution.

To address the climate crisis, we need sweeping policy change, corporate accountability, and technological innovation. But we also need collective changes to use our resources differently. Household spending influences 65% of global emissions. Commons helps people tap into the power of their spending choices to demand a greener economy.

Trust your instincts, and focus on solving problems that keep you up at night. If you can't stop thinking about it, you're probably onto something. Remember: no one can do exactly what you can do. You bring a unique perspective to the table.

My decision to pursue a career in climate innovation stems from a deep-seated commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change. During my time at MIT and through my engineering work at organizations like the Department of Energy and ExxonMobil, I witnessed firsthand the immense impact that innovative technologies can have on creating a sustainable future. The realization that we can drive meaningful change through the commercialization of deeptech solutions inspired me to co-found Active Surfaces and dedicate myself to advancing renewable energy technologies.

For those aspiring to lead in the climate tech space, my advice is to cultivate a strong foundation in both technical knowledge and business acumen. Understanding the science behind the solutions you’re advocating for is crucial; it allows you to speak with authority and make informed decisions. However, the ability to navigate the complexities of commercialization, fundraising, and team-building is just as vital. These skills ensure that your innovations can move from concept to market impact. Continuously seek out new knowledge, whether it’s in emerging technologies or the nuances of scaling a business. Surround yourself with mentors, stay adaptable, and never stop refining your skills—each step forward brings you closer to making a real difference. Keep learning, because in this rapidly evolving field, your growth is key to driving meaningful change.

I was motivated to go back and study sustainable design at the Boston Architectural College after facing a number of environmental health issues with my 2 year old (he's now 19!) and embracing a lot of sustainability changes at home. In my class for high-performance buildings, I got the idea for WeSpire - essentially a LEED system for people delivered via an app.

Sustainability is the trifecta of impact. Living and working more sustainably is better for people, planet AND profit. I love seeing how viewing the world through a sustainability lens unlocks extraordinary innovation.

For the past 15 years, I've been focused on supporting the energy transition through entrepreneurial, investing, advisory and board activities. Prior to that I spent two decades in the software industry starting and exiting 2 companies. The key drivers that led me to focus on the energy transition - 1) applying my software background to make an impact in solving the climate crisis 2) the market opportunity in the energy transition and 3) being an inspiration and role model for my three children in pursuing a career with a positive impact

Be curious, ask a lot of questions and always be self aware. My entrepreneurial journey was driven by the desire to solve real problems and surround myself with people I want to work with. Find what drives you and work with people with similar passion and complementary skills to develop your idea - there is a massive opportunity in solving the climate crisis.

While learning about product design in school, I found myself fascinated by our society’s relationship with waste. I was disappointed to learn about the limited viability of recycling, and disappointed to see how our mainstream products are still being created without regard for responsible sourcing, material production impacts, and end of life. This interest continued throughout my career, particularly focusing on the way design can change our behaviors and normalize more responsible actions. Over the years, this curiosity expanded to include a deeper understanding of our waste systems, food systems, and how stakeholders can work together as an ecosystem to solve big, challenging issues facing our planet. I began learning about soil health and how we can draw down and sequester carbon in our soils when we support them properly, and all the pieces clicked together. When my cofounder and I relocated to Los Angeles in 2016, we saw a clear need for accessible and affordable options for composting. Using our combined skills to create a design-forward, user centered composting service felt like a no-brainer. Since then, we’ve served a multitude of residents, businesses, and events of all sizes. We’ve led a staff of five, composted for marathons, and relocated our business to Rhode Island in order to more effectively pursue our vision of creating the tools to empower our industry to grow.I love being able to see my passions come to life in a way that actively engages and serves my community. My work allows me to marry my backgrounds in product design, systems thinking, experience design, community engagement, and sustainability, and apply them to an issue area that connects many of my interests while solving a very low-hanging fruit solution to greenhouse gas emissions and extractive, unsustainable agriculture. I feel privileged every day to get to work with my community, to get my hands dirty (literally) with the process of composting, and to also help to drive change at a national level and validate the role of this work as a critical climate solution.

Find what you love and be ready to fight for it. That being said, be kind to yourself, and find a community of support. Entrepreneurship is just plain hard - entrepreneurs often feel like they’re crazy, especially when the people around them can’t understand their experience. Not everyone’s input will be helpful, and you’ll need to get comfortable trusting yourself and your vision. Find others who have been through the journey - advisors, peers, allies - and lean on them when you’re tired, stuck, or feeling like quitting. While your passion and business is unique to you, the experience of crafting something yourself is a fairly shared experience amongst other makers and starters. Building your own business requires immense amounts of courage, versatility, and tenacity - make a point early on of finding folks who help you restock your mental supplies when times get tough, and continue challenging you even after a big win.

My passion for sustainability was encouraged by my high school physics and biology teachers, who showed me that you could create electricity with an algae-powered fuel cell.  My first job in engineering brought me to NYC.  I would walk home from work and see hundreds of air conditioners hanging out of apartment windows.  I've always thought that there must be a way to design a better air conditioner, one that is more efficient, lighter, and easier to install.

We all live in aging home and buildings.  As these systems reach their end of life, it's imperative that we electrify them and eliminate fossil fuels.  Buy a heat pump instead of an air conditioner, or an induction range instead of a gas stove.  It's now easier and cheaper to go green than to continue burning fossil fuels.  Do it to save money, to save the environment, and for your family's health!

With a background in finance and social entrepreneurship, I was determined to

Look for opportunity - increase your surface area of exposure to new ideas and people who are working on hard problems. Once you find that challenge/opportunity you can't stop thinking about, go all-in! Starting a business is a 10yr or more commitment so enter with that in mind!

Climate change is currently the greatest threat to human kind. If we do not all act together to create carbon free solutions for a global society, human kind will not survive. I believe we can collaboratively alter this course and am committed to contributing my part to make net zero a reality for the planet.

Every small decision counts - as an individual or as a leader in an organization of any size. With any incremental decision always try to think of a solution with a lower carbon impact than your current habit - and, if somehow possible, act on it.