Suzanne Wood is the Senior Director of Sustainability at UMass Chan Medical School, where she leads the Office of Sustainability and advances the institution's environmental stewardship, climate action, and resilience strategies. She oversees campus-wide initiatives that integrate resource conservation, decarbonization, environmental justice, and community engagement into campus planning and operations. Suzanne has played a key role in shaping the institution's sustainability vision, developing strategies that align environmental responsibility with organizational priorities and long-term resilience. Through collaboration across the campus community, she works to drive meaningful environmental impact, foster innovation, and embed sustainability into the culture and decision-making processes of the institution.

Suzanne Wood is the Senior Director of Sustainability at UMass Chan Medical School, where she leads the Office of Sustainability and advances the institution's environmental stewardship, climate action, and resilience strategies. She oversees campus-... Show more

Powers is the Director of Clarkson's ISE, which is an interdisciplinary education, service and research unit. Her teaching nd research integrate campus sustainability projects and lifecycle assessment.

Powers is the Director of Clarkson's ISE, which is an interdisciplinary education, service and research unit. Her teaching nd research integrate campus sustainability projects and lifecycle assessment. Show more

I am a fresh graduate from MSc in Automation and Control Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in Italy. currently working as an Automation Engineer in energy sector, namely for renewable technologies.

I am a fresh graduate from MSc in Automation and Control Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in Italy. currently working as an Automation Engineer in energy sector, namely for renewable technologies. Show more

Professor of Environmental Studies and former Chief Sustainability Officer at Binghamton University, Pam Mischen also runs an organic vegetable and poultry farm in central Vermont. As founder of the Climate Change Quilt Project, she is preparing for her transition from professor to climate change activist.

Professor of Environmental Studies and former Chief Sustainability Officer at Binghamton University, Pam Mischen also runs an organic vegetable and poultry farm in central Vermont. As founder of the Climate Change Quilt Project, she is preparing for ... Show more

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at Georgia State University in Spring 2025. During my time as a student at Georgia State, I joined the Office of Sustainability Initiatives as one of their social media and marketing interns. After graduating, I had the opportunity to continue my work part-time as the office's engagement coordinator. After a year of working part-time, I was able to transition into a full-time position as the Sustainability Coordinator.

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at Georgia State University in Spring 2025. During my time as a student at Georgia State, I joined the Office of Sustainability Initiatives as one of their social media and marketing interns. After g... Show more

Dr. Deepak Sharma is an academic, researcher, public policy practitioner, and social development advocate currently serving as Assistant Professor of Public Administration at the CDOE, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. With over a decade of experience in higher education, research, governance, and community engagement, he has established himself as an interdisciplinary scholar.Beyond his academic responsibilities, Dr. Deepak Sharma has demonstrated an enduring commitment to public service, community engagement, and policy advocacy. His work extends beyond the classroom through initiatives that promote participatory governance, public awareness, sustainable development, and evidence-based approaches to human–animal coexistence. He has actively contributed to animal welfare and community development by volunteering and outreach, where he participated in rescue and rehabilitation activities, resource mobilization, fundraising, community outreach, and awareness campaigns. Committed to capacity building, He has also delivered several invited lectures and served as a resource person at national workshops and training programmes on animal welfare, community engagement, and related legal and policy issues.

Dr. Deepak Sharma is an academic, researcher, public policy practitioner, and social development advocate currently serving as Assistant Professor of Public Administration at the CDOE, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. With over a decade of experi... Show more

Drew Cutright is the Director of Sustainability Engagement for Georgia Tech’s Office of Sustainability, managing outreach, office communications, reporting, and programs such as GT’s Sustainable Lab Certification and TRUE Zero Waste precertification. She has also served as a Program Manager for Georgia Tech’s Living Building, the Kendeda Building, and a Managing Strategy Consultant at Georgia Tech. Prior to working in higher education, Drew held roles in city government, green building certification, and K-12 environmental education. She holds a Bachelor in English Language and Literature, a Master of Environmental Planning and Design, and a Master of Business Administration and is a certified Project Management Professional and LEED AP BC+C.

Drew Cutright is the Director of Sustainability Engagement for Georgia Tech’s Office of Sustainability, managing outreach, office communications, reporting, and programs such as GT’s Sustainable Lab Certification and TRUE Zero Waste precertification.... Show more

Tom Kalla, Senior Manager, Sustainability with The Resource Group, is responsible for growing the sustainable procurement program within Ascension. This role ensures supply chain and supplier alignment in the user-directed strategic sourcing process, while also integrating contractual requirements regarding sustainable procurement and ethical sourcing. Tom has been with The Resource Group for eight years.

Tom Kalla, Senior Manager, Sustainability with The Resource Group, is responsible for growing the sustainable procurement program within Ascension. This role ensures supply chain and supplier alignment in the user-directed strategic sourcing process... Show more

Sawani Goonatilleke currently serves as the Assistant Director of Sustainability at the University of California, Merced, where she supports campus-wide efforts to advance climate action, operational sustainability, and student-centered environmental leadership. Her work is driven by the belief that universities are living laboratories places where sustainability is not only planned, but practiced, measured, and experienced every day.She brings a strong background in sustainability strategy, green building, and project management across higher education, real estate, and consulting.

Previously, she managed LEED and GreenPoint Rated projects for affordable housing developments across California and supported corporate and institutional clients in developing and implementing sustainability strategies. Her experience includes ESG benchmarking, climate resiliency assessments, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex sustainability goals into actionable plans.She holds an MBA in Management and a B.S. in Sustainability Studies from the University of California, Riverside, and is a LEED Green Associate, Certified Green Building Professional, and Fitwel Ambassador.

She is passionate about equity-centered sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and mentoring the next generation of climate leaders. She thrives at the intersection of strategy, implementation, and collaboration working to ensure sustainability initiatives create real, lasting impact.

Sawani Goonatilleke currently serves as the Assistant Director of Sustainability at the University of California, Merced, where she supports campus-wide efforts to advance climate action, operational sustainability, and student-centered environmental... Show more

Dana Milstein Santoscoy, PhD, ACC is the Assistant Director of AI at Rice University and Associate Professor in the Writing Program at the University of Southern California. Her work focuses on ethical AI stewardship in higher education, bioethics and health humanities, with particular attention to the environmental cost of AI use and the wellness dimensions — eco-anxiety, allostatic load, brain capital — that environmental practice opens up. She is the builder of the AI Impact Tracker, a free, peer-reviewed-coefficient-grounded personal-use tool that estimates the energy, water, and carbon cost of AI use and supports reflective rather than reflexive practice. She holds a PhD in literature and is an ICF Associate Certified Coach with emphases in trauma and burnout. She is committed to flourishing and creating a kinder world.

Dana Milstein Santoscoy, PhD, ACC is the Assistant Director of AI at Rice University and Associate Professor in the Writing Program at the University of Southern California. Her work focuses on ethical AI stewardship in higher education, bioethics an... Show more

Nick Goodfellow is the Sustainability Manager for the Office of Business, Hospitality & Auxiliary Services (BHAS) at the University of Pittsburgh, where he leads sustainability planning and implementation across Dining, Housing, Fleet, Mobility, Logistics, Surplus, Retail, and Hospitality - including development of the division’s first five-year sustainability implementation plan. He serves on the Steering Committee of the Chancellor's Advisory Council on Sustainability, the Active Mobility Committee, and chairs the BHAS Sustainability Committee. Before moving into his current role, Nick spent three years as Sustainability Coordinator for Pitt Dining by Sodexo, expanding local and sustainable sourcing, plant-forward dining, reuse, food recovery, and food waste diversion programs. He holds a BA in Communications and Urban Studies and a Master of Public Policy & Management, both from the University of Pittsburgh, along with LEED Green Associate, League Cycling Instructor, and TRUE Advisor credentials. Before his career in campus sustainability, he spent five years managing music tours across the U.S. and Europe – an experience that, it turns out, was excellent preparation for herding operational departments towards a common goal.

Nick Goodfellow is the Sustainability Manager for the Office of Business, Hospitality & Auxiliary Services (BHAS) at the University of Pittsburgh, where he leads sustainability planning and implementation across Dining, Housing, Fleet, Mobility, Logi... Show more

Traci N. James fosters community resilience and sustainability as the assistant director of the Center for Neighborhood Resilience. Her work advances food and environmental justice through initiatives such as the Govans Community Fridge & Pantry, as well as organizing cleaning and greening activities to enhance the local environment. By forging strategic community partnerships along the York Road corridor, Traci improves food access and security for residents. Her unique background, transitioning from an 11-year journalism career to earning master's degrees in divinity and education, equips her with a diverse skill set and a profound understanding of the intersection between community engagement and sustainable development.

Traci N. James fosters community resilience and sustainability as the assistant director of the Center for Neighborhood Resilience. Her work advances food and environmental justice through initiatives such as the Govans Community Fridge & Pantry, as ... Show more

Michael is the co-founder of Fable, a food company transforming humble mushrooms into extraordinary whole food, center of plate proteins — starting with pulled shiitake and shiitake-infused meat blends. Since launching, Fable has grown from a single retail product into a business spanning foodservice and retail partnerships across Australia, the UK, Europe and North America.

The idea for Fable took root while Michael was living on a 41-acre property, growing much of his own food and eating a minimally processed, whole-foods diet. That firsthand experience of what real, simple food could taste like made him want to bring the same quality and integrity to develop delicious, mainstream, whole food, mushroom based proteins.

2 years ago Michael moved from Australia to the US to lead the companies expansion into North America. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his two children.

Michael is the co-founder of Fable, a food company transforming humble mushrooms into extraordinary whole food, center of plate proteins — starting with pulled shiitake and shiitake-infused meat blends. Since launching, Fable has grown from a single ... Show more

Lana Crouse serves as Regional Director for the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Market Transformation & Development team, where she leads efforts to advance sustainability, health, resilience, and equity across the Atlantic region, including Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In this role, she oversees market development, cultivates strategic partnerships, and drives local engagement to accelerate the adoption of green building practices.

With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Lana brings a strong background in business development, event strategy, and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about building collaborative communities and advancing solutions that positively impact both people and the planet. Her work reflects a deep commitment to USGBC’s mission of transforming the built environment.

Lana holds a degree from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs and a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University.

Lana Crouse serves as Regional Director for the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Market Transformation & Development team, where she leads efforts to advance sustainability, health, resilience, and equity across the Atlantic region, including Wa... Show more

Alec Cooley has worked in the recycling field for over three decades, most recently as a senior advisor with the recycling and waste bin manufacturer, Busch Systems. He began his career managing recycling and waste reduction programs for Cal Poly Humboldt University in Northern California for a decade. Alec went on to work for the National Recycling Coalition as a program manager for three years before joining the national office of Keep America Beautiful as director of recycling programs in 2009. During his nine years at KAB, Alec oversaw behavior-related research initiatives, and served as the program manager for both CURC (College and University Recycling Coalition) and the RecycleMania competition (now Campus Race to Zero Waste). Since joining Busch Systems in 2018, Alec has advised the company on product design and produces a popular webinar series and other best practices content for professional recycling and waste reduction audiences.

Alec is a certified TRUE Advisor, and has previously served on the board of directors for the National Recycling Coalition, the Carolina Recycling Association and the California Resource Recovery Association. He lives near Charleston, South Carolina.

Alec Cooley has worked in the recycling field for over three decades, most recently as a senior advisor with the recycling and waste bin manufacturer, Busch Systems. He began his career managing recycling and waste reduction programs for Cal Poly Hum... Show more

Raquel Castro Madureira is an Invited Professor at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a researcher at GOVCOPP, working at the intersection of telecommunications, smart cities, sustainability, public policy, and digital transformation. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and has more than two decades of experience across academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and local government. A Senior Member of the Portuguese Engineers Association and an active IEEE volunteer, she serves as an IEEE Smart Cities Ambassador and contributes to initiatives related to AgeTech, entrepreneurship, and technology for societal impact. Her work focuses on how engineering and digital technologies can improve quality of life, strengthen public services, and reduce inequalities. This multidisciplinary perspective underpins her session on moving from Smart Cities to Wise Communities, where technology is designed and deployed to serve people, inclusion, resilience, and long-term societal value.

Raquel Castro Madureira is an Invited Professor at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a researcher at GOVCOPP, working at the intersection of telecommunications, smart cities, sustainability, public policy, and digital transformation. She holds ... Show more

Nico Rikken has a track record in maximizing the potential of Free and Open Source Software in the energy sector and in the Netherlands. As Open Source Ambassador at grid operator Alliander he helps make open source project participation successful and ensure control over the company software supply chain. As Country Coordinator for the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) he has successfully influenced policy to ensure the rights of open source software users and developers.

Nico Rikken has a track record in maximizing the potential of Free and Open Source Software in the energy sector and in the Netherlands. As Open Source Ambassador at grid operator Alliander he helps make open source project participation successful a... Show more

Dushyant is Executive Vice President heading the Global Engg. & IT for Cyanconnode. He brings 25+ Years’ experience in IT leadership roles in his past organisations like TCS, Cognizant, LTM. His focus area is enabling technology led transformation for organisations through technology pillars of Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, Data & AI.
As key member of Cyanconnode Exec Team, he is leading company's next gen product portfolio development in IoT communications, Edge Intelligence, Data & AI solutions. Cyanconnode's comprehensive technology portfolio enables the Energy and Utilities sector clients in their transformation journey for improved customer satisfaction, leaner operations and accelerated path to Net Zero. With over 5 million IoT endpoints across 8 countries globally, it is a leader in IoT solutions. Cyanconnode Pvt. Ltd. India, a subsidiary of the UK-based Cyanconnode Group that is listed in London Stock Exchange. It’s subsidiary DigiSmart is an AMISP and actively working with a key state Utility in Smart Meter rollout and transformation journey to being the Utility of the future.

Dushyant is Executive Vice President heading the Global Engg. & IT for Cyanconnode. He brings 25+ Years’ experience in IT leadership roles in his past organisations like TCS, Cognizant, LTM. His focus area is enabling technology led transformation fo... Show more

Lauren is a Sustainability Planning & Policy Specialist at the University of Washington, where she guides governance, facilitates working groups, and shapes long-term sustainability strategy with a focus on cross-campus alignment and community engagement. Lauren also supports DEI and leadership initiatives through the UW Facilities FAIR Coalition. She has prior experience in environmental policy, multi-stakeholder facilitation, and clean-energy and natural-resource program management, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Science, Policy & Management from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Outside of work, Lauren spends as much time as possible exploring the Pacific Northwest through hiking, climbing, and camping. When she is back in the city, she is often at a cozy coffee shop, cooking with her girlfriend, playing basketball, or dreaming up her next trip.

Lauren is a Sustainability Planning & Policy Specialist at the University of Washington, where she guides governance, facilitates working groups, and shapes long-term sustainability strategy with a focus on cross-campus alignment and community engage... Show more

Michelle Harrod is celebrating her 20th year in the Water industry, with a career spanning water quality and water distribution system management to wastewater inflow and infiltration assessment and mitigation. Michelle earned her B.S. degree in Computer Science from North Central College and since then has sought to leverage technology to improve the safety, security, and useful life of our precious water and wastewater assets.

Michelle Harrod is celebrating her 20th year in the Water industry, with a career spanning water quality and water distribution system management to wastewater inflow and infiltration assessment and mitigation. Michelle earned her B.S. degree in Comp... Show more

As an independent and committed product designer, I explore new design practices to put my knowledge at the service of a more desirable future for the environment, society and individuals.

As an independent and committed product designer, I explore new design practices to put my knowledge at the service of a more desirable future for the environment, society and individuals. Show more

Marina leads greenhouse gas emissions inventories, sustainability data analysis, and climate-related initiatives. She oversees UC Berkeley’s Business Air Travel Carbon Mitigation Program and works with campus partners to advance strategies for measuring and reducing institutional carbon emissions. Marina holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Babson College and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Sochi State University.

Marina leads greenhouse gas emissions inventories, sustainability data analysis, and climate-related initiatives. She oversees UC Berkeley’s Business Air Travel Carbon Mitigation Program and works with campus partners to advance strategies for measur... Show more

Odunayo Wuraola Akinlade is a product designer working at the intersection of technology, design, and data-driven innovation. She currently designs AI-powered tools at Aether Energy, a platform helping solar installers scale efficiently. With experience at several startups, she brings a strong focus on usability, accessibility, and human-centered solutions. Outside of work, she is a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, co-lead of WTM Ibadan, and co-organizer of Google Developer Groups Ibadan. Wuraola is deeply involved in mentoring and community initiatives that support diversity in tech and empower the next generation of builders. She holds a First-Class degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Ibadan.

Odunayo Wuraola Akinlade is a product designer working at the intersection of technology, design, and data-driven innovation. She currently designs AI-powered tools at Aether Energy, a platform helping solar installers scale efficiently. With experie... Show more

Dana Ripper is a wildlife ecologist who focuses on conservation through ecosystem health. She holds an MS from Arkansas State University and has worked on wildlife research projects across the United States and, once long ago, in Ontario. In 2010, Dana co-founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation through science, education, and advocacy. After more than 15 years in nonprofit leadership, Dana now works independently as an ecology-focused policy analyst and project coordinator. Her energies focus on building collaborative relationships to address the conservation connections between wildlife, environmental health, public policy, and community action. A main focus is reducing plastic pollution at its source via systemic change. Dana is a certified presenter with the Beyond Plastics Speakers Bureau.

Dana Ripper is a wildlife ecologist who focuses on conservation through ecosystem health. She holds an MS from Arkansas State University and has worked on wildlife research projects across the United States and, once long ago, in Ontario. In 2010, Da... Show more

Growing up in Muskoka on the unceded traditional territories of the Anishnabeg, Objibway and Chippewas, Autumn developed a deep love and appreciation for the natural world. From a young age, she knew she wanted to act as a voice for nature and positive change. After moving to Ottawa, they realized the urgent need to reimagine how urban and built environments can become a gateway to nature advocacy and protection, even within downtown cores.

Autumn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Biology from The University of Ottawa, where she was active in campus-wide animal rights and welfare organizing and a Master's Degree from Trent University in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment. Autumn also volunteers with Safe Wings Ottawa monitoring for bird-window collisions and triaging cases for their Emergency Avian Hotline. Autumn is currently the lead Organizer for Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City Certification Program and World Migratory Bird Day.

Growing up in Muskoka on the unceded traditional territories of the Anishnabeg, Objibway and Chippewas, Autumn developed a deep love and appreciation for the natural world. From a young age, she knew she wanted to act as a voice for nature and positi... Show more

Ajeyomi Adedoyin Samuel is a Geospatial Data Engineer and GeoAI Developer working at the intersection of Earth observation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and geospatial data engineering.

He builds systems that transform large-scale satellite and geospatial datasets into actionable intelligence, with experience across Google Earth Engine, Python, machine learning, cloud infrastructure, geospatial APIs, and data pipelines.

His work spans environmental monitoring, agriculture, climate intelligence, and large-scale Earth observation, with a particular focus on designing scalable and automated geospatial workflows rather than one-off mapping solutions.

Ajeyomi is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional geospatial technologies and modern software engineering, helping developers and geospatial professionals build applications that can process, analyse, and operationalize Earth data at scale.

Ajeyomi Adedoyin Samuel is a Geospatial Data Engineer and GeoAI Developer working at the intersection of Earth observation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and geospatial data engineering. He builds systems that transform large-scale sat... Show more

Pruthvithej is a Lead Engineer at Oracle, specializing in scalable cloud-native systems. He focuses on enabling agentic workflows with large language models and robust transaction orchestration. With expertise in Kubernetes, distributed systems, and AI integration, he bridges enterprise reliability with cutting-edge AI. He actively contributes to open-source projects and cloud architecture initiatives at Oracle.

Pruthvithej is a Lead Engineer at Oracle, specializing in scalable cloud-native systems. He focuses on enabling agentic workflows with large language models and robust transaction orchestration. With expertise in Kubernetes, distributed systems, and ... Show more

AI, Sustainability & Smart Cities Strategist | Startup Ecosystem Leader

Isaac Agya Koomson is a Ghanaian sustainability strategist, AI innovation advocate, and startup ecosystem builder focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation through technology, entrepreneurship, and smart systems development.

He is the Founder & CEO of KIA-Start Up Consult, Civitas Estate & Maintenance, and Farmers Haven, and Team Lead of HopeFusion Africa — an initiative with a bold vision to reduce Africa’s unemployment by 10% by 2030. His work integrates AI-driven innovation, smart urbanization, renewable energy, and agribusiness transformation to build scalable, impact-driven enterprises.

Isaac has delivered keynote addresses on AI for smart urbanization, the Human + AI hybrid workforce, and reskilling for the generative AI age at platforms including Ghana Digital & Innovation Week, Africa Education Trust Fund, and DataGlobal Hub. He has represented Ghana and African youth as an official delegate at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, World Bank Youth Summit, UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), IPBES-12, Global Youth Environment Assembly, and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, contributing to global discussions on climate finance, sustainable development, and digital transformation.

With over seven years of leadership across entrepreneurship, humanitarian operations, and green innovation, Isaac has supported more than 50 startups in achieving product-market fit, investment readiness, and scalable growth. His thought leadership publications have generated over 2 million views, shaping conversations around AI infrastructure, economic resilience, and Africa’s future of work.

Recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2023) by the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Isaac speaks at the intersection of technology, sustainability, policy, and inclusive economic growth — challenging audiences to rethink how Africa builds its future.

AI, Sustainability & Smart Cities Strategist | Startup Ecosystem Leader Isaac Agya Koomson is a Ghanaian sustainability strategist, AI innovation advocate, and startup ecosystem builder focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation through... Show more

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a tech diplomat and statesman, he works at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital governance, and youth empowerment. His work bridges technical cybersecurity expertise with practical policy design, always advocating for ethical, sovereign, and inclusive digital futures. The role of young Africans in shaping the continent's technology agenda.

Mosongo Danfold is a Tech Policy Advocate & Cybersecurity and Forensics Engineer. He is the founder of TECH.PATHS, an initiative that equips African youth with digital literacy, mentorship, and pathways into technology careers. Often referred to as a... Show more

Mr. Botteicher has worked for the last 27 years in the water industry as an engineer functioning to complete projects and improvements for the betterment of the industry and the people it serves. He has served as a designer, project manager, and inspector for pipeline conveyance, water handling, and pump station work. He has also served as a product engineer and manager for specific pipeline products and applications. Finally, Mr. Botteicher has been a commercial manager and officer for pipeline product and service providers. Currently, Mr. Botteicher is the Technical Regional Manager for Hobas Pipe USA and supports the design and project development for the company as well as engineering and construction support.

Mr. Botteicher has worked for the last 27 years in the water industry as an engineer functioning to complete projects and improvements for the betterment of the industry and the people it serves. He has served as a designer, project manager, and insp... Show more