2025 Breakout Sessions
During Welcome
Climate Utopias: Stories of No Place
List as many dystopian movies and books as you can think of. Now, list all the utopian ones - those stories set in a future where we solved our ecological crises... There aren’t many.
While climate models tell us many possible futures remain open to us, popular stories would have us believe there are only a few worlds ahead: either bleak “Mad Max”- style dystopias or homogenous, techno-fascist worlds devoid of nature. Because of that, those may be the futures we create.
The stories we tell about the future and who gets to tell them shape the future itself. This talk is a brief introduction into why we need more stories and art depicting positive climate futures, better known as “solarpunk.”
Rachel Cranmer
Environmental Educator & Climate Futurist
Rachel Cranmer (she/her) has worked across several regional organizations including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, and Gorman Heritage Farm educating all ages about conservation and sustainability. She has also served as the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for the Hamilton County Conservation District and is currently a Climate Action Fellow with Green Umbrella. Rachel holds an MA in Biology from Miami University (2019), where she explored the psychology of environmental behavior change. In 2023, she earned an MS in Narrative Futures from the Edinburgh Futures Institute, focusing on climate futures. Her dissertation analyzed climate fiction, investigating how climate models and projections are translated into speculative art and storytelling, and why the public may benefit from more positive depictions of the future rather than only dystopias. Rachel is passionate about using creative science communication, community-building, and deep adaptation to help people envision and prepare for a changing world.
Sacred Lands, Shared Futures: Stories of Indigenous Resilience and Leadership
The stories we learn and share shape us. The notion of Land and Water as things to be extracted from has been centered in a story that justified the removal of Peoples from their homelands, and the attempted erasure of entire languages and cultures.
Weaving together history, practices of reciprocity and resistance; community interconnectedness, strength and resilience; and visions of a future that is possible when we center Indigenous ways of living with and belonging to our World, this session brings together an inspiring panel of Indigenous leaders from across Turtle Island to share their stories, and calls to action.
Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard (Moderator)
Executive Director, Urban Native Collective
Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard is CHamoru, of the Tugong clan from the Island of Guam. She is a community organizer, an environmental conservation advocate, educator, the Executive Director for the Urban Native Collective, CoFounder of the Indigenous Field Guide, and former board member of the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition. Through her work, Briana has worked in partnership with local, regional, and national partners and environmental conservation agencies, Indigenous led organizations, athletes, and Tribal Nations across Turtle Island, to advocate and educate on cultural land protection, treaty rights, climate justice, Tribal sovereignty and self determination, as well as health and human rights. Briana is a mother, an artist, a sponsored athlete, and the first rock climber to be inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.
Tara Benally
Field Organizer, Rural Utah Project
Tara Benally is proud to call the Navajo Nation in southern San Juan County, Utah, home. Deeply influenced by Navajo traditions and biblical principles, Tara successfully integrates these teachings into her daily life, strengthening her connection to her culture and faith. Through Stewardship Utah, Tara engaged, organizes, and teaches within communities across all seven Navajo chapters in southern San Juan County and members of the Navajo Nation in Arizona to better understand the election process that affects them, helping to restore hope, advocacy and communication with those elected to represent the people. Tara works diligently to protect and preserve the sacred land, air, and water, and honor the natural laws governing this extraordinary place, and to ensure harmonious coexistence with the rich, diverse wildlife that inhabits this sacred country.
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Shelly Corbin (Takóni Kókipešni)
Field Organizer, Sierra Club
Shelly Corbin (Takóni Kókipešni), an Itazipco/Mnicoujou Lakota from the Cheyenne River Reservation, currently lives in Grove City, Ohio. With over 17 years in the military and ongoing service in the Ohio Air National Guard, she now contributes as a Field Organizer for the Sierra Club. Her work emphasizes the importance of information sharing, community engagement, and addressing issues to enhance collective power. Shelly aims to transform mainstream perspectives to understand and respect indigenous knowledge. She has recognized the critical role of community in fostering connection, healing, evolution to create a brighter future for all.
Gogisgksoquili Isadora Dimalanta
Student & Apothecary Garden Steward, Antioch College
Gogisgksoquili Isadora Dimalanta (she/they) Smoking Horses is from the Shinnecock & Lumbee tribes. They are a 2nd-year Antioch College student studying Environmental Science with an interest in Mortuary Science & Sustainability. They are also an Apothecary Garden steward on campus as well as a Miller Fellow with the BIPOC Food and Farming Network (BFFN) in Yellow Springs, OH.
Joshua Sutterfield
Cultural Education Director, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma - Cultural Resources Office
Joshua Sutterfield is a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and has been an active member of the Tribe's language and culture revitalization effort for over twenty years as a student, teacher, and now as the Tribe's Cultural Education Director. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Sherrie and Roger Sutterfield, and his Myaamiaki ancestry includes mihšihkinaahkwa, neewilenkwanka, and the LaBadie family. He has three brothers and is a proud uncle of five nieces and nephews. Joshua graduated from Miami University with bachelor's degrees in Comparative Religion and Anthropology in 2005 and a master’s degree in Cultural Geography in 2009. He is currently ABD in Anthropology at the University of Arkansas.
Student Spotlight: Sustainable Stories from the Region’s Young Leaders
Join the panel for the opportunity to hear from our region's young leaders! From advocating at COP28 and organizing diversity focused environmental campaigns to constructing wetlands and connecting neighbors to native planting resources, the panelists bridge silos to deliver community-focused sustainability solutions.
Draw inspiration from their interdisciplinary experiences across the region as the panelists share insights on successes, barriers, and hopes for youth engagement in the future. Our panelists have experience running youth focused sustainability initiatives; we want to celebrate their successes while also underscoring the challenges they encounter. Given their diverse geography, our panel highlights the shared mission of sustainability despite regional differences in resources and priorities.
We welcome you to share in this conversation with the next generation of leaders!
Luke Hawes
Environmental Policy Student, Ohio State University
Luke Hawes is an incoming senior at The Ohio State University studying Environmental Policy and Decision-Making. On campus, he works for Ohio State's Green Buckeyes Program as a Student Sustainability Lead and is the Vice President of the United Nations Association. Off campus, he has worked as a Sustainability Intern for the nonprofit Smart Columbus, a Legislative Intern for Columbus City Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche, and currently works as a Policy Intern for Go Sustainable Energy, LLC. Lastly, he attended COP28 in 2023 and the third YOUNGO Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in 2024 to urge global leaders to take substantial action against climate change at the annual UN world climate conference. He is from Milford, Ohio and currently lives in Columbus, Ohio full-time.
Aana Shenai
Environmental Science Student, Loyola University
Aana Shenai is the Director of Partnerships at Our Youth For The Climate (OY4C). Her main responsibilities include highlighting the intersectionality of OY4C’s work by managing partnerships between individuals and organizations that share their missions and values of climate education and youth empowerment. As a Director, Aana is also part of OY4C's Senior Leadership team and coordinates efforts to build an advisory board and gain NGO status in 2025. At Loyola University, Aana co-heads the Student Environmental Alliance’s DEI Campaign. This campaign aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities impacted by climate issues in Chicago. She is also President of Net Impact and sits on the School of Environmental Sustainability’s Undergraduate Studies Committee and DEI Committee as a student representative.
Lillie Daniels
Environmental Science Student, Thomas More University
Guided by the encyclical Laudato Si’, Lillie Daniels is the President of Thomas More University’s Blue and Green Club. Leveraging her leadership position, Lillie has studied food waste on campus through the Weigh the Plate Initiative, advocated for researching the feasibility of solar panels on University buildings, and organized a week-long sustainability celebration on campus complete with speakers, exhibitions, clean-up events, and saints swaps. In her academic life, she constructs wetlands at the Biology Field Station at Thomas More University. Lillie is committed to improving the sustainability culture of Thomas More and is designing a Masters in Sustainability for the University to maximize her impact on campus.
Brayan Alvarez-Pineda
Student, DePaul Cristo Rey High school
Brayan Alvarez-Pineda is a student at DePaul Cristo Rey High school engaged in BLOC Ministries Farm to Table Go Native Program. Passionate about the environment and supporting his community, Brayan was able to merge his interests through participation in the Go Native Program. The program facilitated education on native plant identification and empowered youth and community members to plant more than 400 native plants in East and West Price Hill and seed over 200 native plant seeds. In between school and hitting the golf course, you can find Brayan helping others in his community or spending time at summer camp.
Lauren Clark (Moderator)
Public Ally, City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability
Lauren Clark is currently serving as a Public Ally with the Office of Environment and Sustainability, joining the team in their efforts to implement the Green Cincinnati Plan. Her focus is on Community Activation, partnering with OKI and Green Umbrella through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program to give young people a voice in the crafting of Regional Climate Action Plans. Outside of youth engagement, Lauren is engaged in resilience-building work and co-creates plans for neighborhood Resilience Hubs with Cincinnatians. Lauren is a recent alum of the Ohio State University with a degree in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability.
Power in Numbers: Compost Infrastructure from a Decentralized Perspective
To successfully transform food scraps into plant-available nutrients, the composting process requires the participation of many diverse organisms. It also relies on a broad diversity of human participants. Our story is about a blended approach to composting in the Cincinnati region, leveraging a combination of business, non-profit, and government partners. We will briefly touch on why centralized composting in Cincinnati didn’t take off, then discuss the opportunity of community composting to be impactful through a diversified network (and how this differs from other waste management practices).
To succeed, community composting needs intention and advocacy from all sides: through government support, amplifying community connections, building a network of composting partners on multiple scales, and integrating these partners with hauling operations. Our panel will explore the ways in which each of these are being addressed in Cincinnati, and how participants can bring these composting practices into their own communities.
Laura Lair
Community Compost Coordinator, City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability
Laura Lair is an environmental scientist with a background in soil & water conservation and solid waste management. She joined the City of Cincinnati in 2024 and leads their community composting project, which is funded in part by a USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Grant. Laura works with community gardens and urban agriculture sites to increase access to composting infrastructure. In addition to composting, Laura also works to promote food waste reduction across Cincinnati. Her passion for reducing the amount of waste going to landfills drives her to seek and implement creative solutions for organics recycling and food waste reduction in Cincinnati.
Marie Hopkins
Co-creator, Queen City Commons
Born along the shores of Lake Erie, and residing beside the currents of the Ohio, Marie Hopkins is a human with a deep passion for care- and community-based systems. Through the transformational power of composting, Marie believes we have the opportunity to deepen our relationship to land right in our own neighborhoods. Marie is the co-creator of Queen City Commons (QCC), a food scrap collection service for businesses and residents in Cincinnati. QCC partners with local farms and gardens to compost the food scraps they collect, ensuring these nutrients are returned to the earth to grow more food. In just 5 years, QCC has collected over 1.25 million pounds of food scraps to compost with 28 area farms and gardens. Marie previously worked as Green Umbrella’s Community Compost Coordinator, installing passive composting systems at community gardens and building out the Common Orchard Project’s compost program at Camp Washington Perennial Farm.
Lauren Click
Consultant, MakeSoil
Lauren Click is a recognized leader in the composting and circular economy space, driving change in waste reduction, infrastructure development, and public education. She works directly with public schools, residential programs, NGOs, and for-profit businesses, embedding composting into facility operations. Her work ensures composting infrastructure expands equitably, prioritizing affordability, accessibility, and regenerative agriculture. For her work, Lauren received the inaugural Stanley 1913 Creators Fund award and was selected for the 2024-2025 beVisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship. At the U.S. Composting Council, she holds multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Young Professionals Community Service Committee, Young Professional Steering Committee Member, and DEIA Committee Member. In 2025, the U.S. Composting Council named Lauren Young Professional of the Year. Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) named Lauren 2025 Ambassador at the Best of Green Schools Award Ceremony.
Michelle Balz
Director, Hamilton County ReSource
For over 20 years Michelle Balz has worked as a public sector solid waste professional encouraging residents and businesses to reduce their waste and use fewer resources. As the Solid Waste Manager for Hamilton County ReSource in Southwest Ohio she oversees many organics related projects from encouraging backyard composting to planning regional organics processing capacity. Michelle has written two books on backyard composting, Composting for a New Generation and No-Waste Composting. Michelle has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in Professional Writing both from the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. A.H. Johnson
Coordinator, MLK Community Garden and Cincinnati Christian Adult
Dr. A.H. Johnson is a tireless community leader in Avondale, a neighborhood in Cincinnati. She has been the Garden Coordinator for Martin Luther King, Jr. Garden in Avondale since 2011. The MLK Garden is one of the oldest community gardens in Cincinnati. The garden is a vital part of Avondale and the surrounding communities. Not only do the gardeners love to tend their garden beds, the also enjoy preserving the garden’s bounty through blanching and canning for enjoyment throughout the year. Some canning favorites of the gardeners include pickles, salsa, and piccalilli. The garden utilizes raised beds for better soil and weed control, and they use compost from their Johnson-Su Bioreactor to top-dress their raised beds each fall.
Threading Change: Mobilizing the Midwest's Sustainable Apparel Industry
The apparel industry’s environmental impact spans from soil degradation to landfill waste, harming both ecosystems and communities. As demand for responsible apparel grows, the Midwest is uniquely positioned to lead the shift from a linear to a circular system.
This panel unites regional leaders in fiber production, ethical manufacturing, and innovative reuse models to explore how local collaboration can reduce waste, strengthen supply chains, and create economic opportunities. Panelists will share insights on their work to close the loop on garment production while fostering sustainability and equity.
With investments in circular systems, education, and policy, the Midwest has the potential to become a hub for responsible apparel manufacturing. Join us to explore how regional collaboration can transform garment production into a circular system, creating economic opportunities across the region. Discover how collective action is reshaping the industry and driving a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Amber Rose Ostaszewski (Moderator)
Board President, Weaver’s Guild Cincinnati
Amber Rose Ostaszewski is an artist, educator, and author who has been fascinated with textiles since childhood. She draws on her heritage to inspire her creative practice and is passionate about regenerative, natural materials, including processing and spinning fiber, natural dyes, and the creation of mindful, intentional textile work. Her work has been published with the New York Botanical Garden's Steere Herbarium, Wovenutopia, and Piecework Magazine. She recently has shown work at Wave Pool Gallery via the One Year, One Outfit Project as Artist in Residence with the Rust Belt Fibershed, taught at the National Education & Fiber Conference in Burlington, KY, Convergence in Wichita, KS presented by the Handweavers Guild of America, and regularly teaches at Sew Valley and the Weavers Guild in Cincinnati. She is the President of the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati and a board member of the Rust Belt Fibershed.
Lisa Goldsand
Founder, Circular Thrift LLC
Lisa Goldsand is the founder of Circular Thrift LLC, which builds community around sustainable fashion. Her start-up, started Bexley, OH in 2023, offers consumers a variety of convenient ways to scale the re-use of clothing. Solutions include publicly accessible clothing drop bins, community clothing swaps, pop-up thrift sales, mending workshops, and remanufacture projects. Lisa’s goal is to raise awareness about consumption and to shift consumer behavior toward re-use instead of new purchases. Lisa has held senior leadership positions in the apparel industry, most recently with Abercrombie & Fitch, and has 30 years of experience in manufacturing, sourcing, operations, and change management. She has lived and worked in Central America and in Asia and has supported the manufacturing operations of several international companies in her career. She understands how the industry operates currently. She is committed to supporting collaborative efforts to adapt the industry to a more circular model to reduce its impact on climate change and on natural resource consumption.
Alison Green
Manager of Operations and Events, Remake
Alison Green is the Manager of Operations and Events at Remake, where she leads community engagement strategies and spearheads mass education initiatives on the fashion industry's most pressing issues. With a background in grassroots organizing and a long family history of working-class union leaders, Alison’s approach to engagement and education is deeply rooted in empowering on-the-ground workers, low-income communities, minorities, and youth. Her passion extends beyond fashion, as she advocates for regional soil and water health, local textile manufacturing, and works as a volunteer with community-led organizations focused on agriculture and youth empowerment.
Shailah Maynard
Co-Founder & CEO, Sew Valley
Shailah Maynard is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sew Valley, a nonprofit garment factory and incubator in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood. With over 18 years of experience in the fashion industry, she is dedicated to building a more ethical and environmentally responsible apparel manufacturing industry, one that strengthens local economies while contributing to broader global sustainability efforts. Under her leadership, Sew Valley provides essential resources including production services, space, equipment, and training, to apparel brands and entrepreneurs, empowering them to bring their designs to market responsibly. By integrating sustainable material sourcing, circular economy principles, and workforce development, Shailah is bridging the gap between local impact and global change, creating scalable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Sarah Pottle
Co-Founder, Rustbelt Fibershed
Sarah Pottle is an educator, botanical-dyer, and community organizer focused on localization and regenerative systems. Sarah co-founded the Rust Belt Fibershed with her twin sister Jess Boeke, the mission of which is to catalyze the development of a circular textile infrastructure in the Rust Belt region, fostering a culture of care for people and planet through a reimagined textile ecosystem, connecting makers and consumers to local fiber, labor, and dyes. Sarah is also the co-founder of Drift Lab Earth, offering creative experiences that reconnect people with living systems. With decades of experience as an educator, she created and hosted the Regenerative Ed podcast which explores education through ecological perspectives. Based outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Sarah is passionate about community-centered approaches that can revitalize regional economies and create opportunities for collaborative art, events, and programs that transform the idea of “sustainability” into vehicles for connection. She is most excited about supporting more life, more life, more life in all its forms.
I’m in Charge of That Now Too? Stories From Local Government Sustainability Leaders
Local Government sustainability staff are change makers tasked with balancing present-day
needs with an eye toward future goals related to climate, energy, resilience, quality of life and
more. But what’s the path to become a sustainability leader and what are the essential skills and
tools needed to accomplish their goals?
In this session we’ll have a conversation with the sustainability leaders from three LEED for
Cities certified cities, Dayton, OH; Lexington, KY; and Louisville, KY to learn about their own
journeys that led them to their current roles and the skills they’ve honed along the way. We’ll
explore tactical quantitative and qualitative data and tools like LEED for Cities they use to
identify gaps, map intersecting issues, and create avenues to draw people on all sides of the
system toward action. Hear how they leverage the power of stories to build buy-in for climate
action to drive progress in their communities.
Jada Walker Griggs
Program Manager Sr. for Sustainability, Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government
Jada Walker Griggs is a Program Manager Senior with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Jada has over two decades of experience in municipal government and now leads sustainability efforts for the City of Lexington. Jada works as a liaison across divisions, while also being the outward facing community connector for initiatives she helps organize, develop, and implement. She has experience administering federal and state grants, including the regional Lexington-Fayette MSA Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant. Jada facilitated efforts to update the community-wide sustainability plan, Empower Lexington: A Plan for a Resilient Community, was selected for USGBC’s LEED for Cities leadership cohort, the EPA Smart Growth Network, and is on the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee for the University of Kentucky. Jada is a former sworn City Commissioner in Cynthiana, KY where she served for 7 ½ years. She is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and a mother of two.
Sumedha Rao
Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Louisville Metro Government
Sumedha Rao serves as the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability in Louisville, Kentucky, where she works collaboratively with communities and stakeholders to achieve Louisville’s goals of 100% clean energy and net zero emissions by 2040. Over the past decade, Sumedha has worked in the fields of urban sustainability, environmental policy, and green building in the United States and India. In 2022, Sumedha was named a Future Leader by the Aspen Institute, among 100 climate leaders under 30 in North America. Sumedha holds a master’s degree in Sustainability Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from St. Joseph’s College in India, and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED AP, accreditation.
Tim Pritchard
Sustainability Coordinator, City of Dayton
Tim Pritchard is a Sustainability Coordinator with the City of Dayton Office of Sustainability. He joined this award-winning team in summer of 2024, bringing over 14 years of public service experience in sustainability and conservation from Five Rivers MetroParks and Ohio Department of Natural Resources. During 2024, Dayton’s Office of Sustainability, led by Sustainability Manager Meg Maloney, secured over $36M in grant funding and achieved LEED for Cities Platinum status. The team is currently focused on strengthening partnerships for environmental justice, regional drawdown, and climate resiliency efforts in Dayton and the Miami Valley.
David Abell
Associate Director, Client Solutions, USGBC
David leads global Client Solutions for LEED for Cities at USGBC. David works with local government sustainability staff to map their needs to program offerings. Through developing relationships and training staff on the LEED for Cities framework David assists local leaders to create stakeholder coalitions, prioritize sustainability actions, and build essential cross-departmental relationships to achieve LEED certification. David also provides the local governments’ perspective to product developers, to ensure the rating system’s evolution meets the needs of cities and pushes them to meet their sustainability goals. David lives in Louisville, KY with his wife and kids and spends as much time outdoors hiking, biking, and exploring as he can. He received his Master’s of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from Centre College.
Building the Green Workforce: Sustainable Stories across Ohio
Join us for an insightful discussion on green workforce development in Ohio’s three major cities - Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. This panel will explore regional strategies to foster a sustainable workforce, highlighting successful initiatives that drive green job creation, training, and innovation. Experts representing local governments that collaborate with educational institutions, workforce training providers, and businesses will share their efforts to equip the next generation with the skills needed for clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. Learn about workforce training programs, partnerships, and landscape that is shaping Ohio’s green economy, and discover how these Midwest cities are positioning themselves as leaders in the transition to a sustainable future. Whether you're an employer, educator, or job seeker, this session will offer valuable insights into building a green workforce that supports economic growth and mobility while tackling climate change.
Rebecca Kusner (Moderator)
Director, Ohio Workforce Coalition
Rebecca Kusner is the Director of the Ohio Workforce Coalition and Principal at R4 Workforce, a workforce development consulting firm based in Northeast Ohio. For over 20 years, she has been a widely regarded Ohio leader in workforce development, with a focus on a systems approach to change, racial equity, job quality, and data transparency. She is a successful convener of stakeholders, from workers and workforce professionals to funders and government officials to create coalitions that tackle workforce development challenges at multiple levels. Rebecca is a two-time Aspen Fellow and led Ohio’s first Workforce Leadership Academy in partnership with Aspen Institute. She is a Certified Workforce Development Professional and received her MPA from Cleveland State University.
Renee Timberlake
Director of the Built Environment Collaborative, Greater Cleveland Works
Renée Timberlake is the Director of the Built Environment Collaborative at Greater Cleveland Works, the local workforce development board. Her primary role is to coordinate a collaborative of 19 partners working towards increased inclusivity and opportunity in the built and living infrastructure workforce. Increasingly her work is focusing on preparing a workforce for jobs in sustainability and renewable energy. She does this in concert with the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County sustainability staff, with local non-profits and philanthropy, and with local unions and contractors. With degrees in Environmental Studies and Cultural and Educational Policy and currently pursuing a PhD in Social Welfare, Renée pairs her passion for economic and racial equity with a strong desire for Cleveland to become a center for urban innovation in sustainability and climate resilience.
Teneah Chambers
Green Jobs and Aggregation Coordinator, City of Columbus
With over 2 years of experience as a Community Relations Coordinator at City of Columbus, Teneah is passionate about creating opportunities for workforce development and environmental sustainability. She has a master’s degree in public health and a certification as a Health Education Program Planner, which equips her with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective programs and initiatives. Her mission is to forge strong partnerships within the community, strengthen the workforce, and support the Clean Energy Columbus program. She has participated in numerous successful events and meetings, demonstrating my ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and exercise good judgment. She uses her spark and expertise to contribute to Sustainable Columbus goals and vision, and to empower others to pursue green careers and lifestyles.
Thanapat Vichitchot
FUSE Executive Fellow, City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability
Thanapat is a mission-driven professional with 16+ years’ experience providing economic opportunities through community engagement, program development and project management. Currently, he is an Executive Fellow with FUSE, working closely with the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment & Sustainability on a Green Workforce Development project aligned with the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan. Thanapat has a proven track record of leading cross-sector partnerships and managing projects that drive equity and social impact. His entrepreneurial ventures include founding a real estate investment firm focused on quality, affordable housing. Additionally, he serves on a Financial Wellness Advisory Council for a community- based nonprofit. Thanapat is a University of Cincinnati alumnus and has enhanced his skills through nonprofit leadership and quality improvement science trainings. With expertise in workforce development and a strong background in nonprofit leadership, Thanapat has recognition as a panel speaker at national conferences and continues promoting economic opportunity and mobility initiatives.
Financing Community Resiliency: Pathways to Affordable, Clean Energy
While corporations can access low-cost renewable energy, it’s more challenging for local organizations and low-income communities to leverage this growing market. This session explores how large and community-based financial institutions can collaborate to help communities build resiliency and benefit from a clean energy future. The panel will feature experts from Ceres, a nonprofit organization working with companies and investors on global sustainability challenges; Fifth Third Bank, a financier of resiliency solutions; and their community bank partner, Columbus Region Green Fund.
Panelists will share their experience improving local communities’ access to affordable and reliable renewable energy through innovative funding mechanisms such as community-based solar power purchasing agreements. The discussion will highlight practical examples of how creative collaboration between banks, NGOs, and local communities are bringing these concepts to life. Participants will learn how these partnerships can help Midwest communities adapt to and benefit from a cleaner, just, and more resilient economy.
Dan Saccardi (Moderator)
Company Network Program Director, Ceres
Dan joined Ceres in 2016 and leads the Company Network’s work to advance sustainable business leadership with some of the most influential companies across all major sectors of the economy. His advocacy focuses on moving companies to take action to stabilize the climate, protect water and natural resources, and build a just and inclusive economy. Dan has co-authored pioneering reports on transition and physical climate risk in the banking sector. He is also the Chair of the UNEP-FI Principles for Responsible Banking’s Civil Society Advisory Body. Prior to Ceres, Dan worked at the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the sustainability consultancy, GreenOrder. He received a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Connecticut College and holds master’s degrees in business administration and public administration from New York University. Dan is an active urban cyclist and can often be seen biking to work and around Boston.
Zach McGuire
Executive Director, Columbus Region Green Fund
Zach McGuire is the Executive Director and founder of the Columbus Region Green Fund, Central Ohio’s Green Bank. With over a decade of experience advancing cleantech adoption across mobility, energy, and the built environment, Zach is known for turning bold, cross-sector ideas into actionable solutions—especially for Central Ohio’s Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities. Under his leadership, the Green Fund provides accessible, low-cost financing for projects that support nonprofits, schools, municipal buildings, and affordable housing, both single- and multi-family. These efforts help drive economic growth, lower utility costs, improve public health outcomes, and create local jobs. Zach and his team work closely with community organizations, private sector partners, and all levels of government to ensure an equitable transition to a clean energy economy—where no Central Ohio resident is left behind.
Pratik Raval
Chief Sustainability Officer, Fifth Third Bank
Pratik Raval is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Fifth Third Bank, where he oversees the Bank’s sustainability strategy, $100 billion in sustainable finance and stewardship, sustainable community solutions, and nonfinancial reporting and disclosures. His office also collaborates on managing the Bank’s climate and reputational risks. Pratik has more than 20 years of global experience in sustainability, corporate strategy, enterprise project management, financial product and service innovation, and technology integration. Before joining Fifth Third in 2024, he held leadership positions at Tata Consultancy Services, American Express, Transsolar ClimateEngineering, and Mercedes Benz Group. He also taught as a visiting lecturer at MIT for seven years. Pratik is recognized as one of the Top 25 Sustainability Leaders by the Consulting Report and as global Top 20 Thought Leaders in Sustainability by the CEO Magazine Global. He is also a World Economic Forum recognized expert in sustainable development, climate change and innovation.
The Power of Unlikely Allies: The Ohio Business Energy Partnership
Stories of businesses and environmental groups working together are not common. Yet last year, more than two dozen Ohio businesses and environmental groups joined forces to create the Ohio Business Energy Partnership (OBEP). Focused on a shared goal of increasing the supply of clean, carbon-free energy in the Buckeye state, this group officially launched its policy agenda in November 2024. We propose to host a 50-minute moderated discussion panel featuring a diverse group of speakers from the business and environmental communities where we will share the story of how OBEP came to be. We will also share what happened when we filled a room with legislators of both parties, business leaders, and ardent environmentalists, and what we hope to achieve in 2025 and beyond.
Carol Kauffman (Moderator)
CEO, Ohio Environmental Council
As Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), Carol Kauffman is responsible for providing vision and strategic direction for both organizations. She leads by investing in community and coalition, motivating others, and inspiring both internal and external stakeholders to support the OEC’s mission of securing healthy air, land, water, and democracy for all Ohioans. Kauffman brings more than two decades of nonprofit and corporate experience advocating for environmental, community, and social justice issues as well as directing sustainability programs and strategies. From 2013 to 2017, Kauffman worked in the nonprofit sector in Cambodia designing projects, helping businesses develop more responsible practices, and natural disaster response. Since 2017, Kauffman led environmental and social responsibility efforts within the corporate sector at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, and most recently, at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Within these positions, she devised sustainability strategies, led philanthropic efforts, and engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders.
Tony Long
Director of Energy Policy, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
Tony works in the government relations group at the Ohio Chamber and is responsible for staffing the Energy & Environment, and General Counsel Policy Committees at the Ohio Chamber. Tony manages the Ohio Chamber amicus brief program, continues to speak at conferences and meets with local chambers of commerce to update them on matters pending on capitol square. Prior to his employment at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Tony worked in the General Counsel Office at Honda. He started his career at the Ohio Department of Taxation as a legal division attorney. Tony graduated with a B.A. from Mount Union College and received a J.D. from the Toledo College of Law. In his spare time Tony visits his adult children, attends Burning Man events and supports local live music.
Christian Koch
Midwest Policy Manager, Ceres
Christian Koch is the Midwest Policy Manager at Ceres, a national nonprofit organization that works with large businesses and investors to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable economy. As Ceres’ Midwest Policy Manager, Christian leads efforts to engage companies and policymakers to support strong and effective clean energy, transportation, and building decarbonization policies in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio. Prior to Ceres, Christian worked as a Senior Policy Associate of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs with Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Relations & Policy from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in Environmental Policy & Planning from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability.
Kevin Shimp
Associate Attorney, Dickinson Wright
An attorney in the firm’s Columbus office, Kevin Shimp focuses his practice on government affairs at the Ohio Statehouse with a particular emphasis on technology, energy, education, and business issues including insurance law, workers’ compensation, and employment law. In addition, Kevin advocates for policy changes before the Governor’s Office and state executive agencies, assists clients facing regulatory enforcement actions, and provides association management services to small and mid-size trade organizations. Kevin also uses his public policy experience to assist firm clients in litigation by authoring amicus briefs and other motions in court cases over the enforceability and constitutionality of state statutes.
Electrify Everything: Perspectives on Residential Electrification
Home electrification is one of the biggest steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and it needs to happen quickly if humanity is to reach the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as recommended by leading scientists. At the same time, shifting a property to electricity can be a daunting, complex, and expensive process for homeowners and landlords to carry out. This panel brings together a public housing developer, a homeowner, and a leader of a residential electrification education effort to discuss their experiences electrifying buildings and helping others electrify. After a brief intro into what home electrification is, the panelists will share their own stories, including best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to better facilitate cooperation amongst residents, landlords, and government as we move towards broad adoption of home electrification.
Dulcie O’Connor
Development Analyst, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
Dulcie O'Connor is a Development Analyst for Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority who has financially closed her third project in three years. She is wrapping up construction on the Riverview San Marco RAD conversion, a project consisting of 131 units in two towers overlooking East Walnut Hills funded with NHTF, OHTF, LIHTC, and State Historic Preservation tax credits. She is now leading the Marquette Manor RAD project, a 15-story tower of 140 units in English Woods that has prime space for a solar array over the new parking lot. She has previously worked in private sector Construction, Mixed Real Estate, and Stadium operations.
Madeline Fleisher
Attorney and Co-Director, Electrify Central Ohio
Madeline Fleisher is an attorney who has practiced environmental, energy, and utility law for over 15 years. She volunteers as co-director of Electrify Central Ohio (ECO), a non-profit home decarbonization group established in 2022, along with her co-founder, Andrew Leber. ECO provides community education and support for households interested in finding affordable ways to switch their energy use to carbon-free resources. To help address the many obstacles to residential decarbonization, ECO conducts local outreach through workshops, webinars, event tabling, and connections with other community organizations. ECO volunteers also provide one-on-one coaching for households as they consider and implement home efficiency and electrification projects, using tools such as tailored cost calculators to estimate potential bill impacts of installing efficient electric appliances and a “library” for interested consumers to try out an induction cook plate or indoor air quality monitor.
Larry Falkin
Cincinnati Homeowner
Larry Falkin served as Director of the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability from 2007 to 2020. He currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Sierra Club Miami Group and Mill Creek Alliance. Larry owns a home built in 1929, which he is almost finished converting to all-electric using incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Molly Robertshaw (Moderator)
Sustainability Manager, City of Cincinnati Office of Environment and Sustainability
Molly Robertshaw is the Sustainability Manager for the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability. In this role, she oversees the facilitation of large portions of the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan, including the Electrify Cincy effort. Molly spent two decades leading within Cincinnati’s nonprofit sector before shifting to climate work during Covid. She is grateful to be more than halfway along the electrification journey with her home.
Change in Columbus: Key Players in Waste Diversion
Join us for a panel exploring the collaboration & innovation behind Columbus' waste diversion efforts. Moderated by the Green Champions Podcast hosts, this session will take the form of a live podcast, where experts from government agencies, corporate sustainability programs, and community-driven initiatives will share their experiences and strategies in reducing waste across the city.
Panelists from Smart Columbus, GreenSpot, and the City of Columbus will discuss policy-driven waste reduction strategies, corporate sustainability efforts, and technological innovations supporting circular economy practices. This session will offer attendees a unique opportunity to hear real-world insights, engage with industry leaders, and explore practical solutions that can be applied to their own organizations and communities. The discussion will conclude with an interactive Q&A, providing a space for attendees to ask questions and contribute to the conversation
Dominique Hadad (Moderator)
Co-Host, Green Champions Podcast
Dominique is the co-host of Green Champions and founder of Green Scope Consulting, a company transforming organizations into zero waste operations. Dominique is passionate about demystifying sustainability and she is enthusiastic about battling climate anxiety with success stories from Green Champions that deserve to be given a microphone more often.
Adam Morris (Moderator)
Co-Host, Green Champions Podcast
Adam is the co-host of Green Champions and the founder of People Helping People, a platform supporting social entrepreneurs through workshops, mastermind groups and community support. Adam runs innovation events with GiveBackHack and is passionate about using storytelling and collaboration to spark environmental and social impact.
Marcus Carano
Project Manager of Partnerships, Smart Columbus
Marcus Carano manages corporate relations and sustainability programming for Smart Columbus, the Columbus Region’s civic innovation lab. Smart Columbus is focused on identifying innovative, technology enabled solutions to civic challenges that are limiting business and community prosperity. Under Marcus’ leadership Smart Columbus aligns Central Ohio's major employers around regional sustainability targets outlined by public leaders. This includes Smart’s Device Donation Program that offers local businesses a simplified pipeline for technology disposal while closing digital inclusion gaps in the Columbus community.
Christy Walters
GreenSpot Coordinator, Sustainable Columbus
Christy Walters serves as the Green Spot Coordinator for Sustainable Columbus. Under Sustainable Columbus, the GreenSpot program works to inspire, educate, and recognize residents, households, businesses, community groups, and neighborhoods that adopt sustainable practices. We provide ideas and resources for everyone to achieve their sustainability goals.
Aryeh Alex
Sustainability Manager, City of Columbus
Aryeh serves as the Sustainability Manager for the City of Columbus as well as the Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful. Aryeh leads the City of Columbus residential recycling, organic waste, waste reduction, community education, and volunteer litter programs in the Department of Public Service. He also serves as the sustainability coordinator for the Division of Refuse Collection leading the Waste Working Group for the city's Climate Action Plan.
Corporations Working Towards a Sustainable Future
This panel features corporate-industry experts to discuss the role the business sector has in contributing to and helping solve climate change. With expertise across industries, the speakers will discuss current successes and pitfalls they have experienced to help inform people about what corporate sustainability looks like and encourage more companies to get involved. Key focuses include accusations of greenwashing, collaboration with other stakeholders, and specific examples of projects.
All speakers are based in Northeast Ohio, yet their companies work on a national or even global level. This gives them extensive experience and allows them to act as leaders in the industry, especially with their ambitious projects and desire for regional collaboration. This panel will be moderated by the Director of Sustainability for Greater Cleveland’s chamber of commerce, an organization that uniquely works to convene all sectors around sustainability.
Emily Keller-Dey (Moderator)
Director of Sustainability Initiatives, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Emily Keller is the Director of Sustainability Initiatives at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, where she channels her passion for sustainability into driving meaningful change across the region. With a background in environmental science and corporate sustainability, she blends scientific expertise with business strategy to help shape a greener, more resilient Cleveland - working toward a green city on a blue lake. Emily serves on the Board of Directors for The Nature Conservancy of Ohio and is an avid volunteer. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors, traveling, and caring for her ever-growing collection of plants. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Mount Union, with minors in business administration and sustainability.
Kristi Eberhardt
Managing Director & Head of Sustainable Finance, PNC
Kristi Eberhardt is a Managing Director and Head of PNC’s global Sustainable Finance Group. In this role she works both internally and externally to support clients on their journey to incorporate and execute sustainability initiatives into their strategy. This includes education across the front-line teams, product development and product execution across several different lines of business. Kristi has originated more than $25 billion in sustainable finance, co-authored PNC’s Green and Sustainability Bond Frameworks and oversees its Environmental Finance pledge. Previously, Kristi spent 20 years in capital markets originating debt across a variety of sectors and asset classes including taxable and tax-exempt debt, mortgage-backed securities and private placements.
Scott Buchanan
Vice President of Environmental, Health & Safety - Avient
Scott Buchanan is an accomplished operations and EHS leader with a comprehensive background in global operations, continuous improvement, and cultivating safety culture. As the Vice President of EHS at Avient Corporation, he directs global environmental, health, safety, operational sustainability, product stewardship, global trade, and quality initiatives. His significant contributions include a 69% reduction in injury severity, the seamless integration of multiple acquisitions, and the implementation of various safety and sustainability programs. Previously, Buchanan held multiple leadership roles at PolyOne Corporation, including Director of EHS and Operations Director, where he drove notable enhancements in safety, productivity, supply chain, and cost efficiencies. His career also encompasses positions in plant management, technology, and engineering, where he spearheaded significant process improvements and capital projects.
Zach Robock
Senior Legal Counsel (Regulatory and Compliance), Swagelok Company
Zach Robock currently serves as Senior Legal Counsel (Regulatory and Compliance) at Swagelok Company. Zach’s experience spans a broad range of environmental, social and governance disciplines. He worked on clean energy transactions while in private practice with Jones Day, a global law firm based in Cleveland, before moving in-house with Nordson Corporation where he led Nordson’s sustainability strategy and reporting function. Zach led Nordson through the development and implementation of sustainability data collection processes, clean energy procurement transactions, onsite clean energy generation projects, building efficiency projects, and third-party certified carbon offset procurement. He was the lead author of four sustainability reports, and led the process of establishing clean energy and carbon reduction targets. Zach’s practice also includes significant work on the social and governance side, including forced labor prevention, trade compliance, anti-corruption and related compliance and ethics issues.
Storytelling Meets Strategy: Unlocking Funding for Game-Changing Impact
Storytelling plays a crucial role in sustainability by connecting data with human experiences to inspire action, unlock funding, and align stakeholders. This session features experts from architecture, sustainability, design, finance, and ownership to explore how storytelling drives innovative outcomes and impact. Through case studies like the Cincinnati Zoo’s geothermal initiatives, Cincinnati’s Green Bank, and the Kaxña Park Project in Mexico, participants will learn how compelling narratives secure buy-in, overcome challenges, and align diverse teams.
The session highlights storytelling’s role in communicating complex concepts like circular economy and regenerative systems with actionable solutions. Interactive elements will equip participants with practical tools to craft impactful narratives that attract funding and foster collaboration. This session empowers midwest changemakers, business leaders, nonprofit advocates, and government representatives to leverage storytelling for long-term sustainability.
Jessica Glorius-Dangelo
Sustainability Manager, MA Design
Jessica (Jess) Glorius-Dangelo is the Sustainability Manager at MA Design, leading the firm’s sustainability initiatives across diverse projects while driving internal and external impact. With expertise in sustainable design and wellness, she is chair of the firm’s Sustainability Committee and leads the Sustainability Service. Her accreditations—AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, LFA, and SITES AP—demonstrate her commitment to integrating sustainable and healthy building strategies. Jess has established herself as a thought leader in sustainable design by presenting at industry events such as DesignColumbus (2024, 2025), Rebuild 2024, and USGBC Ohio’s Women in Green panel (2023). With a strong background in leadership and project management, she ensures projects are both efficient and impactful. Dedicated to advancing sustainability in the built environment, Jessica continues to drive innovation and strategic growth within the industry.
Cheryl Nachbauer
Entertainment Market Lead & Innovation Strategist, MA Design
Cheryl Nachbauer is a visionary designer, strategist, and storyteller shaping immersive environments that drive sustainability, social impact, and accessibility. As Entertainment Market Lead and Innovation Strategist at MA Design, she redefines themed entertainment, brand environments, and cultural destinations—crafting engaging, inclusive, and environmentally responsible experiences. With a Master of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Architecture & Spanish from the University of Kentucky, Cheryl’s global perspective is informed by work in Cuba, Berlin, Chile, and Italy. From Fulbright-funded post-disaster rebuilding to pioneering sustainable entertainment, she thrives at the intersection of design, strategy, and storytelling. A problem-solver and connector, Cheryl streamlines processes, integrates universal design, and transforms vision into reality—creating immersive experiences that inspire, connect, and contribute to a more resilient future.
Amy Malmstrom
Co-Founder, 39Forward
Amy is a licensed architect with 17+ years of experience focused on Client Relationship Management and Project Management. Her experience covers a broad range of project types including corporate workplace, master planning, program management, graphic design, and guideline initiatives. Amy leads and ensures smooth processes and workflow for a project, including A/E relationship development, process management, and coordination, RFP creation and communication, overall project schedule milestones and deadline management, decision and input tracking, and A/E design team progress and fee tracking. Her project leadership, attention to detail, and ability to consistently solve problems efficiently results in successful project outcomes and satisfied clients. Moreover, her passion for sustainability and health & well-being has been demonstrated in numerous LEED and WELL efforts.
Janice Moore-Webb
CEO & President, Webb Capital Solutions
Janice Moore-Webb is a seasoned finance professional with over 25 years of expertise in commercial credit underwriting, financial analysis, and risk management. As CEO and President of Webb Capital Solutions, she leads business development, underwriting, and investor relations, with a strong focus on real estate and clean energy financing. Previously, she served as a Commercial Energy Finance Advisor at Donovan Energy and held senior commercial lending roles at General Electric Credit Union, Washington Mutual Bank, and Huntington National Bank. Janice is a certified commercial credit underwriter and has successfully managed high-risk lending portfolios. She holds a Business Administration degree from Thomas More College and has completed executive banking programs at LSU and the Kentucky Bankers Association. Passionate about sustainable finance, Janice actively supports clean energy initiatives and innovative lending solutions that drive environmental and economic impact.
A Rooted Vision: Visioning & Narrative Power for Movement Builders
As we embark on 2025 and at least the next four years, given the socio-political reality, the need for sustained momentum in our movements toward justice and liberation continues to be vital. This is especially true amid active denial, a contemptuous political administration, and global unrest. Much of our momentum comes from the community, from within, and from our innate ability to envision and create the realities we want to exist, together.
This workshop will build on story-based strategy and narrative power-building principles. It will engage participants in active community visioning exercises, combined with tried and true communications strategies. The goal is to support and sustain momentum as we individually and collectively advance our movements toward justice and liberation for all.
Jaime Love
Director of Programs, People’s Climate Innovation Center
Jaime Love (she/her) provides leadership, strategy and support to People's Climate Innovation Center programs that advance approaches to community-driven planning and movement building, while centering racial equity and whole-systems solutions. Jaime has over 20 years of experience in various spaces, including public health, philanthropy, and climate resilience, with a deep focus on racial justice and health equity. Her expertise ranges from program development and leadership, equity, policy advocacy, to communications and outreach. Jaime is a 2024 Rockwood Leading from the Inside Out (LIO) Fellow, and has participated in multiple leadership programs including as a 2016 TFN PLACES Fellow (Professionals Learning About Community, Equity, and Sustainability) and the Interaction Institute for Social Change. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in Health Promotion and a BS from Central Michigan University.
Radiah Shabazz Harold
Director of Communications, People’s Climate Innovation Center
Radiah Shabazz Harold (she/her) is the Director of Communications at People’s Climate Innovation Center, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit strategic communications, anti-oppressive practice, racial justice, and organizational change. Radiah has uniquely bridged her strategic communications expertise and anti-oppressive social work training to implement and advise on communications strategies that broaden the generation and dissemination of content that elevates the intersection of racial justice with climate change, education, health, and affordable housing. She is passionate about using radical and transformative communications strategies to advance racial justice and cultivate Black liberation. Radiah holds a BA in journalism from Howard University and a master's in social work from the University of Chicago.
Community-Led Research: The Power of Lived Experiences as Data for Policy Change
This exemplar case study will provide an effective way for community-based organizations and research partners to incorporate resident experiences into data analysis.
Chicago’s environmental justice organizations continue the fight to reduce industrial pollution in their neighborhoods by organizing residents to share their stories. Community-based organization Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF) collaborates with analytical partners Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) to use resident stories to fill-in gaps left by quantitative mapping. Existing pollution burden maps don't have enough data for a full picture, don't properly measure quality-of-life concerns, and hide the differences within an area. CNT and SETF uncovered how climate change impacts everyday life in Chicago's Southeast side. UIC and SETF researched local pollution experiences, creating a one-of-a-kind databook. Our research projects center lived experiences (qualitative data) with quantitative data. Join to hear how to use this improved analysis to support policy change.
Emily "Em" Ayala
EJCJ Program Manager, Southeast Environmental Task Force
Emily "Em" Ayala is a young visionary from the far Southeast Side of Chicago and the "Environmental Justice and Climate Justice Program Manager" at the Southeast Environmental Task Force. Em brings positive outlooks to underserved minority communities throughout the city of Chicago; with a specialization in Southeast Side neighborhoods. Skilled in strategic planning and relationship building, Em has successfully advanced program and campaign progress through initiatives that foster and inspire community collaboration. Em is passionate about empowering others and creating impactful change for historically oppressed Chicagoans. When she is not working, Em enjoys spending time reading, writing, and creating art with her son!
Daisy Magaña
Core Engagement Coordinator, Chicago Center for Health and Environment
Daisy Magaña serves as the Engagement Core Coordinator at the Chicago Center for Health and Environment (CACHET) Community Engagement Core (CEC), where she and her team play a key role in fostering partnerships with communities affected by environmental hazards, pollutants, and health risks. In this capacity, she works with her team to identify priority environmental concerns and aligns these issues with CACHET's research initiatives. With expertise in both environmental and public health, Daisy has worked on impactful research, including a Qualitative Community Needs Assessment focused on Chicago's Southeast Side. Her contributions also extend to projects addressing violence against women and the Healthcare Transformation Program, which seeks to improve healthcare services and address the unmet needs of communities across Illinois.
Paulina Vaca
Urban Resilience Associate, Center for Neighborhood Technology
Paulina Vaca is a young urban sustainability professional and qualitative researcher born, raised, and currently residing alongside Lake Michigan. She brings an intersectional environmental lens to Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT), where she has spent over the past three years working within its Urban Resilience team. Here, she most enjoys supporting Chicago's frontline environmental justice organizations as an analytical partner. Her research, advocacy, and urban planning work at CNT has garnered national attention and has contributed to local sustainable infrastructure investments in the million-dollar range and more. Paulina is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a B.A. in Environmental Studies; her undergraduate research is now peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development. Outside of CNT, you can often find Paulina enjoying the simple things in life like a warm cup of matcha or a long stroll.
Beyond the Box: A Journey of Innovation and Sustainability in Packaging
Every package you have ever interacted with has a story. Its journey begins long before it is in your hands, through hours of design, testing, manufacturing and more. Eventually it makes its way to the waste management system where another phase of its journey will start. Billions of packages follow this path daily, yet few consumers understand the important decisions, technologies, and sustainability considerations that shape each package’s existence. Our panel’s goal is to educate audience members that sustainability decisions can be made at every stage of a package’s lifecycle. Join local experts directly involved in the packaging life cycle from: Development and Testing, to End-of-Life Waste Management and Analytics for Measuring Impact. Sustainability is not a destination, but a continuous process of thoughtful innovation. We hope you will walk away inspired with the knowledge that even seemingly small choices can lead to profound environmental impacts which contribute to a more sustainable future.
Joey Beyersdorfer
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Clear Packaging
Joey Beyersdorfer is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Clear Packaging, an ISO 17025 accredited packaging laboratory and analytics company that partners with internationally known brands, packaging manufacturers, and raw material suppliers to improve packaging quality, promote sustainability, and enhance the overall packaging experience. Joey earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.
Emily Williams
Sustainability and Innovation Partnerships Leader, TC Transcontinental Packaging
Emily is the Sustainability and Innovation Partnerships Leader with TC Transcontinental Packaging. At TC she is externally focused, forging relationships with customers, suppliers, experts in recovery, end market users, and a selection of industry organizations. She then brings this information internally to guide product development in TC’s sustainable product platforms and to identify risks and opportunities. She is the Chair of the Advocacy subcommittee within the Emerging Leaders Council in the Flexible Packaging Association, a board member of the Flexible Packaging Associations PAC, the summit planning committee chair and a Board member for AMERIPEN, manages TC’s relationship with How2Recycle, a member of the Communications and Public Affairs Committee within the Association of Plastics Recyclers, and a regular participant of Sustainable Packaging Coalition events as well as a frequent speaker or panelist on sustainable packaging topics at other industry events.
Jeff Snyder
Senior VP of Recycling & Sustainability, Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Jeff started his career with Smurfit WestRock in 1991 where he held several positions on the mill and converting side of the business. Jeff joined Smurfit WestRock’s recycling division in 2008 where he ran several recycling plants in Indianapolis, Ind., Chattanooga, Tn., Huntsville, Al., and Columbus, Oh. Jeff oversaw the building of several Single stream MRF’s while with the Company. In 2014 Jeff joined Pratt Industries as the Midwest Mill Buyer & Operations Manager. He oversaw the sourcing of 50,000 tons a month of fiber for both Valparaiso, In & Wapakoneta, Oh. Paper mills. He also managed 3 recycling plants and all mill fiber operations. In 2020 Jeff joined Rumpke as Senior Vice President of Recycling & Sustainability where he oversees the Recycling line of business and 14 recycling plants. Jeff graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Business Management. Jeff lives in Cincinnati with his wife Jackie.
Nathan Mckee
Sustainability Analyst Manager, Trayak
Nathan McKee empowers companies to make smarter product and packaging sustainability decisions by delivering intuitive solutions and data-driven insights through Trayak's EcoImpact sustainability platform. With a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati, Nathan enables organizations to effectively mainstream sustainability - from new product development and launch to sustainability goals management, reporting, EPR fees, and more. Trayak partners with product and packaging specialists across industries to implement effective sustainability strategies and drive excellence using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and advanced analytics. Trayak offers an enterprise-ready suite of sustainability solutions, including the EcoImpact sustainability platform, along with a variety of experts consulting services to support your sustainability efforts at any stage.
Molly Spitzer (Moderator)
Sustainability Analyst, Trayak
Molly is a Sustainability Analyst at Trayak where she helps integrate sustainable analytics into everyday business. With Trayak’s EcoImpact-COMPASS sustainability solutions software, she primarily helps clients understand best practices for their Life Cycle Assessments. Before starting her professional career in sustainability, she studied Journalism and Environmental Studies at the University of Cincinnati.
Short Talk Series: Food Systems & Agriculture
Training Tomorrow’s Master Urban Farmers in Sustainability
Mike Hogan, Extension Educator and Associate Professor, Ohio State University Extension
Urban farming is now widely accepted as a valuable land use in urban areas of the United States and other countries. Urban farms have similar challenges related to sustainability as farms in more rural locations do. One of the challenges of sustaining urban farms is equipping urban farmers and aspiring urban farmers with skills that enable them to develop farms and food-based businesses which are sustainable environmentally, economically, and from a social or community perspective. The Master Urban Farmer program has been developed to teach urban farmers how to incorporate sustainable practices into production, marketing, and business functions of their operations. The program includes classroom training, on-farm training opportunities, internship opportunities, and ongoing professional development. More than 500 new and experienced urban farmers have completed the program, with more than half of participants indicating that they have identified methods for increasing the sustainability of their operations. Speaker Bio: Mike Hogan is Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Associate Professor with Ohio State University Extension. Hogan also serves as the statewide Urban Agriculture Team Coordinator for OSU Extension and is also the Ohio Coordinator for the USDA SARE Program (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education). Hogan’s work focuses on urban agriculture and urban food system development and small farm issues such as alternative agriculture, direct marketing, and local food systems. Hogan also provides leadership for the largest Master Gardener Volunteer program in the state in Franklin County. Hogan served a term as President of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents and has served on the national board of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals. Hogan is active in faculty governance at OSU and served a term as Faculty Council Chair representing more than 7,100 faculty at the institution.
Wendell Berry in the Suburbs
Jason Kamp, Director of Garden Programs, Gorman Heritage Farm
How would Wendell Berry tell us to live in the suburbs? He might say: “Consume less; produce more; buy local; care for the land; and love all life – starting with the smallest, most vulnerable life in the soil.” After years of telling students “the world needs problem solvers", I decided to take his and my own advice. I left teaching to become a farmer and transformed our backyard into a productive garden where we grow as much food as we can. The suburbs, with an abundance of space and people, need to produce more. Lawns can become gardens that become a network of neighborhood producers who share knowledge and resources, building healthier, more food secure communities in the process. My story is conversion – professional conversion from teacher to farmer, mindset conversion from consumer to producer, and the physical conversion of my suburban lawn to living food system. Speaker Bio: Jason Kamp is the Director of Garden Programs at Gorman Heritage Farm in Evendale, Ohio, where he supports operations in all garden spaces at the farm including cut flower and specialty vegetable production in the Market Garden. With Gorman for 7 years now, he also manages garden volunteers, teaches gardening classes, and does public speaking and outreach events. Prior to this, Jason was a high school English teacher and hockey coach at St. Xavier High School. After 9 years of teaching, he was inspired by the work of Wendell Berry (and others) to become a farmer and an advocate for regenerative agriculture and sustainable living. He lives with his wife Sarah and dog Westley in Dillonvale. Over the last 5 years, he has built a massive backyard garden where they grow as much of their own food as possible. You can follow his story on Instagram: @jasonthebackyardfarmer.
Cannabis and Sustainable Development
Andrea Chaillet, Graduate Student, Miami University
Sustainable development is a rising concern in the cannabis industry as more states legalize medical or adult-use marijuana. This increase in accessibility and demand can have critical impacts on the environment, and ultimately human health. Each part of the life cycle of cannabis products, from cultivation to post-consumer stages, has potential for improvement to better align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Cannabis sativa is an agricultural crop that is classified as hemp or as marijuana depending on the THC content. The mass production of both hemp and marijuana results in similar environmental challenges as other crops. This includes irrigation, lighting, packaging, transportation, and more. However, cannabis cultivation is also an opportunity to implement creative solutions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. These solutions include turning to hemp as a source of nutrition, using bioplastic or reclaimed ocean plastics for packaging, and utilizing home-grow as an educational tool and community building activity. Speaker Bio: Andrea Chaillet is a graduate student at Miami University working towards a Master of Arts in biology. Her research combines her passions of cannabis and conservation to promote business practices that are better for people and the planet. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies from the University of Cincinnati in 2022, along with certificates in horticulture and cannabis studies. In 2021, she was named one of Veriheal’s Innovation in Cannabis award winners for her essay on cannabis and sustainable development. This sparked her passion for writing about cannabis-related issues. She is a contributing author for Courage in Cannabis: The Triumphant Stories and a contributing writer for MedicateOH. In addition to being a graduate student and a writer, she is also a dispensary supervisor at Queen City Cannabis.
Growing Resilience: The Cincinnati Zoo’s Hydroponics Program
Zack Burns, Hydroponics Technician, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) is pioneering sustainable solutions to enhance food security for its animal community. This session will showcase outcomes from the pilot year of CZBG’s Hydroponics Program, and insights into its impact. Learn how CZBG is reducing supply chain vulnerabilities, Scope 3 emissions, and operational costs by growing high-quality, pesticide-free produce on-site. We will share key results—8,810 pounds of fresh romaine and kale grown, a 15.12 MtCO2e reduction in emissions, and 84,978 guests engaged in sustainability education through the Giraffe Feeding Program. Participants will explore how controlled environment agriculture supports resilient food systems, from mitigating climate disruptions to hands-on student learning through the Zoo Academy. This session will inspire actionable strategies for integrating sustainable agriculture into conservation, education, and community initiatives. Join us to discover how innovative food production can drive sustainability in zoos, cities, and beyond. Speaker Bio: Zack Burns is an experienced sustainability and hydroponics specialist with a strong background in controlled environment agriculture and local food systems. Currently serving as the Hydroponics Technician at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG), he leads the development and expansion of the zoo’s hydroponic farming program, producing fresh, sustainable food for zoo animals while reducing supply chain emissions. Before joining CZBG, Zack spent six years at 80 Acres Farms, a leader in vertical farming, where he gained extensive expertise in hydroponic crop production and operations management. He also has prior experience at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Wild Encounters team, where he engaged in conservation education and animal care. Zack attended Northern Kentucky University and is passionate about sustainability, resilient food systems, and community education on hydroponic farming.
Cincinnati Permaculture Institute: Boots on the Ground Seeding Change
Susan VonderHaar, Director, Cincinnati Permaculture Institute
With funding from ‘Seeds of Change’ and ‘Boots on the Ground’ grant initiatives, Cincinnati Permaculture Institute (CPI) has worked at 20+ sites with 100+ individuals who have become Food Champions. Together we installed Food Forests and Forage Gardens with 1000+ trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants; edible, medicinal, pollinator supportive, native and specialized species to create edible landscape. CPI is the only Green Cincinnati Plan Champion of action #F.14: “Training farmers and gardeners to increase success, including adaptation to a changing climate”. Perennial plants adapt to climate changes in real time. Using the innovative practices of Permaculture, the sites are sequestering carbon, purifying air, water, and soil, promoting biodiversity by providing habitat and food for both humans and non-human. Our stories exemplify how direct action with residents and established organizations in communities is so efficient and effective and is a model for localized action and economy with average cost of
Community and Agriculture Resilience Audit Tool
Jodee Smith, Jodee Smith, Resilient Food Systems Manager, Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University
The CARAT tool helps community stakeholders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors assess how they currently utilize the assets of their local food system to achieve a substantial level of community resilience. CARAT measures the programs, policies, and practices within a food system via 101 indicators to determine possible next steps to increase community resiliency and food sovereignty. These indicators revolve around seven core themes that address the complex nature of community resiliency. Each requires the attention and participation of a diverse team of community participants who work together to provide a holistic perspective of how food systems play an integral role in their community’s resilience. Speaker Bio: Jodee leads the FARMWISE Indiana project focused on values-based food procurement. With more than 12 years’ experience, Jodee works with agencies, nonprofits, and municipalities to re-regionalize food systems for Indiana, and to support the small and midsized businesses that are critical for a thriving food economy. As the resilient food systems manager for the Environmental Resilience Institute at Indiana University, Jodee supports communities working to inventory their food system using the CARAT tool, and co-leads efforts to create a statewide food charter, the Indiana Food Vision. Jodee earned her BA in Botany at the University of Montana and her MS in Plant Biology from the University of California, Davis.
How UFI Coordinates Circular Food Systems in Our Neighborhoods and Cities
Kevin Mackey, Co-founder and President, Urban Farming Initiative
Most neighborhoods and cities have all the elements of a circular food system—growing, harvesting, processing, distribution, consumption, and recycling—yet they’re disconnected. Learn from the co-founder and CEO of the Urban Farming Initiative how they tie them together by transforming unused or underutilized spaces into thriving urban gardens, farms, and food hubs. Speaker Bio: Kevin Mackey is a serial entrepreneur who believes talented people have the opportunity to build businesses and benefit themselves. Over his career, he has launched companies of all sizes, from fast-growth ventures to solo endeavors, learning from their successes and challenges. He founded the Urban Farming Initiative and Urban Farm Network to modernize local food systems, making healthier, more affordable options accessible. Drawing on experience leading both large-scale and impact-focused projects, Kevin blends practical know-how with a commitment to empowering fellow entrepreneurs and their communities.
Community Gardening: Food Resilience through Collaborative Work
Peter Huttinger, Director, Community Garden Program, Turner Farm
The Turner Farm Community Garden Program is committed to building connections between people and the land that feeds and sustains us. Through collaborative gardening methods - and innovative urban land use - we work towards growing strong communities, a culture of generosity, and a personal connection to agriculture through regenerative biological horticultural practices, cooperative work, experiential learning, and civic engagement. Speaker Bio: With an emphasis on biological agricultural practices, experiential learning and civic engagement Peter Huttinger, director of the Turner Farm Community Garden Program, is an advocate for connecting people to their food through collaborative work and innovative urban land use. A resident of Cincinnati and vegetable gardener for over forty years, Peter is interested in working with traditional organic farming best-practices and exploring the evolving methods of Permaculture and regenerative agriculture practices and how they can provide healthy food for neighborhoods and encourage healthy lifestyles. Through neighborhood-centered initiatives the goal is to create collaborative urban community gardens that provide in-depth, immersive hands-on gardening experiences for participants and create opportunities for diverse communities to learn and share their cultural heritages.
Short Talk Series: Conservation & Resilience
Saving the Planet: Midwestern Evangelicals and Sustainability
Rev. Dean Van Farowe, Ohio Outreach Coordinator, Evangelical Environmental Network
Evangelicals make up nearly 20% of Ohioans, the single largest religious group in the state. Evangelical churches are anchor institutions in their neighborhoods, and contribute much to the health of their communities. Yet they are often the most skeptical about the science of climate change and can lack a sense of urgency for sustainability efforts. Therefore getting evangelicals "on board" in Ohio and in the Midwest region is critically important. Rev. Dean Van Farowe, Ohio Outreach Coordinator with the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), will speak of how EEN as a non-partisan organization mobilizes Midwestern evangelicals for local action, education, and advocacy. He will share insights of how practitioners might engage this faith community and partner with them for sustainability efforts. Speaker Bio: Rev. Dean Van Farowe is the Ohio Outreach Coordinator for the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN). EEN mobilizes evangelical Christians to care for God’s creation and work toward a stable climate and a healthy, pollution-free world. Dean equips creation care teams in Ohio churches for local engagement, education, and advocacy. Under Dean’s leadership, EEN in Ohio has developed educational events, faith-based tree care workshops, and a "Creation Care Kids" summer program. Dean is also the co-leader of the multi-denominational West Side Creation Care Team in Cleveland. Dean is the pastor of Calvary Reformed Church in Cleveland. He and his wife Christine have been married for 22 years and have three college-age children attending Ohio universities. Dean enjoys playing guitar and hiking on the Buckeye Trail.
Leveraging Regional and Federal Resources to Build Energy Startups
Dr. Aaron Goodman, Co-Founder & CEO, Petra Power
The demand for technology to help solve critical problems in climate and energy has never been higher. Thousands of innovators around the country are working diligently to bring novel solutions to the market but they all face a common challenge. Building energy technology requires capital for labor, materials, parts, overhead, and more. For hardware-based solutions this capital requirement is often far closer to $1M than $1,000 and the harsh reality is: institutional capital almost always requires tangible prototypes for investment. If Founders need hundreds of thousands of dollars to reach a prototype but can’t secure investment until they have a prototype, what are they meant to do? In this session Co-Founder & CEO of Petra Power, Aaron Goodman, will discuss his experience leveraging federal, regional, and local resources to help build his solid oxide fuel cell startup and provide insight, suggestions, and discussion about how other companies in the space can leverage these resources to help advance their own companies. Speaker Bio: Dr. Aaron Goodman is an experienced founder with a passion and focus for developing economically driven solutions to the world's most pressing energy problems. Dr. Goodman graduated Summa Cum Laude from Chapman University with a B.S. in Physics, a B.S. in Chemistry, and a minor in Political Science. He spent three months working at UT Vienna on nuclear irradiated materials before starting his doctorate work at Princeton University. Aaron carried out his work at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory focusing on disruption phenomenon in tokamak fusion plasmas and optical diagnostics for fusion and astrophysical plasmas. Dr. Goodman and his Co-Founder, Phillip Clift, have built Petra Power with the mission to reduce costs and emissions associated with fossil fuels today; and help lower the barrier of entry to clean fuels, such as hydrogen, in the future.
Avondale Resilience Hub Co-Creation at Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio
Howard Miller, Environmental Manager, City of Cincinnati
Resilience Hubs use a physical space – a building and its surrounding infrastructure - to meet numerous goals both physical and social to enhance community resilience. This concept led to the co-creation of a resilience hub at the Urban League’s facility located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Avondale. A work plan was prepared following the Urbaan Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) guidance to accomplish this goal. A community-based advisory group was then organized to attend in-person meetings and guide engagement to survey and prioritize community needs. A separate survey was conducted to document the current physical and programmatic attributes of the facility. An energy audit and solar assessment report informed the facility of resilient power opportunities. A strategic plan was then drafted to implement selected priorities the community voiced. Finally, through project learnings, the initial work plan was revised to be used as a playbook for future resilience hubs. Speaker Bio: Howard Miller is an Environmental Manager at the City of Cincinnati, Office of Environment & Sustainability with over 28 years of private and public experience in helping stakeholders complete meaningful environmental projects. Howard has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in geology with an emphasis on environmental science. Specializing in resilience and climate adaptation projects, Howard uses his training and experience to help align community needs with facility operations to co-create resilience hubs.
Collaborative Conservation: Building Organizational Capacity for Equitable Impact
Fred Wills, Midwest Director of Conservation Equity and Organizational Inclusion, The Nature Conservancy
This session highlights The Nature Conservancy's strategic partnerships with external collaborators who serve impacted communities. Together, we demonstrate practical approaches to strengthen organizational readiness for inclusive conservation work. Our methodology enhances institutional capacity while ensuring diverse community needs remain central to our mission. Participants will gain insights into how these collaborative relationships have transformed our approach to conservation, resulting in outcomes that are both distributive and durable. The session offers valuable perspectives on measuring impact and creating lasting change through partnerships that bridge traditional conservation with community-driven priorities. Speaker Bio: Fred currently serves as the Midwest Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement for The Nature Conservancy, where he champions high-impact conservation initiatives that deliver equitable benefits to diverse stakeholders. His career includes groundbreaking DEI leadership roles at major healthcare institutions—Mayo Clinic and Nationwide Children's Hospital—where he pioneered innovative approaches before DEI became a mainstream organizational priority. Fred's consulting experience focuses on driving systemic change through organizational culture transformation. His professional background is enriched by international service with the Peace Corps in Malawi and a master's in public administration from California State University, Long Beach.
Storytelling for Sustainability: Building Buy-in with 'Fairfield Sustains'
Gillian Hart, Sustainability Program Manager, City of Fairfield, Ohio
Crafting a compelling narrative and robust frameworks are critical for successful planning and implementation of sustainability and climate action plans. Beyond policy, municipalities must tell a story that resonates with stakeholders. Effective communication, coupled with a champion voice to advocate for the plan is the key to securing buy-in from councils, residents, and partners. The "Fairfield Sustains" plan exemplifies this approach, transforming sustainability goals into a shared vision. Its ambitious Sustainability Action Plan consists of 10 major goals, 30 strategies, and approximately 100 action steps. Prioritizing resource efficiency, natural space preservation, and community well-being, Fairfield is embedding sustainability within its core municipal operations. By framing sustainability as a smart investment, Fairfield moves beyond ideals to tangible advantages. Explore how this strategy, blending clear communication with a powerful advocate, transformed 'Fairfield Sustains' from a plan into a shared, actionable vision, fostering widespread support. Speaker Bio: Gillian, a recent graduate of Miami University Masters of Environmental Science program with an area of concentration in Water Resources and Environmental Public Health, brings a comprehensive project management approach to her role as the City of Fairfield's Sustainability Program Manager. Leading the implementation of Fairfield's Sustainability Action Plan, Gillian coordinates an array of partners and utilizes data analysis to measure the impact of strategic initiatives. Her expertise ensures efficient, effective, and meaningful project execution. Fueling her work is a deep passion for the environment, sustainability and community well-being, ensuring Fairfield's goals become tangible, positive realities for its residents.
Communal Cohesion Post-Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina
Zoe R. Codd, Program & Volunteer Specialist, AmeriCorps Project POWER
A telling of our shared reality from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In a time of coinciding forced self-reliance and the crisis of climate, strength of community is essential in proactivity as well as reactivity or response to natural disasters. This story is a prime example of how communal cohesion is key; of how important it is for counties, cities, and towns to ensure that all of the (many times) commonly separated areas of a region are preemptively brought together, from both a physical and social perspective. Unity can be achieved in a variety of ways, and in the story I will share, it is approached through a collective concerted community effort. In modern society, the collective carries true power, more than we think we do. Now is the time to foster and further support the growth of this power. Speaker Bio: Zoe R. Codd is an avid environmentalist, integrative artist & writer, advocate, climate communicator, and educator. Over the past 5 years—from Cincinnati to Asheville, NC—Zoe has worked within communications, education, community outreach, program development, and volunteer management roles for environmental nonprofits, local governments, and national service. Her focus remains on promoting the use of integrative approaches to solution based initiatives taken to approach modern complex issues, especially those related to climate change response. Zoe acts from a sense of radical hope, logical optimism, and recognition of a shared purpose of human consciousness—to care for that which has given us life to begin with, that which we rely on to survive—the Earth itself.
Building a Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights & Utilizing Youth Voices for Change
Isaac Smitherman, Council Assistant, City of Cincinnati Office of Councilwoman Meeka Owens
Hear about the power of a Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR) and how it can be utilized to elevate youth voices and inspire change. Learn how the accompanying guidebook, that provides essential resources for achieving the goals of the COBOR, was created and how its creation is building the next generation of climate leaders. Speaker Bio: Isaac Smitherman is a Cincinnati native and graduate of the University of Cincinnati. After receiving his degree in Environmental Engineering, he began working in the Office of Councilwoman Meeka Owens leading point on the creation of the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. Over the past year, has engaged a multitude of youth organizations and community stakeholders and is excited to present the completed Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights and accompanying guidebook.
EVs for All. EV Ownership Must Not Be the Redlining of the 21st. Century
Rap Hankins, President, Drive Electric Dayton
Electric Vehicle adoption is normally supported by national and local government subsidies. Global warming is real and affects individuals and nations who can least afford it. Today, it is up to individuals and environmentally focused organizations to perform the role that is normally performed by the government, encouraging auto manufacturers to develop EVs that are AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, and RELIABLE. Needed ordinances and policies adopted by local governments must be protected by the principle of home rule and state legislatures encouraging US auto manufacturers to create jobs for the US citizens in their states and cities. It is critical that ordinances encourage infrastructure when new construction, for both residential and commercial, begins. Savings of over 50% is the rule instead of the exception, creating green jobs and aiding in building a cleaner environment. These tasks have been handed to us at this conference to insure a better and more sustainable world. Speaker Bio: Rap Hankins is the president of Drive Electric Dayton (DED). He has taken on the role with vigor and urgency to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Greater Miami Valley and throughout the state of Ohio. He is the Chairman of the Racial Equity Initiative of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and a member of Black Environmental Leaders. DED’s motto is EVs FOR ALL. From hosting multiple events, giving presentations, educating city staff at municipal conferences and engaging elected officials one on one, DED’s efforts know no bounds. DED is especially committed to the installation of EV infrastructure in underserved communities where EVs must be ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, and RELIABLE. DED believes it is essential to “go where the people are.” DED operates an EV school for new EV owners and regularly holds training for auto dealers interested in offering the best service for their EV customers.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
To become a sponsor of the 2025 Summit, please contact charlie@greenumbrella.org
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KERAMIDA, Sustainergy, Rumpke, UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS), Z3 Data Services, Cincinnati Public Radio, CET-PBS, Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC),
UC Sustainability, KZF Design, Interfaith Cincy, Electrification Coalition