Women in Sustainability Are Setting an Example for the World

It really is no surprise that women in sustainability are setting an example for the world as they have been socialized to take care of others, so they are more likely to  are about the environment.

Dr. Rachel Howell, lecturer in Sociology/Sustainable Development in the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh, says that women have been socialized to take care of others, which means they are more likely to care about environmental problems and adopt green behaviors. This drive to learn more has led to a higher level of education within sustainability, making these women the ideal candidates to fill executive roles in large companies.

Surveys have revealed that women in sustainability are setting the example by making the most changes toward a greener future. In fact, many sustainability executives in global companies are women, including at Google, Microsoft, Siemens, Delta Airlines, and Amazon. In 2021, the Weinreb Group found that while there is very little racial diversity, 54% of chief sustainability officers in the U.S. were women. The European Investment Fund reports that women-led companies have higher ESG scores and better track records of adopting environmentally friendly policies.

Educating girls as a Climate Solution with Vanessa Nakate

6 Women in Sustainability Setting an Example 

KATE BRANDT — Chief Sustainability Officer at Google

Kate is a notorious personality in sustainability. In her role as of Chief Sustainability Officer at Google she closely works with Google’s data centers, real estate, supply chain, and product teams to ensure that the company is making true progress towards sustainability and the circular economy while the business operations run smoothly. The multi-award recipient was the United States’ first Federal Chief Sustainability Officer and promoted sustainability across Federal Government operations. Additionally, she was senior advisor at the Department of Energy, director for energy and environment in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, and energy advisor to the Secretary of the Navy (if you’re still not impressed, she started working at the Pentagon when she was 24). According to Google’s 2023 Environmental Report, the company is driving positive environmental outcomes throughout in three key ways: developing products and technology that empower individuals on their journey to a more sustainable life, working together with partners and organizations everywhere to transition to resilient, low-carbon systems, and operating more sustainably as a business.

BEATRIZ PEREZ — EVP and Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer at Coca Cola

As EVP and Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer for The Coca‑Cola Company, Bea became the company’s first chief sustainability officer in 2011 and her team became the driving force behind the company’s World Without Waste program as well as its global commitments to promote Water Stewardship and Women’s Economic Empowerment. She joined Coca-Cola in 1994 and went on to hold senior-level branding, marketing, operations, and public policy roles within the international giant – she even learned how to drive a Coca‑Cola delivery truck to get a fuller vision. She was named “Conservation Trailblazer” by The Trust for Public Land, and she has been one of the Association of Latino Professionals for America “50 Most Powerful Latinas” in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Bea is a member of the American Advertising Hall of Fame, the Sports Business Journal’s Hall of Fame, and the PR Week Hall of Fame. The University of Maryland graduate is also chair of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, the company’s global philanthropic arm. Under her watch, Cola-Cola exceeded its 100% water replenishment goal five years ahead of schedule, increased recycled packaging to 90%, and collected and recycled 69% of its bottle and cans sold globally. Her long-term goals include 100% regenerative water use in 175 plants in high-water-stress areas by 2030 and 100% recyclable packaging globally by 2025.

What Is a Sustainable Approach to Fashion and Why Should We Embrace It?

RAQUEL MOSES — UNFCCC Global Ambassador and Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator

Racquel Moses is the current CEO of the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, which aims to help transform the Caribbean economy through fast-tracking public and private investment opportunities, supporting climate action and economic growth. She works closely with government officials, as well as public and private sector stakeholders, to develop strategies that drive investment projects across the Caribbean on a large scale. Prior to her current role, Moses served as the country manager for Microsoft Trinidad and Tobago and the regional director of the public sector for Microsoft Caribbean. Under her leadership, the CCSA has embraced climate-resilient solutions to push forward climate action in the Caribbean. The team’s goal is to promote and facilitate partnerships between philanthropic organizations and financial institutions, showcasing the many investment opportunities in the Caribbean these days. This showcases the region’s creative approach as a leader in climate action.

MUSIDORA JORGENSEN — Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft

Musidora was appointed Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer in January of 2023. She has been a prominent figure in the IT industry for over 20 years and has been named one of the most influential women in technology by Computer Weekly. She held leadership positions in both the private and public sectors in the UK, working for big technology and telecom companies like Oracle, HP, and Salesforce before her current role at Microsoft. During her three-year tenure at Salesforce, she climbed up the ranks from Regional Vice President to Area Vice President and Head of UK Energy and Utilities. In this role, she managed the energy and utilities business of the company, achieving double-digit overall growth. Musidora is also passionate about mentoring, coaching and sponsoring women in male-dominated industries, particularly those in tech and sales. She volunteers her time as a mentor to final year STEM students at the University of Greenwich. Her goal is to help Microsoft achieve its commitment to become carbon negative by 2030, as well as its commitments regarding water, waste, and biodiversity.

PAULETTE FRANK — Chief Sustainability Officer at Johnson & Johnson

Paulette Frank is the Chief Sustainability Officer at the largest healthcare company in the world, Johnson & Johnson. With 25 years of experience in their ranks, she is responsible for defining the strategic direction to accelerate and amplify J&J’s positive environmental impact. Paulette has worked in environmental stewardship, employee health and safety, and sustainability for 30 years. She is a popular guest at international workshops and conferences, giving a voice to the company’s values and commitment to creating a healthy future for people and the planet. Under her leadership, J&J launched their climate goals in 2020, which aim to accelerate the transition to 100% renewable electricity, carbon neutrality for its operations, and reduction of upstream carbon emissions through partnerships. Frank also co-chairs the J&J Supply Chain Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and is a member of the Center for Business and the Environment at Yale (CBEY) Advisory Board, which she co-chaired in the past. Paulette is a biologist from Duke University with a Master of Environmental Studies degree from Yale University’s School of the Environment.

Circular Economy Through Recycling Footwear

DAMILOLA OGUNBIYI — Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All

Damilola Ogunbiyi is the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All. Her work in the field of sustainable energy is recognized globally and she received the Energy Institute President’s Award in 2023. Under her leadership, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) has grown its global influence and country support, providing clear pathways to fast-track progress towards universal energy access, ending energy poverty, and advancing global equitable energy transition. Before joining SEforALL, Damilola Ogunbiyi was the first female Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency and the first female General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board. She has initiated projects and facilities that have provided energy access to millions of people across Nigeria. Currently, she serves as a member of various advisory boards and is passionate about achieving SDG7, which calls for access to reliable, affordable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.