Leading Ladies: 8 Inspiring Women in Sustainability You Need to Know

In the quest for a more sustainable and equitable world, women are leading the charge. They are ruling across a broad range of industries including renewable energy to waste management solutions. This post aims to honor and showcase the accomplishments of women who are truly making a difference in the world. 

Daniela V. Fernandez – Founder of Sustainable Ocean Alliance 

Daniela V. Fernandez is an accomplished entrepreneur and environmentalist. At Georgetown University, she founded the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), a non-profit dedicated to preserving ocean health through leadership programs and funding companies. In just six years, she has transformed SOA into a global organization that has already accelerated 45 companies. Fernandez's impressive work has earned her a spot on Forbes' 30 under 30 list and a position as a member of the World Economic Forum Friends of Ocean Action. 

Winona LaDuke - Program Director of Honor The Earth

Winona LaDuke is an Indigenous environmentalist, political activist, and program director for Honor the Earth. Her work focuses on climate change, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, and environmental justice for Indigenous communities. She is the founder of organizations such as the White Earth Land Recovery Project and Honor the Earth. She's been recognized for many things, including being inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and named one of Time magazine's 50 most promising leaders under the age of 40. 

Dana Spaulding -  Founder of Wander+Ivy 

Dana Spaulding was tired of wasting good wine and created Wander+Ivy to provide a single-serve option that tasted good, used organic ingredients, and was packaged sustainably. They partner with sustainable wine producers and offer a 6.3-ounce serving in patented reusable glass packaging. Wander+Ivy is the only guilt-free, quality and sustainable option for wine lovers.

Jasmine Crowe -  Founder of GoodrCo

Jasmine Crowe created Goodr, a food waste management platform, after years of feeding local Atlantans in need. Her goal is to tackle hunger as a logistic problem and reduce waste. Goodr has raised over $1 million in Venture Capital and is now a full-scale waste management company, addressing socio-economic challenges. Jasmine's mission is to make a positive impact on the world by reducing food waste and feeding those in need.

Jennifer Granholm - United States Secretary of Energy 

Jennifer Granholm, the first female governor of Michigan, strengthened the automotive industry during the 2008 Great Recession and paved the way for electric vehicle battery production. She later joined the faculty at the University of California and advised the Clean Energy Program for Pew Charitable Trusts. As the current U.S. Secretary of Energy, Granholm is working to accelerate research and development for clean technologies such as carbon capture, green hydrogen, and energy storage.

Jane Burston -  Founding Executive Director of The Clean Air Fund

Jane Burston is a prominent figure in the fight against air pollution, serving as the founding executive director of The Clean Air Fund. With a focus on empowering funders, policymakers, and campaigners to make a positive impact on global air quality, the philanthropic foundation has become a leader in the field. Burston's impressive resume includes a role as Head of Climate and Energy Science for the UK government, where she managed a £45m science program and the country's greenhouse gas inventory. 

Diana Verde Nieto, Co-founder of Positive Luxury

Diana Verde Nieto is a well-respected leader in sustainability with a global reputation. She co-founded Positive Luxury, an organization dedicated to assisting brands in adapting to the emerging sustainable economy. Through independent certification, expert advice, and industry analysis, Positive Luxury helps clients stay ahead of the curve in the world's shift towards sustainability.

The company has been recognized with The Butterfly Mark, a prestigious certification for luxury businesses making positive contributions to society and the environment. Nieto's expertise was also enhanced by training from Al Gore at the Alliance of Climate Protection.

Ashley Allen - Chief Sustainability Officer of Oatly 

Ashley Allen's extensive career in climate strategy began in the public sector with the U.S. State Department, USAID, and the White House Environmental Council, where she played a significant role in launching President Obama's U.S. Climate Action Plan. She transitioned to the private sector in 2017, assuming the position of CSO for Oatly, a Swedish dairy alternative company.

As CSO of Oatly, she is leading the company's commitment to reduce water withdrawals, championing the conversion of dairy milk consumption to oat milk, and supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives.

The contributions of women leaders in sustainability are indispensable and continue to shape the future of our planet. By breaking gender barriers and overcoming societal obstacles, these women are creating pathways for other women to follow in their footsteps.