About

Ali Santore is Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Social Responsibility for Providence, one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Her national advocacy and engagement strategies have advanced federal priorities that preserve and expand access to care for the underserved, positioning Providence as a leading advocate for mental health, advance care planning, and strengthening the Medicaid program. Ali also oversees Providence's social responsibility programs, including the organization's initiative to become carbon-negative by 2030.

Prior to her work at Providence, Ali served as a vice president with CFM Strategic Communications, a federal lobbying firm based in Portland, Ore, and Washington, D.C. Earlier in her career she served as a legislative assistant to Sen. Gordon H. Smith and as professional staff to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging during Sen. Smith’s tenure as both chairman and ranking member. Her role included advising on Sen. Smith's health and human services legislative agenda during his service on several Senate committees.

In 2016, Ali was honored to receive national recognition from the Catholic Health Association as a recipient of the Tomorrow’s Leader award. Ali was awarded the Oregon State Society’s 2017 Webfoot Award in recognition of her service to the volunteer organization and her role in national politics during the last 10 years. In 2020, Ali was honored with the Visionary Leader Award by Practice Greenhealth, an organization dedicated to sustainable health care. A graduate of the University of Oregon with degrees in political science and philosophy, Ali is a guest lecturer at the George Washington University Milken School for Public Health. Her professional associations include membership in the Washington D.C. Society of Young Professionals, and service on the National Charity League and the board of the Oregon State Society.

As Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars, Incorporated, Parkin is responsible for developing Mars’ sustainability programs across the value chain from farmers through to consumers. He works with the business unit’s sourcing teams to develop Mars’ corporate sourcing strategies across all raw materials and with the operational teams to build programs to make Mars’ operations sustainable in a generation. Barry is also the Chairman of the World Cocoa Foundation. In this position, he leads the industry’s collaborative efforts to advance sustainable cocoa. During his 32-year career at Mars, Barry has worked in a diverse set of roles across Sustainability, Procurement, Engineering, Business Development, Supply Chain and Human Resources. Barry holds an Engineering Science Degree from Cambridge University and is a Chartered Engineer (IMechE). Barry is from the U.K. and currently lives in the U.S. with his wife, Sue and their four children that range in age from 11 to 26.

Mars' Sustainable in a Generation Plan has three interconnected ambitions that foster growth and leave the world in a place for future generations to enjoy. Mars aims to create a healthy planet by setting science based targets, thriving people through improving the work lives of people throughout the supply chain, and nourishing wellbeing by advancing "science, innovation and marketing in ways that help billions of people and their pets lead healthier, happier lives. To measure impacts and set long term targets, "Mars is making sure to source ingredients from the best supplies- suppliers who take care of the land they farm, and who respect the rights of everyone involved. From helping to lift farmers out of poverty to respecting natural resources, we are trying to make a difference."

The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus is the eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California. Prior to his election as Bishop of California, Andrus served as Bishop Suffragan in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1979, and a master’s in social sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg in 1982. In 1987, Andrus was awarded a Master of Divinity degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. His leadership has focused on key issues related to peace and justice, including immigration reform, civil rights for LBGTQ+ persons, health care, and climate change. Andrus is married to Sheila Andrus, Ph.D., former director of the Sparkman Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Public Health, and they have two adult daughters: Chloé and Pilar.

Dr. Bonnie Styles has served as the Executive Director of the Association of Science Museum Directors (ASMD) since 2017 and before that served as their President and Secretary. She served on the Visiting Science Committee for the National Museum of Natural History in 2020. She has served on the Smithsonian Institution’s Native American Repatriation Review Committee since 2018. She was appointed as an adjunct Research Associate in Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History in 2018 and was appointed as an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at Northwestern University (2017-2020). She was named as Director Emeritus and an Adjunct Research Associate of the Illinois State Museum (ISM) System in 2015. After serving in progressively responsible positions of Anthropology Chair, Director of Sciences, and Associate Director, she directed the ISM system for 10 years. For over 20 years, she also led the ISM’s interdisciplinary Landscape History Research Program, which studied long-term changes in climate, landforms, plant and animal communities, and human interactions with the land. She brought in numerous federal grants from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services and other funds to support and develop ISM research, educational programs, and exhibitions. She is a champion for the value of interdisciplinary research and informal science education and environmental sustainability in museums.

She is also a leader in the scientific community. She has served as President of the Midwest Archaeological Conference and the Illinois Archaeological Survey and on the Society for American Archaeology Board. She was the Secretary-Treasurer of the American Quaternary Association for 14 years. She received the Distinguished Career Award from the Midwest Archaeological Conference in 2018. She is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Geological Society of America, and Illinois State Academy of Science.

She has a BA in anthropology from Arizona State University, a M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from Northwestern University, and her specialty is zooarchaeology. Her research explores the interplay among climate change, landscape evolution, and changes in human subsistence practices in the Interior Eastern United States. She has 75 publications dealing with archaeological and museum themes.

In the year 2000, Mayor Beam Furr was elected as a Hollywood City Commissioner, serving for 12 years. During his tenure, he worked hard to bring resources to a largely low-to-moderate-income area and improve opportunity for all residents. Mayor Furr was elected to the Broward County Commission in 2014 and reelected in 2018. He is currently proud to serve as Broward County Mayor and as the elected Commissioner for District 6, representing parts of Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, and Pembroke Pines. As an advocate for South Florida communities, Mayor Furr has worked tirelessly to protect and enhance the local environment, spearheading efforts to protect waterways and natural spaces. Mayor Furr has dedicated himself to combating the dangers of climate change and preserving Broward County’s beautiful beaches, parks, and neighborhoods for generations to come. He chairs the Broward County Water Advisory Board and previously chaired the Broward County Climate Change Task Force.

Francesca DeBiase is McDonald's Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer. DeBiase seeks to further embed sustainability into the way McDonald’s does business around the world. Applying her corporate experience to the company’s sustainability priorities, she challenges her team to set increasingly higher targets that grow the business by making a positive difference in society. Since joining McDonald’s in 1991, Francesca has held numerous management roles in Supply Chain and Finance in the U.S. and internationally. Francesca is a Board member of Hephzibah Children’s Association. For Loyola University Chicago, she is an Advisory Board member to the Supply and Value Chain Center. She is also a passionate advocate for women and is a Global Advisor to the McDonald’s Women’s Leadership Network. She began her career with Ernst & Young and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics from Loyola University Chicago. She currently resides in Oak Park, Illinois with her husband and daughter.

McDonald's has focused its priorities around the major social and environmental impacts of their food and business, as well as the environmental and social issues that matter most to their customers and employees. McDonald's is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 36% by 2030 from a 2015 base year. Projects to reach this goal include LED lighting, energy efficient kitchen equipment, sustainable packaging, restaurant recycling, and by elevating and supporting sustainable agriculture practices. As one of the largest purchasers of beef, McDonald's has been a founding member of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef which aims to manage natural resources responsibly, respect people and communities, care for the welfare of animals, ensure the safety and quality of beef, and drive efficiency and innovation to reduce waste and improve economic viability.

Jay Inslee is a fifth-generation Washingtonian who has lived and worked on both sides of the Cascades. He grew up in the Seattle area where his father, Frank, was a high school teacher and coach. His mother worked as a salesclerk at Sears & Roebuck. Jay worked his way through college and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in economics before earning his law degree at Willamette University. He and his wife, Trudi, then moved to Selah, a small town near Yakima where they raised their three sons. Jay worked as an attorney and prosecutor. From the shores of Puget Sound to the majesty of the Palouse, Washington is a beautiful state. The governor is working with leaders around the state to reduce air and water pollution and keep its neighborhoods great places to work and play.

Washington's Clean Air Rule went into effect in January 2017. The rule requires major sources of greenhouse gasses to limit and reduce carbon pollution and incentivize investments to reduce fossil fuel use and accelerate the adoption of clean energy. Washington is the first state to use its Clean Air Act authority to fight climate change and joins California and other states in New England in putting a price on carbon pollution. While attending the Paris Climate Conference in December 2015, the Governor announced a commitment to double the state’s commitment to Electric Vehicle deployment in the fleet to 20%. To date, the state has exceeded the goal for new vehicle acquisitions with Zero Emission vehicles comprising almost 30% of new purchases since the announcement. Washington remains among the top three states for ZEV penetration and the state is helping to lead that trend through its aggressive procurement policy.

Jeannie Renne-Malone, LEED AP BD+C leads the global sustainability function at VF Corporation, driving the company’s environmental sustainability strategy, goals and actions, covering all aspects of VF’s footprint, including direct corporate impacts, supply chain environmental impacts and impacts of materials and products. She sets goals and objectives, establishes strategies, engages stakeholders, tracks progress and reports results for the company. She oversees development of the annual carbon footprint and sustainability/ESG reporting in response to investor surveys and industry organizations. She leads various strategic sustainability initiatives including setting and tracking progress towards the company’s ambitious Science Based Targets, and development of VF’s Green Bond Framework which led to the issuance of the apparel & footwear industry’s first green bond. She has over 20 years of experience in sustainable development, technology transfer, renewable energy, climate change, greenhouse gas accounting, green financing, and sustainability/ESG planning and reporting. She has an MA in International Finance and Development from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, a BA in Spanish from the University of Washington, and holds several sustainability certifications. She sits on committees and boards of several environmental and industry organizations and is a Red Cross Board Member. She is fluent in Spanish. 

Katie Wallace is the Director of Social & Environmental Impact at New Belgium Brewing. In her role, she develops an organizational understanding of environmental and social issues that are impacted by and pose risk to business and brewing. She develops and implements New Belgium’s strategy to address these pressing issues, including climate change, land and water protections, and social equity. Her team works toward these goals through operational sustainability initiatives, philanthropy, policy, company culture, and brand advocacy. Based out of Colorado, Katie sits on the senior leadership team at New Belgium, co-chairs the Brewers Association Sustainability Committee, and co-founded the Glass Recycling Coalition. Before joining the sustainability team at New Belgium, Katie’s experience includes water quality, finance, sales & marketing, and supply chain. She holds degrees in Finance and Economics as well as a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology where she studied approaches to advancing a culture of sustainability in organizations.

New Belgium Brewing, makers of Voodoo Ranger IPA and Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of award-winning beers, is a nationally distributed brand based out of Colorado and North Carolina. They are employee-owned, a Certified B Corporation, and members of 1% For The Planet. As a manufacturer, New Belgium recognizes the use of energy and creation of greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the impact these emissions have on their business and beyond, they aim to minimize impact, produce renewable energy onsite, and create innovative ways to reduce demand. New Belgium is committed to carbon neutral operations by 2050. Knowing that smaller businesses cannot solve climate issues in a silo, New Belgium participates heavily in private and public collaboration at the local, state, and national level.

Monture Päki (pr. MAH-ka mon-TOUR PAH-ki) Maka Monture Paki is an indigenous author, speaker, scholar, storyteller, poet, and performer from Yakutat, Alaska. Tlingit, Filipina, and Kanien'kehá:ka, she was born into the Raven moiety, Copper River Clan, House of the Owl.  Her Tlingit name is Keixé Yaxtí, meaning “Morning Star.” Currently, Maka resides in Anchorage, Alaska, where she dedicates her personal and professional time to environmental and social advocacy on behalf of indigenous and non-indigenous youth and women. Through mentoring and coaching, Maka works to help young leaders engage in constructive dialogues with influencers and decision-makers on how to sustain Arctic communities, cultures, and biodiversity in the face of modern change.She speaks English and is learning Tlingit and Māori.

Mark Mitsui began his tenure as President of Portland Community College on September 1, 2016. Before joining PCC, he served as a President of North Seattle College in Washington state and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges within the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education for the U.S. Department of Education. In Washington he worked to advance President Obama’s community college agenda through partnerships with numerous federal agencies and national stakeholders. At PCC, he has collaborated with colleagues, students, and community members to define the college’s commitment to equitable student success, to galvanize integrated planning activities, and to move forward the college’s strategic plan.

Portland Community College is committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2006 levels by 2030 and by 80% by 2050. To date direct emissions have been reduced by 30% due to energy efficient upgrades and new LEED certified buildings. PCC is both Bee Campus USA certified, and Tree Campus USA certified. Additionally, PCC has been awarded the 2017 Climate Leadership Award and was recognized by the AASHE Sustainable Campus Index for the best practices in the Wellbeing & Work category. Mark Mitsui believes that "community colleges are the pathway to the middle class. That is where opportunity lies. We strive to foster equitable success for students and colleagues, and a sustainable prosperity for the region. With that kind of shared goal to build upon, we will go far, together."

Mayor Errick D. Simmons is the first African-American male and the second African-American mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, where he received the highest percentage (74%) of the popular vote ever received by a mayoral candidate in Greenville.

In 2007, Mayor Errick D. Simmons began his career in municipal government.  Before returning home to Greenville to start his municipal government career, Simmons graduated second in his class at T.L. Weston High School in 1995, second to his twin brother and law partner, Mississippi State Senator Derrick T. Simmons, who is the Senate Minority Leader for Democratic Party. Simmons later studied at Jackson State University, where he received a Bachelor in Business Administration in Economics in 2000.  In 2002, he received a Master’s in Arts in Economics from Howard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and received his Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law in 2005.   

Currently, Simmons serves as a member of several local, state, and national boards and organizations, to name a few: President, Mississippi Delta Mayors Association, 1st Vice President of Mississippi Municipal League (MML), Vice President of Delta Council, Mississippi Economic Council Board of Governors, Boys Scouts of America, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Washington County Economic Alliance Board of Directors, Greenville Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Annie E. Casey Applied Leadership Network, life member of NAACP, life member of Magnolia Bar Association, life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., member of Mississippi Association of Justice, Mississippi Bar Association, National Bar Association, American Bar Association, Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society, and Chairman of Washington County Democratic Party. Simmons is a certified municipal official who has completed all three certification levels (i.e. basic, advanced, and professional) of the Mississippi Municipal League’s Certified Municipal Official Program.

In the Christian spirit of unity, Mayor Simmons pushed a message of “One People, One Goal, and One Greenville” to promote unity and foster togetherness when he became mayor in 2016.  The community has taken on the call to unify and work more collectively for a better Greenville.  Keeping God as the center of his administration, Simmons first initiative was a faith-based one entitled, “Worship on the Water” where faith-based leaders across the Mississippi Delta joined him for such announcement.  Worship on the Water is a nationally recognized, interfaith, interracial initiative that fosters community and promote unity on the fifth Sunday, of every month purposed on bringing people together regardless of racial identity or religious affiliation. Simmons states, “Psalm 100 demands us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. On the fifth Sunday of every month, residents and citizens come and worship at the water on our levee front to make a joyful noise together in corporate worship. Folks are not restricted by the color of their skin nor confined by their churches’ addresses.  We come to exalt God as one community.”  Worship on the Water received the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 2017 City Livability Outstanding Achievement Award presented by President Bill Clinton. 

Simmons later announced the City’s first ever re-entry program entitled, Greenville Re-Entry and Training Program (GREAT), a program aimed to hire and train returning citizens throughout the City.  The City of Greenville hired its very first returning citizen on March 1, 2018.  Under his administration as first-term mayor, Greenville has announced more than $110 million in local, state, and federal investments including the announcement of a $40.1 million new federal courthouse; a $9.1 million redevelopment of the Sears, Roebuck & Company building to include a boutique hotel, microbrewery, downtown restaurant, and butcher shop.  

In August 2018, an estimated 100 new jobs were announced through economic development projects.  Nufarm announced 68 manufacturing jobs with a $20 million investment, the first such announcement in Greenville since Textron in 2004.  Tru by Hilton announced an 84 room hotel with 30 jobs with an estimated $10 million investment. 

Simmons, his twin brother, and their firm cheerfully give to the community.  Among several other things, the Simmons family sponsors an annual Christmas Toy Give-a-way, providing toys to nearly 600 needy children and families annually.  To date, Simmons family has held their toy giveaway for nine consecutive years serving more than 5,000 children. Additionally, Mayor Simmons financially contributes to both Jackson State University, Howard University, and faith-based, charitable, civic, and social organizations.  He is a mason and member of the Greater Springfield Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi where Mark S. Buckner is pastor.  He and his wife, Dr. Temika M. Simmons, have three children, Errick, Eriel, and Elin.

Keith James was elected Mayor of the City of West Palm Beach on March 12, 2019. Focused on creating a community of opportunity for all, Mayor James has a vision for West Palm Beach that is resident driven. Mayor James is committed to creating a customer friendly culture that focuses on neighborhood initiatives, regional collaboration, and community partnerships.

Mayor James is the City’s first African American “strong mayor,” whereby the Mayor is the City’s Chief Executive Officer directing the administrative structure, and the City’s fourth African American Mayor.

Prior to being elected Mayor, Keith James served as the District 4 City Commissioner from 2011 – 2019, serving as President of the Commission twice. During this time, Mayor James helped create West Palm Beach’s strategic plan, finance plan, water plan and mobility plan. Mayor James has been a part of the leadership that has led West Palm Beach from the depths of the recession to the booming metropolis we have today.

Mayor James is the Immediate Past President of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, where he championed a collaborative approach to solving regional and state issues on equality, home-rule, health and addiction challenges, and transportation.

Born in Wichita, Kansas to a teenage single mother, Mayor James learned at an early age the value of hard work, service, and education. As a young man, Mayor James overcame the challenges of segregation and inequality to become accepted and then graduate from Harvard College and then Harvard Law School. Mayor James is a member of the American Bar, Florida Bar and Palm Beach County Bar Associations.

As a lawyer in the private sector, Mayor James worked with the owners of small and medium-sized companies to help them achieve their business dreams. He has worked with some of Florida’s top firms, is a frequent guest lecturer on business practices and procedures and has provided a level of corporate and executive experience that has benefited West Palm Beach.

Mayor James has served in numerous leadership positions to address a range of issues in the community. Mayor James was the former Chair of the West Palm Beach Citizens’ Ethics Task Force, a position to which he was appointed by then-Mayor Lois Frankel. Mayor James is a former Board Member of the Florida League of Cities, Palm Beach County League of Cities, Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, Grassy Waters Conservancy and Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council. A trailblazer in his own right, Mayor James was the first African American Chair of Leadership Florida and the Quantum Foundation.

Mayor Keith James has been a West Palm Beach resident for the last 30 years. It’s where he raised his two children and has dedicated his life to public service. Mayor James and his wife Lorna are proud to call West Palm Beach home.

Mayor Lauren McLean was sworn in on January 7, 2020, and immediately set to work towards her campaign promise of a 21st-century Boise for everyone, powered by clean renewable energy, with shared prosperity across all neighborhoods, and a commitment to transparency and openness in government. She is the first woman ever elected to the office of Boise mayor. Lauren McLean was born in Boston, raised in Texas, and moved to upstate New York before college. After graduating with honors from Notre Dame in 1997, Lauren married her high school sweetheart, Scott, and the two settled in Boise. In the middle of building a life and raising two children, Lauren jumped into politics and civic engagement work while earning her MPA in environmental policy from Boise State University. In 2001, at just 27, Lauren led the historic Boise Foothills Open Space Campaign and successfully protected the Boise Foothills for future generations. In 2011, Lauren was appointed to Boise’s City Council, was twice re-elected, and selected by her peers to serve as Council President in 2017. On the weekends, Lauren McLean is an avid trail runner, backpacker and skier. Most days she can be spotted running on Boise’s Foothills trails and biking to City Hall. She and Scott have two children, Madeleine (a college sophomore) and Aiden (a high school sophomore).

Michelle Patron is Director of Sustainability Policy at Microsoft where she leads the company's policy efforts on sustainability and energy issues. Prior to joining Microsoft, Patron served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Energy and Climate at the National Security Council at the White House from 2013 to 2015. In that role, she led efforts to design and execute groundbreaking energy and climate policy, including the historic climate deal with China. Prior to the White House, she was Senior Director at PIRA Energy Group, a private energy research firm in New York City. Earlier in her career, Patron worked at the Department of Energy, Deutsche Bank, the International Energy Agency and the Center for International Environmental Law, and served as energy attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Patron holds a BA from Columbia University and a MA from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Microsoft is committed to "empowering every person and organization on the planet to thrive in a resource-constrained world." The focus areas include carbon, energy, water, ecosystems, and waste reduction. Microsoft pledges to reduce its carbon emissions 75 percent by 2030 by addressing emissions from electricity to travel. Commitments also include using 50% wind, solar, and hydropower electricity in all data centers by the end of 2018. Microsoft is increasing understanding of water-related risks and impacts to business and partnering with companies and organizations like Ecolan and Water Risk Monetizer to assess risks. Additionally, every device is made with an effort to minimize impact of operations. Ultimately, Microsoft "is committed to leveraging technology to solve some of the world's most urgent environmental issues, and focusing on key areas where we believe we can have the most impact".

Patrick Hamilton’s work as Director of Global Change Initiatives at the Science Museum of Minnesota focuses on the challenges and opportunities of humanity as the dominant agent of global change with special attention to energy, water and climate change issues. Patrick’s current projects include the museum’s Carbon Neutrality Project and its Water Planet Initiative. In addition to his museum responsibilities, Patrick also is a Fellow of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment.

Peter Schlosser is the Vice President and Vice Provost of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. He is the University Professor of Global Futures and holds joint appointments in the School of Sustainability, the School of Earth and Space Exploration in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The laboratory has been launched to harness the innovative capacity of academia and develop options for sound management of the planet. Professor Schlosser joined ASU in 2018.

Professor Schlosser is one of the world’s leading earth scientists, with expertise in the Earth’s hydrosphere and how humans affect the planet’s natural state. He comes to ASU from Columbia University where he was the Maurice Ewing and J. Lamar Worzel Professor of Geophysics and Chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the deputy director and director of research at the Earth Institute. He also was a member and the founding chair of the Earth Institute faculty and a member of the senior staff at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. His prior positions included a professorship at the University of Heidelberg and a visiting professorship at the University of Washington-Seattle.

His research interests include studies of water movement and its variability in natural systems (oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater) using natural and anthropogenic trace substances and isotopes as ’dyes’ or as ‘radioactive clocks.’ He also studies ocean/atmosphere gas exchange; reconstruction of continental paleotemperature records using groundwater as archive; anthropogenic impact on natural systems and sustainable development as academic discipline. His research adds to the basic understanding of ocean circulation and the ocean's role in climate. The same principles are used to investigate groundwater flow in shallow and deep aquifers, providing results that are relevant for environmental risk and impact studies. He has published more than 180 articles in leading journals.

He is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, the American Geophysical Union, and the Explorers Club.

Fawn R. Sharp is the current President of the Quinault Indian Nation in Taholah, Washington. Her past positions included managing attorney and lead counsel; and staff attorney for the Quinault Indian Nation, administrative law judge for the Washington state Department of Revenue – Tax Appeals Division, Quinault Tribal Court Associate Judge, and Counsel for Phillips, Krause & Brown. Ms. Sharp has held numerous leadership positions, including an appointment by Governor Gary Locke to serve as Trustee for Grays Harbor College, Governor of the Washington State Bar Association, Trustee of Washington State Bar Association – Indian Law Section, Vice President and Founding Member for the National Intertribal Tax Alliance, and Director/Secretary of the Quinault Nation Enterprises Board. Ms. Sharp graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University in Spokane Washington. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Washington in 1995 and has subsequently received certificates from the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada, and from the International Human Rights Law at Oxford University. Ms. Sharp resides with her husband, Dan Malvini, and their son, Daniel Malvini II.

"We are among the small number of Americans who can walk the same beaches, paddle the same waters, and hunt the same lands our ancestors did centuries ago. The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) consists of the Quinault and Queets tribes and descendants of five other coastal tribes: Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Chinook, and Cowlitz. Our ancestors lived on a major physical and cultural dividing line. Beaches to the south are wide and sandy, while to the north, they are rugged and cliff-lined. We shared in the cultures of the people to the south as well as those to the north. Living in family groups in long houses up and down the river, we were sustained by the land and by trade with neighboring tribes. Superb salmon runs, abundant sea mammals, wildlife, and forests provided substantial material and spiritual wealth to our ancestors. A great store of knowledge about plants and their uses helped provide for our people. The western redcedar, the “tree of life,” provided logs for canoes, bark for clothing, split boards for houses, and more. We are the Canoe People, the people of the cedar tree. We remember our past while employing modern principles in a marriage that will bring hope and promise to our people now and in the future."

Rachelle Reyes Wenger is the System Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Engagement for CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest, private, not-for-profit healthcare systems in the nation with 127 hospitals across 21 states. Based in Los Angeles, Ms. Wenger advances issues core to CommonSpirit Health’s commitment to its foundational priorities focused on social and environmental determinants of health, including those addressing health disparities/equity, climate change, immigration, housing and homelessness.

Ruth Ivory-Moore is Evangelical Lutheran Church in America- Advocacy’s Program Director for Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility. Ruth has had careers in chemical engineering, as a corporate legal counsel, and brings legal specialties including environmental law and climate change. Ruth is married and has two children.  She enjoys spending time with family (especially her two grandchildren) and friends. She is involved with Christian education in her church and as a Stephen Minister. Her other volunteer work includes chairing a young adult and youth leadership summit in southern Virginia, as well as addressing various community needs such as criminal law reform and health care.

Sylvia M. Burwell is American University’s 15th President and the first woman to serve as President. A leader with experience managing large and complex organizations in the public and private sectors, President Burwell brings to AU a commitment to education and research, a record of spurring innovation, and experience helping to advance solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Burwell served as the 22nd secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2017, was director of the Office of Management and Budget from 2013 to 2014, and spent 11 years at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, including roles as chief operating officer and president of the Global Development Program. She earned undergraduate degrees in government from Harvard University and in philosophy, policy, and economics from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. Sylvia and Stephen Burwell are the parents of two young children.

American University is proud to be a leader in sustainability. AU is the first research university, and the largest higher education institution to achieve carbon neutrality and met the goal two year ahead of schedule. Green buildings incorporate energy efficient technologies and a focus on human health. Environmentally conscious grounds management means AU plants local and adaptive species. They use solar energy, strive for zero waste, and work with community partners to offer sustainable transportation. The culture of sustainability is evident through faculty research efforts, student involvement, and staff practices. AU is a charter signatory to the Climate Commitment through Second Nature and to American Campuses Act on Climate pledge.