February 22, 2024 Sustainability Luncheon

Stellar Speakers:

BOB BRECHA

Professor of Sustainability

University of Dayton

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND ENERGY ACCESS.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize the interconnectedness of climate change, energy access and development. Join Dr. Brecha as he explains what SDGs are.


Bob is a highly experienced scientist with a focus on sustainability, energy and climate change mitigation. At the University of Dayton, he is a Professor of Sustainability in the Hanley Sustainability Institute and a faculty member in the Renewable and Clean Energy Program. He has also worked with several country partners on the revisions of their Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, as well as other policy briefings.

KATHLEEN GAWELEK

Mechanical Engineer

University of Dayton


THE FAST FASHION INDUSTRY; PERILS AND COSTS

The fast fashion industry is booming. However, this fast-paced, disposable model has serious environmental and societal consequences.  Join Kathleen as she explores it’s non-ethical supply chain and environmental effects. 


Kathleen is a mechanical engineer attending Polimoda's Sustainable Fashion master program in Florence, Italy to deepen her knowledge and experience in the sustainable fashion space. She will be diving into brand management, sustainable production, and the global economy. The program gives her the opportunity to expand her knowledge of both sustainability and the fashion industry.



LUKE SULFRIDGE

Executive Director

SOPEC

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR AN EQUITABLE FUTURE

SOPEC is a Regional Council of Governments and a national leader providing simple, valuable, and reliable public energy programs for eligible residents and small businesses in their communities.  


Luke leads Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council's organizational development and membership support strategy. He works directly with the SOPEC Board of Directors and the General Assembly to execute sustainable energy goals and projects for members. He has a BA in political science from Berea College, an MA in political science from Appalachian State University, and an MS in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University.

ELLE ZIMMERMAN

Executive Coach, Consultant, Artist, Producer

Elle Zimmerman Coaching and Consulting

BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

People with a high level of emotional intelligence are confident, capable and earn greater respect from their colleagues. Learn how to improve your relationships across your organization, understand how and why others behave the way they do and achieve greater success.


Elle Zimmerman is an executive coach, speaker, and business consultant with over 20 years experience working with leaders on emotional intelligence, business communication, and presentation skills. She guides individuals to step into the most authentic version of themselves so they can maximize their presence as an effective executive, founder, or thought leader. Since 2000, Elle has consulted with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies such as McDonald’s, Crocs and Procter & Gamble.

MARK WILLIS

Director

Hall Hunger Initiative


TRIP TO CUBA; CLIMATE CHANGE, RESILIENCY AND REGENERATION!

The mission of the Hall Hunger Initiative is to collaborate to create a just and equitable food system. Join us for a fascinating presentation on their visit to Cuba and what they learned about the people, society and food systems.

 

Before coming to the Hall Hunger Initiative, Mark worked as Assistant to Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge and previously served as Community Relations Manager at Dayton Metro Library. He’s also co-founder of the literacy coalition Project READ, is currently on the board for the Gem City Market and Agraria Center for Regenerative Practices. Mark graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Communication..