[Scottsdale, Ariz.] The WSLA Alumnae Group announced this year’s sustainability leaders in a live and virtual Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards (WSLA) ceremony February 14, 2023, during GreenBiz at the Scott Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The new WSLA Class of 2024 joins women at the forefront of sustainability who are making a difference in the world by initiating lasting change. The organization recognizes highly accomplished women in sustainability from such diverse, global and multi-professional segments.
Over 100 people attended the live ceremony in person or joined virtually worldwide. The awards started with an introduction by emcee Rochelle Routman, WSLA Alumnae Group’s president and chairperson of the Board, toasting lead Diamond Sponsor HMTX Industries with a WSLA basil gin gimlet as she welcomed the new winners into the WSLA fold. Said Routman, “We welcome these women leaders into the heart and soul of WSLA, which is an organization dedicated to recognizing women sustainability leaders that have a track record of selfless determination, persistence, and achievement. Through this recognition, these women are elevated in the public sphere and are given the encouragement to pursue new challenges with even greater influence, benefitting all of humanity.”
The WSLA Awards ceremony began with opening words from noted curandera (traditional healer) Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, an indigenous activist recognized for her work with food and lifestyle as medicine. In an audience-interactive circle symbolic of unity, Ruiz applied her indigenous spiritual knowledge in a collective lesson about keeping balance and peace aligned with achieving a sense of wellness and security, for both individuals and the planet.
The keynote fireside chat followed, led by Heather Clancy, editorial director of GreenBiz Group, featured a dialog on the topic “The Intersection of Women, Climate & Health” in conversation with WSLA honoree Monica Nakielski, a sustainability practitioner and consultant to major healthcare organizations including Advocate Aurora Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and Mass General Brigham Hospital. Together they explored the definition of sustainability from a healthcare provider’s point of view, e.g. healthcare providers prioritizing sustainability to address chemicals of concern and medical waste, the implications of climate change for the future of medical care and why women are particularly vulnerable.
Commented Lisa Colicchio, WSLA Alumnae Group vice president, "While we are here tonight to honor the 2024 winners, let’s also celebrate ourselves, the collective force that is the WSLA community. We are the changemakers, the innovators, the leaders who inspire. Remember, we are the keynote speakers, the ones who hold the power to inspire generations to come. Let's continue our ascent, hand-in-hand, pushing the boundaries of sustainability and leaving a legacy for a healthier planet."
The winners are:
• Laura Bishop, independent corporate board director, Ecovadis
• Natalie Blyth, global head of commercial banking sustainability, HSBC Holdings Plc
• Libby Johnson McKee, founder, Nautilus Advisory Group
• Desta Raines, director of sustainability, Sephora
• Amy Roesler, CEO, Roesler and Associates
• Lourdes Salinas, founder & director, THREE Consultoría Medioambiental
• Christina Skonberg, director of sustainability & mission, Simple Mills
• Susan Hunt Stevens, founder, WeSpire
• Kristen B. Sullivan, audit & assurance partner and sustainability and ESG services leader, Deloitte & Touche LLP
• Mallory Taub, sustainability director, Senior Associate, Gensler