Returning from FORTUNE Impact Initiative conference, I'm more appreciative than ever of the “Impact” angle and the thoughtful curation of topics around DEI, ESG, and sustainability. These conversations continue to inspire, and I’m proud to have been part of such important discussions.
A few highlights from the event:
— Are Market Movers On Track? Andrea Barrack (RBC), Amelia DeLuca (Delta Air Lines), and Gayle Schueller, (3M) shared insights on whether corporations are on track to meet their ambitious climate goals. Moderated by Molly Wood, the session addressed the challenges and innovations being implemented across industries.
— ESG In The Boardroom: A panel with Jeannette Ferran Astorga (Zoetis), Calvin Emanuel (Ecolab), Eileen Buckley (Stryker), and Tori Kaplan (Truist), moderated by Phil W., explored how boards balance ESG goals against shareholder demands. These VPs of Sustainability shared powerful takeaways on why ESG remains critical to long-term business success.
— It was also great to run into my fellow Yale School of Management classmate Frank Wrenn; amazing to reconnect in this space!
— The Case For Climate Action: In 2023, a district court in Montana ruled in favor of a group of young plaintiffs, aged 5 to 22, declaring that the state must protect citizens from climate change. This decision, the first of its kind in the U.S., shows how state constitutions can be used to achieve significant civil rights victories. At the conference, an inspiring discussion about this groundbreaking case and its future implications was held by Mat dos Santos (Our Children's Trust) and Grace Gibson-Snyder., youth plaintiff in the Held v. State of Montana lawsuit, with Kristin Stoller moderating.
Special thanks to EVERFI from Blackbaud for their sponsorship and to the event's Co-Chairs Molly Wood, Phil W., Kristin Stoller, and Indrani Sen, for guiding these impactful sessions.
I'm looking forward to continuing the conversation! #FortuneImpact #DEI #ESG #Leadership
