CESR Impact Stories

Katherine Ratledge, Program Manager for the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:08:56 +0000

Katherine Ratledge, Program Manager for the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 08/03/2026 - 14:08

Jane Majkiewicz

As a child growing up in Virginia, Katherine Ratledge remembers always being outside. That was the root of her deep connection with nature, which has never left.

“My favorite thing is to be outside. I love to watch birds, to be in the mountains, to smell things …”

That love of nature has surfaced throughout Ratledge’s academic and professional life. An undergraduate history major with a Spanish minor, she discovered a passion for teaching through English as a Second Language instruction and as a ski instructor. As a self-proclaimed history nerd, Ratledge went on to teach high school AP history and government classes for nine years, often bringing an environmental lens into the classroom.

“I really wanted students to understand how much our natural resources have an influence, not only on our cultural history, but also on our wealth as a nation, as a society, and on our world.”

She helped students see how major moments in American history were often connected to weather events, from the Dust Bowl to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and Hurricane Katrina. “These shifted the economy, migration and the way people live.”

The desire to broaden that perspective eventually led Ratledge into higher education. Her master's degree in sustainable development and Latin American studies at New York University deepened her understanding of the connections between environmental, economic and social systems, including research focused on clean energy in Brazil.

Changing the message

Ratledge helped launch Energy Smart Ģ��Ӱ��, a residential energy-efficiency program designed to help homeowners reduce energy use. A small team built the program from the ground up, securing funding, developing workforce training and engaging homeowners. The experience taught her a lesson she didn’t expect.

Despite incentives and growing evidence of climate challenges, it was often difficult to persuade people to make changes. “I suddenly realized that it’s not that people don’t care—it’s just that there are so many other priorities demanding our attention first,” she said.

Becoming a working mother of three and a homeowner transformed her perspective. “The shift for me was recognizing where people are at and helping them make the connection to whatever it is that’s impactful for them.”

That realization changed how she thought about sustainability work. “It helped me understand that we were saying the wrong things, that we had to change our messaging,” she explained. “It’s not about people not caring. It’s about equipping them with the right tools.” For Ratledge, two of those tools are business and something that sometimes feels in short supply: hope.

“Leeds has always led as a school in seeing business as a force for good. When you think about restructuring society or a changed world from AI and climate change, that’s where the business community can be extraordinary.”

—Katherine Ratledge, Program Manager for CESR

Business as a force for good

As program manager for the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility since 2023, Ratledge understands that “things have to make business sense for people to do them.” She recognized an important opportunity when Breakthrough Energy approached Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder about joining its University Climate Ventures network. Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder is one of a handful of schools globally in the initiative.

Launched in 2025, Boulder Climate Ventures brings together CESR, the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship and the College of Engineering and Applied Science to help move climate innovations from research labs into the marketplace. In its second year, with renewed funding from Breakthrough Energy, this fall will bring new Executive-in-Residence Alice Havill of Fractal Climate; a fall seminar series that can be taken as a for-credit class; and the spring Clean Tech Venture Discovery course, also for credit.

“Boulder is a desirable location not just to live but also a great place for research and innovation, thanks to university and national labs. There is a great clean tech ecosystem as well as a robust startup culture here,” Ratledge explained.

“Leeds has always led as a school in seeing business as a force for good,” she added. “When you think about restructuring society or a changed world from AI and climate change, that’s where the business community can be extraordinary.”

Policy makers and scientists alone won’t move the needle, she said. “It’s the business community that can be a catalyst on how to move forward.” As we enter what Ratledge believes is a fifth industrial revolution, business will play a central role in turning innovation into real-world impact.

Restoring faith in the human spirit

For Ratledge, her favorite part of the job is the people: “Working with, talking to, hanging out with and mentoring students.”

“I always knew I wanted to do something that had some sort of impact. I wanted to work with people, but I’m a 5,000-foot person, rather than a 30,000-foot person.”

When it comes to hope, Ratledge doesn’t call herself an eternal optimist. She acknowledges today’s realities while resisting what she calls the “doom loop” of negative news and social media. That overlooks “that humans are extraordinarily ingenious and resilient,” as history has repeatedly shown us.

“I recognize that these students are truly going to be tomorrow’s leaders of Ģ��Ӱ�� and beyond. I feel very much like I can make these relationships with them and help them on their journey, and then they will go on to those 30,000-foot impacts.”

If we pair hopelessness with apathy, she argues, the result is a blight on the human spirit. The antidote? Community. Everything that CESR does is underscored by connection. Ratledge saw it firsthand last year, for example, during a Sustainability Scholars “Ģ��Ӱ�� by Bus” trip.

“That was so energizing for students, and that’s exactly what they saw on the trip—community. Three little towns with outsize impact.”

For Ratledge, connecting those dots means showing that business as a force for good isn't abstract or out of reach. At its best, it’s simply what comes naturally.

As program manager for the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Katherine Ratledge is a conduit for hope, empowering students to take meaningful steps to foster a just and sustainable world.

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Boulder Climate Ventures Kicks Off Its Second Year

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:28:54 +0000

Boulder Climate Ventures Kicks Off Its Second Year Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 08/03/2026 - 01:28

Jane Majkiewicz

Calling all clean tech innovators: Boulder Climate Ventures’ programs are now available for credit and will include the guidance of new Executive-in-Residence Alice Havill.

Interested in Getting Involved with Boulder Climate Ventures?

BCV's fall seminar series is now available for credit as MBAX 6570: Business Opportunities in Climate Tech. It will be held on Fridays, Aug. 21 to Oct. 9, from 12:30–3 p.m.

The eight-week seminar series will feature top experts discussing next-generation technology and opportunities for innovation in clean tech. It is open to students, researchers and professionals interested in viable business solutions to climate change.

Like last year’s series, this year’s seminars will look at essential climate tech topics, including climate imperatives, the future of green energy, energy use and distribution, climate solutions in space, resource scarcity and more.

Learn more and register >

Building on the success of its inaugural year, Boulder Climate Ventures (BCV) is kicking off its second year with enhanced offerings and involvement of new Executive-in-Residence Alice Havill.

Breakthrough Energy has committed to continuing its support of BCV. Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder was the first public university in the United States to join the University Climate and Energy Ventures program, which also supports programs at Stanford, MIT, Oxford, Technical University of Munich, Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore, among others. BCV is a collaboration between the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, with support from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

“Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder was a natural choice for Breakthrough Energy Discovery to support through our University Climate and Energy Ventures initiative. The university has both strong technical expertise in science and engineering and strong business education programs, both of which are important for the development of climate-focused entrepreneurs,” said Meghan Bader, director of Breakthrough Energy Discovery. “Additionally, the university demonstrates leadership in working to license and support commercialization of technologies.”

Alice Havill, previously a business fellow with Breakthrough Energy, comes to Leeds from Fractal Climate, where she is the founding partner. Havill and her team have served as fractional executives and advisors to over 300 early-stage climate tech startups across industries and around the world. Prior to Fractal Climate, she served in leadership roles at two clean tech startups and has expertise in circularity, biochemicals, waste-to-fuel and advanced manufacturing. She has also supported the investment in and management of portfolio companies through the Ģ��Ӱ�� Impact Fund.

“I’ve had the privilege of supporting the commercialization of cutting-edge innovations all over the globe, and I’ve found Ģ��Ӱ�� to be world class in this space,” Havill said.

“I’ve had the privilege of supporting the commercialization of cutting-edge innovations all over the globe, and I’ve found Ģ��Ӱ�� to be world class in this space.”

—Alice Havill, Fractal Climate Founding Partner and Boulder Climate Ventures Executive-in-Residence

“The Boulder Climate Ventures program at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder is a welcome addition to this ecosystem, bringing our state’s best innovators and entrepreneurs together and accelerating climate technology deployment for commercial benefits. I look forward to teaching the BCV class and helping students unlock viable solutions to our biggest climate-related problems,” she said.

The BCV fall seminar series serves as a pipeline to the spring Clean Tech Venture Discovery course. Last year, six student teams participated in the program, and two projects continued into the summer. One team went into the EcoGlobal entrepreneurship program at Stanford University, while another team began building its prototype with some funding from Leeds.

“Part of the goal of BCV is to take all of this fantastic research happening at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder and get it out of the lab and into the marketplace,” said Katherine Ratledge, program manager at CESR and a member of the BCV team.

In June 2026, the BCV team attended a conference hosted by Breakthrough Energy in partnership with MIT. Leeds joined representatives from more than two dozen universities.

“BCV was proud to be a presenter at the conference,” said Ratledge. “We spoke about the strength of Ģ��Ӱ��’s clean tech ecosystem and our ability to capitalize on that at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder. Breakthrough Energy commended us for being leaders on community engagement.”

Backed by continued support from Breakthrough Energy, Boulder Climate Ventures will kick off its fall seminar series Aug. 21, with Fractal Climate's Alice Havill joining as Executive-in-Residence.

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Beyond the Resume: Summer Impact Interns Reflect on Lessons That Last

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:48:31 +0000

Beyond the Resume: Summer Impact Interns Reflect on Lessons That Last Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 07/28/2026 - 11:48

Jane Majkiewicz

Through the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility’s Impact Internship program, Leeds students spend their summers applying business skills with mission-driven organizations. This year's six Impact Interns reflected on the experiences that broadened their perspectives and shaped the way they think about business as a force for good.

From left to right: Peter Murry, Bennet Burton, Lauryn Simon, Sydney Bihm, Maren Clay and Patrick Mahoney.

Sydney Bihm (SustBus’27) Minor: History
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Conservation Finance Intern

Real progress is rarely simple or immediate. It comes from being willing to work through complexity, collaborate across disciplines, and make steady improvements that create long-term benefits for both people and the environment.

Bihm was drawn to The Nature Conservancy because of its unique approach to conservation, combining environmental impact with economic development. As a conservation finance intern, she built financial models for mud crab farming systems in Indonesia, helping evaluate practices designed to support both local livelihoods and mangrove restoration. Through the experience, she gained a deeper understanding of how conservation, economics, policy and community interests intersect to create lasting change.

Read Sydney’s Reflection

What initially drew me to the Impact Internship program was the opportunity to contribute to real-world issues while also developing my career in a field I could see myself pursuing after graduation. What drew me to TNC specifically was the chance to work on international development projects that uniquely combine financial incentives and economic development with meaningful environmental impact.

One of the main projects I worked on during my internship was building financial models for three different mud crab production systems in Indonesia. The goal is to compare each model for long-term viability and profitability to better support farming practices that protect and restore mangrove ecosystems. One of the biggest challenges has been the limited financial data available, since this type of farming is done on a small scale and requires coordination across a complex network of partner organizations. At the same time, that challenge made the project especially rewarding because I had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from local community members to scientists and international organizations.

Working at TNC has shown me that the world of conservation finance is deeply interconnected across communities, policy, economics and the environment in ways I had not previously understood. I love being part of an organization that treats these aspects of development as interdependent rather than competing priorities.

This project will stay with me because it taught me that ambiguity is a constant in this field. More importantly, TNC showed me how valuable an interdisciplinary approach can be to conservation, not only for gathering data, but also for building conservation and economic development initiatives that have lasting impact.

Through my internship, I have seen how market incentives and economic growth can support meaningful conservation initiatives. I have also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges involved in creating lasting change. Sustainable impact requires considering every stakeholder across a value chain and investing the time to build solutions that strengthen both communities and ecosystems, rather than focusing only on short-term relief.

Bennett Burton (Bus, Fin, SustBus’28)
Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (BGCMD), Program & Operations Intern

Watching club leaders realize they had actionable, localized insights showed me the direct impact I could have on their important frontline work.

Burton was drawn to the Impact Internship program by a lifelong appreciation for mission-driven organizations and the opportunity to contribute valuable skills to an organization focused on serving youth. During his internship with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, he supported programming and operations projects ranging from enrollment logistics to data analysis and automation tools. One project in particular demonstrated how business and technology can strengthen community impact: building a dashboard that helped club leaders identify safety trends specific to their individual locations.

Read Bennett's Reflection

Growing up volunteering biweekly instilled in me a respect for mission-driven organizations, many of which struggle for resources due to a focus on service compared to profit. This is exactly what drew me to the Impact Internship: the opportunity to contribute expertise at no cost to an organization like the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Throughout my time interning at the BGCMD, I held on to something I was told during my first week: "In nonprofits, you'll never spend more than a day doing the same thing." That rang true throughout. Whether I was handling Salesforce enrollment logistics one day, writing Python scripts the next, or handling chaotic varieties of busy work like most interns, I could not be more grateful for the people I met and the learning experiences.

My responsibilities included: assisted in running Pinewood Derby and ‘Techzilla’ STEM day; reworked Operations & Programming’s SharePoint; created Model Context Protocol (MCP)-enabled, Python-based software to parse student surveys for trends; manually unenrolled students weekly with overdue balances on Salesforce; improved skills in Excel, Salesforce, Power BI, Python and MCP integrations in automated workflows.

One project especially stood out. While analyzing raw incident data, I noticed patterns that could inform staffing and supervision decisions. What I discovered was crucial: incident trends were highly individual to each club, not organization wide. So, I built an interactive dashboard to help 100+ club leaders visualize their location's specific hotspots. Presenting that finding showed them each club's unique safety picture, revealing that one-size-fits-all safety approaches miss the mark.

Maren Clay (Acct, SustBus’27)
Ģ��Ӱ�� Enterprise Fund (CEF), Operations Intern

Seeing firsthand the businesses that CEF funds, and the positive impact they have on the people and environment around them, was exhilarating. It has inspired me to continue working toward a future where all organizations use the power of business for good.

Clay was drawn to CEF’s focus on the intersection of social responsibility and finance, and how mission-driven lending can actively change the community. She used the experience to ask as many questions as possible to learn about the industry and understand how to creatively solve problems.

Read Maren’s Reflection

I made it a priority to ask about anything I was curious about, and it allowed me to learn about aspects of CEF’s business model (and the wide nonprofit lending business environment) that I would not have otherwise learned about. Additionally, asking questions and learning from my coworkers at CEF exposed me to decades of experience, advice, and new perspectives for how to approach business.

One specific project from my internship that really captured this experience was when I was tasked with creating from scratch a canvas for part of CEF’s CRM system. I had never worked with CRM prior to this internship, nor did I have any experience with canvas design. I had to get creative with learning and understanding a new program, while also figuring out functional requirements from different departments, many of which had differing requests. This experience will stay with me because it taught me how to tackle multiple problems at once, and how to get creative with understanding the underlying issue to fix it.

This internship has further reinforced my belief that business is the ultimate power to create good in the communities around us.

Patrick Mahoney (MBA’27, with a concentration in Real Estate and Finance)
Thistle Community Housing, Resident-Owned Communities division, Real Estate Finance Intern

Resident ownership is a powerful tool for affordable housing, especially in rural areas, but it isn't a fit for every community. That contradiction—ownership as both the cure and the burden—is what will stay with me.

Mahoney came to Leeds after teaching through Teach For America, where he learned that responsibility often arrives before people feel fully prepared for it. In his internship with Thistle, he worked on feasibility studies, financing applications and development planning for resident-owned communities. The experience deepened his understanding of affordable housing and reinforced his interest in creating ownership opportunities that can build long-term economic stability and opportunity.

Read Patrick’s Reflection

Before Leeds, I taught through Teach For America, managing students and teaching multiple courses as an undergrad. That taught me that responsibility comes with the job, not after you're "ready" for it. I wanted that same accountability again, this time building tangible real estate skills, because good intentions alone aren't enough.

This summer, I worked on a feasibility study, writing development and acquisition loan and grant applications, and drafting requests for proposals (RFPs) for a manufactured home community in Ģ��Ӱ��, where residents are considering buying their land from a private owner. Rents have climbed for years while the community's water system, contaminated at the source, has gone unfixed. Resident ownership is possible, but it means asking residents who are already financially stretched to oversee and finance a million-dollar infrastructure overhaul to get clean water.

The experience reinforced why I returned to school for my MBA. Teaching underserved students showed me that the roots of inequity run deeper than any one classroom can reach. Real estate shapes where and how people live, which means it shapes opportunity itself.

This internship has been invaluable in showing me how cooperative ownership structures could work across other asset classes, lowering the buy-in for people locked out of ownership and giving them a real stake in something that appreciates. I believe these structures can help build a middle class in America, rather than watch the one we have disappear.

Peter Murry (MBA’27)
Mad Agriculture, Graduate Conservation Finance Fellow

Durable solutions are the ones that work for everyone involved, and the most climate-positive option is often the one with the strongest, most lasting business case.

Murry spent the summer working on Mad Agriculture’s Wilding Bond initiative, exploring how innovative finance tools can support biodiversity, water quality and agricultural resilience. The experience reinforced his interest in using business and corporate engagement to drive positive environmental outcomes.

Read Peter's Reflection

I'm working with Mad Agriculture on the Wilding Bond, a novel conservation finance tool that scales on-farm prairie plantings in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. My focus is corporate engagement: identifying which types of companies have a business case to support the water quality and biodiversity outcomes the bond delivers and building the rationale for why. It's been a great opportunity to apply my MBA studies to work that feels genuinely meaningful for my career.

Having built a career before graduate school, I came in with a clear sense of where I wanted to go next. The Impact Internship appealed to me because it let me design a hyper-personalized experience around content directly relevant to that next step. My biggest takeaway so far has been confirmation of my interest in driving positive biodiversity and nature outcomes through corporate levers.

I had the chance to attend an event hosted by Mad Agriculture and the Environmental Defense Fund that brought together ranchers, researchers, storytellers and agricultural leaders. The gathering explored how lasting climate solutions emerge not just from technology and management practices, but from the people, relationships and landscapes that shape our food system. It was a microcosm of sustainable agriculture as a whole, and a clear illustration of why durable solutions require a seat at the table for every stakeholder.

Lauryn Simon (Fin, BusAna’27)
Greenhouse, Program Management Intern

I have always seen the potential for good in business. In fact, the sole reason I chose the major I did was to study how business could be used to fuel systemic change, and this internship allowed me to see my vision in action. It also showed me that real change is incredibly complex, and solving one issue almost inevitably creates another one.

Simon was drawn to Greenhouse by her passion for community building. She applied her analytical skills to initiatives supporting students, entrepreneurs and professional development programs. Through the experience, she saw firsthand how business can be a powerful tool for change while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexity behind creating lasting solutions.

Read Lauryn’s Reflection

With this Impact Internship I knew I would be working toward the one thing that I am most passionate about: community. I knew this internship was designed not only to advance my professional skills, but to encourage real systemic change. And I have taken away exactly that. I have had the opportunity to perfect my analytical skills in a way that gives back to the community. I’ve been able to watch as my time working on Excel transformed into helping under-resourced students in their startup journey, organizing an event that promotes professional development and community growth, and opening doors for low-income and first-generation students to make connections that shape the rest of their lives.

As soon as I accepted this position, I did what they teach you to do in business school: post on LinkedIn. Not even a few hours later, I was contacted by a Greenhouse alum, a current scholar, a past intern, and a regular volunteer, all congratulating me for the role and sharing their stories. I met with several of these individuals before starting my internship in the hopes of learning more about the organization. Through their stories, I was able to understand just how deep of an impact this organization has had on so many people. The bond I now have with colleagues will always stay with me.

This year’s Impact Interns show how real-world work gave them the chance to put their business skills—and values—into action.

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Speakers Connect Students to the Business World

Dani Saldana Gordillo — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:32:00 +0000

Speakers Connect Students to the Business World Dani Saldana G… Wed, 06/03/2026 - 13:32

What does it take to prepare the next generation of business leaders to navigate complex environmental and social challenges?

At CESR, the answer extends beyond the classroom.

This year, CESR welcomed 58 speakers, panelists, facilitators, and industry leaders who shared their expertise through bootcamps, treks, workshops, roundtables, and career conversations. From sustainability executives and investors to entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders, these professionals gave students direct insight into how organizations are addressing climate risk, financing the energy transition, developing new technologies, and leading change across industries.

Throughout the year, students explored corporate climate strategy during Ģ��Ӱ�� Climate Week, examined the intersection of sustainability and emerging technologies through the Sustainability Bootcamp, and gained exposure to clean energy finance through the Clean Energy Project Finance Bootcamp. CESR's Sustainability and Ethical Leadership Skills Workshops offered hands-on learning in areas such as carbon markets, corporate sustainability, and ethical decision making, helping students build practical knowledge while connecting with professionals working in the field.

Students also sharpened their leadership and communication skills through CESR's March Debate Madness Tournament. In this four week competition, undergraduate and graduate students debated complex business ethics topics with only minutes to prepare, challenging them to think critically, communicate effectively, and defend positions from multiple perspectives. The tournament culminated in a championship round that saw the first freshman in the event's history take home the title.

Beyond the classroom, students connected with leaders through Career Conversations, the Community Leader in Residence program, and the CESR and Naropa Roundtable, gaining candid insight into purpose driven careers and the many ways business can create positive impact.

Experiential learning also took students into the field. During CESR's inaugural Sustainability Trek, students traveled across Ģ��Ӱ�� to meet with organizations working at the intersection of business, energy, agriculture, natural resources, and community resilience, gaining firsthand exposure to the opportunities and challenges shaping the state's economy.

Through our new program in partnership with the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, the Leeds School of Business, and the College of Applied Science and Engineering, Boulder Climate Ventures (BCV) offered an unparalleled opportunity for students to engage directly with founders, investors, and operators building the next generation of climate solutions. Backed by Breakthrough Energy, Bill Gates' climate initiative, Boulder Climate Ventures is the first program of its kind at a public university and has become a leading platform for exploring climate innovation and entrepreneurship.

To every speaker, facilitator, panelist, host, and community leader who contributed this year, thank you. Your time, expertise, and willingness to engage with students made these experiences possible and strengthened CESR's mission to develop leaders who can create lasting impact in business and society.

The momentum behind CESR continues to grow. As we expand our experiential learning programs and deepen our partnerships with industry leaders, we remain committed to connecting students with the people and ideas shaping the future. We are specifically looking forward to expanding Boulder Climate Ventures programming to include a Business Opportunities in Climate Tech course where students will not just be learning from industry professionals, but be prompted to innovate solutions and ventures to solve some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

Together, we are building a community that prepares students not just to participate in that future, but to lead it.

Thank You to Our Speakers:

Ģ��Ӱ�� Sustainability Trek

Geoff Buchheister, Chief Executive Office, Aspen Skiing Company

Hannah Berman, Sustainability & Philanthropy, Aspen One

Auden Schendler, Climate Activist & Author of Terrible Beauty: Reckoning with Climate Complicity and Rediscovering our Soul," and "Getting Green Done"

Dana Dalla Betta, Project Manager, Aspen Skiing Company

Mike Steiner, Key Accounts, Holy Cross Energy

Lindsey Williams, Community Outreach Specialist, Holy Cross Energy

Jenna Weatherred, VP, Holy Cross Energy

Jane Pargiter, Executive Director, EcoFlight

Lea Linse, Conservation Policy Director, EcoFlight

Phebe Meyers, Community Programs Director, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Community Leader in Residence

Wendy Lea, Board Director, Ģ��Ӱ�� School of Mines

CESR and Naropa Roundtable

Sara Lewis, Co- founder, Memoru Center for Visionary Healing Arts and Naropa University Center for Psychedelic Studies.

Regina Smith, Chief of Staff & VP of Mission, Culture, and Inclusive Community at Naropa University

Chris Jones, Co-founder Anthesis Group, Impact Investor

Sarah Martinez, VP of ESG, Prime Data Centers

Sustainability Bootcamp

Mark Kroese, Former GM, Microsoft

Trent Yang, Managing Partner, PB Inc.

Dr. Kyri Baker, Google DeepMind & Associate Professor, University of Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder

Brenda Tuohig, Advisor and Former CCO, Scope3

Adrian Tuck, CEO, Uptempo

Erick Mueller, Deming Center for Entrepreneurship

Blake Bennett, Responsible Investment & Governance Analyst, Janus Henderson Investors

Becca Baldwin, Responsibility Content & Disclosure Analyst, Janus Henderson Investors

Dr. Marie Mitchell, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School

Dr. Mairi-Jane Fox, Lecturer, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Operations, Leeds School of Business

Career Conversations

Alex Leahy, Senior Manager, Instacart

Clean Energy Project Finance Bootcamp

Omid Alemi, Vice President, Onward Energy

Glen Davis, CEO, Agile Energy Advisors

Bailey McCallum, CEO, Goshe Energy Storage

Carbon Markets 101

Dr. Mairi-Jane Fox, Lecturer, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Operations, Leeds School of Business

Ethical Leadership Workshop

Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer, Crocs Inc.

Ģ��Ӱ�� Climate Week

Kendra Tupper, PE, Head of Carbon Reduction Planning & Strategy, Google

Eli Gordon, Head of Sustainability Advisory- North America, Watershed

Deanne Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer, Crocs Inc.

Boulder Climate Ventures

Susie Strife, Co-founder, 4 Corners Carbon Coalition

Doug Campbell, Host, Leaders of Enchantment Podcast

Bryn Rees, Sr. Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation & Partnerships, Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder

Tasso Von Windheim, Venture Capital Investor, Swept.AI

Allison Weis, Global Head of Energy Storage, Wood Mackenzie

Cully Cavness, Co-founder, President & Chief Strategy Officer, Crusoe

Amanda Rohrer, Climate Venture Investor, Blackhorn Ventures

Nathan Ratledge, Founder & CEO, Alta Resource Technologies

Leonardo Banchik, Partner at Voyager Ventures, Board Director, Stealth Startup, Photora Inc, Moment Energy

Jane Zelikova, Executive Director, Sustainability Research Initiative, Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder

Mark Lewis, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Trailhead Capital

Devin Lammers, CEO, TerraClear

Rob Van Es, Go-to-Market Executive

Genevieve Kinney, Investor, General Catalyst

Chris Hanson, General Manager, Wintergreen , Owner, Trivial Financial

Jen Shafer, Researcher, Energy Innovation, Ģ��Ӱ�� School of Mines

Julie Pullen, Director, Climate Innovation, Ocean Visions

Katja Friedrich, Professor, Atmospheric Scientist, Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder

Ryan Orbuch, Investor, Lowercarbon Capital

Darren Clifford, Founder & Managing Director , AdaptUS

Sanjay Wagle, Partner & Investor, The Lightsmith Group

Wes Bolsen, Board Member & CEO, CitroTech

Cate Johnson, Teaching Lead, IDEO U

Jason Desveaux, Researcher, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

John Teaford, Executive, Green Steel

Dax Craig, Co-Founder & CEO at Comeryx

Alice Havill, Founding Partner, Fractal

Danya Hakeem, Investor, COO, Elemental Impact

Maggie Rodney, Partner, Massive, Investor

Erin Kirton, Senior Associate, VoLo Earth Ventures

Kim Kolt, General Partner at Bay Bridge Ventures, Founder, For Good Ventures

Tyson Shepherd, Senior Director, Alta Resource Technologies

Bryan Hassin, Cofounder & CEO, DEXMAT

This year, CESR connected students with 58 industry leaders through bootcamps, treks, workshops, career conversations, and experiential learning programs. From corporate sustainability executives to climate tech entrepreneurs and investors, these speakers helped bring classroom concepts to life while preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing business landscape.

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Boulder Climate Ventures Connects Leeds MBA Students to Climate Tech Innovation

Dani Saldana Gordillo — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:03:46 +0000

Boulder Climate Ventures Connects Leeds MBA Students to Climate Tech Innovation Dani Saldana G… Fri, 03/13/2026 - 13:03

Alex Kaindl (MBA'26)

Julie Waggoner

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on venture work, students are discovering the business opportunities in climate solutions.

Alex Kaindl (MBA'26)

When Leeds MBA students join Boulder Climate Ventures, they step into an experience that reaches far beyond the classroom.

They join teams working on real climate ventures. They collaborate with engineers, PhD students and investors. And they begin to see, in a tangible way, how their business education can contribute to solutions for some of today’s most pressing challenges.

For students interested in entrepreneurship, investing and sustainability, Boulder Climate Ventures (BCV) offers a powerful opportunity to connect academic learning with real-world application. BCV is a collaboration between CESR and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at Leeds, and the Ģ��Ӱ�� College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, funded by Breakthrough Energy. The program is based on a model that Breakthrough Energy has rolled out at five other universities globally, including Stanford and MIT. Ģ��Ӱ�� is the first public university to join this group of top universities located in hubs for climate innovation.

BCV started with a seminar series teaching students about business opportunities in climate tech in fall 2025 and has continued into an incubator for early-stage climate start-ups in spring 2026. 190 attendees participated in the fall, hearing from 22 speakers including investors, CEOs and industry experts. This spring more than 30 students have formed teams to explore the viability of new climate ventures.

The program brings together students from across the university, along with community members from Ģ��Ӱ��’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, to support and develop climate-focused ventures—giving Leeds MBA students the chance to apply their skills in an interdisciplinary, fast-moving environment.

Fostering connections to power impact

That cross-campus collaboration is part of what makes the experience so distinctive.

“It’s not often that an MBA gets to work on a project, much less be in a class, with a doctoral chemistry student,” said Katherine Ratledge, program manager at CESR and one of the leaders who brings BCV to life.

“BCV teaches engineers and business experts to work together,” said Mike McGehee, professor of engineering and a member of the BCV team. “It teaches them to identify a promising opportunity, do premarket research, refine a business plan and pitch an idea to investors and customers.”

That means moving beyond case studies and into the kind of hands-on work that defines early-stage ventures: shaping business models, exploring market opportunities and helping translate complex ideas into viable solutions.

Katrina Grosek (MBA'26)

For Katrina Grosek (MBA’26, Clean Energy Pathway), BCV has been one of the most energizing parts of her MBA experience. She joined the program while working as an intern helping to launch TerraForge Capital, a new venture fund focused on the energy transition. She said the combination of her internship with getting exposure to climate tech business opportunities every week was powerful.

“Working with the General Partner to build out the fund, while attending BCV sessions in parallel, was the most impactful form of experiential learning I’ve encountered throughout my MBA,” Grosek said. “I got a crash course in Climate 3.0 and how the industry has shifted.”

Grosek connected with the founder of AnodeWorks, an engineer developing an electrochemical manufacturing platform designed to solve the bioplastics scale-up problem, at a happy hour hosted by BCV in the fall. The pair gravitated toward each other to work together this spring thanks to their complementary combination of technical skills and investing experience. In her role as chief of staff, Grosek has helped the founder to build the team and leads business development, strategy, and investor relations.

“Talking about BCV is honestly what gets me going each day,” Grosek said. “It has been one of the best programs I’ve participated in since beginning my full-time MBA at Leeds.”

Deepening MBA skills through real-world experiences

For Jared Haltom (MBA’27, Clean Energy Pathway), BCV has created an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the realities of venture building. He first heard about the program during orientation but did not initially see how he, as an MBA student, would fit into a climate venture environment that seemed heavily technical. Once he joined, that changed quickly.

After participating in the fall seminar series, he now works on business development, financial modeling and techno-economic analysis for AnodeWorks, the same startup developing an electrochemical manufacturing platform designed to solve the bioplastics scale-up problem that Grosek is working with. His role has involved translating highly technical work into a viable market story and helping the team understand production costs, commercial potential and how to communicate with investors.

“Case studies are great, but we’re trying to solve a real problem for a real business here,” Haltom said.

That emphasis on real-world problem-solving helps students build skills that translate across industries and roles—from startup leadership and commercialization to venture capital and climate strategy. It also gives them confidence in navigating ambiguity, working across disciplines and contributing to ventures at an early stage.

Empowering climate founders

Working with MBA students offers tangible benefits for technical founders as well. Marc Manyé Ibáñez, Co-Founder and CEO of AnodeWorks and PhD student in chemical engineering, said the biggest value of BCV has been working with people who bring a different skill set.

“Working with MBA students forces us to really think about this as a real business, rather than just a science project,” Ibáñez said. “They bring a lot of rigor to our market research, but more importantly, they challenge our assumptions.”

BCV has also become a meaningful space for business students interested in building ventures of their own. Alex Kaindl (MBA’26, Sustainability Pathway), who first joined the fall BCV seminars and now participates in the incubator as a founder, said the program has offered structure, accountability and a community of people committed to climate-focused innovation. She’s exploring ideas she’s been passionate about for a long time, including community-based models for wildfire insurance and biodegradable replacements for plastic packaging, like wool that isn’t fine enough to be used to make sweaters, but could be valuable in industrial applications.

“BCV offers a support system for being an entrepreneur but also someone who cares about climate change and improving quality of life for people, planet, animals,” Kaindl said. “The facilitators are really invested in our growth and success. They give honest feedback and connect us with experts that pressure-test our ideas.”

Cultivating next-generation climate innovators

For Betsy Klein, associate director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, the community connections and experiential learning are central to the program’s value. BCV gives MBA students hands-on experience working with real climate startups while strengthening Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“BCV is helping position Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder as a talent pipeline for the climate innovation economy,” Klein said. She’s excited that the program offers “the opportunity to help build the next generation of climate founders, operators, and investors.”

BCV is more than an extracurricular opportunity. It is a space to explore how business skills can support innovation, collaboration and impact. It helps students imagine new professional pathways—ones that bring together purpose, problem-solving and leadership.

And in that way, Boulder Climate Ventures is doing more than introducing students to climate entrepreneurship. It is helping them see how their time at Leeds can prepare them to build careers—and contribute solutions—that matter.

BCV is giving Leeds MBA students a hands-on opportunity to engage with climate tech innovation through real venture-building experiences. Through seminars and an incubator program, students apply their MBA skills to early-stage climate startups while developing the next generation of climate entrepreneurs, operators, and investors.

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Meet Carly Simmons: Turning Curiosity Into Impact as a Sustainability Scholar

Dani Saldana Gordillo — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:10:50 +0000

Meet Carly Simmons: Turning Curiosity Into Impact as a Sustainability Scholar Dani Saldana G… Thu, 02/05/2026 - 09:10

Carly Simmons- Sustainability Scholar

Carly Simmons (BusAna,SupChnMgmt SRE'27), a 2025–2026 Sustainability Scholar at the Leeds School of Business, and a student who’s proving just how far passion and purpose can take you. As a junior studying Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, with minors in Creative Technology & Design and the SRE Certificate, Carly has woven sustainability into nearly every corner of her Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder experience. Outside her academic and leadership roles, Carly enjoys hiking, skiing, camping, scrapbooking, and baking—especially key lime pie.

Originally from Reno, Nevada, Carly chose Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder for its nationally recognized sustainability ecosystem and strong commitment to clean energy. It didn’t take long for her to dive in. During her first year, she joined what was then the CESR Fellows Club, and ultimately helped rebrand and grow it into today’s Sustainable Business Club (SBC). Her leadership journey with SBC has been remarkable. Now serving as co-president, Carly has helped expand the club to more than 50 active members.

“For me, being involved is about surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to make a difference,” she shared. That philosophy is reflected in her involvement across campus—Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity (former Pledge Educator and VP of Community Service), Ralphie’s Closet (former President and Committee Founder), and Kappa Alpha Theta. Everywhere she goes, she looks for communities driven by purpose.

“Being part of the Scholars cohort connected me with people who are values-driven and excited to think bigger,” she said. “The networking alone has opened so many doors.”

How the Sustainability Scholars Program Helped Her Level Up

For Carly, the Sustainability Scholars Program has helped propel her forward to continue her impact-driven work. One of the biggest ways she’s grown is through the program’s stipend, which she used a portion of to attend Mountain Towns 2030, the largest mountain-community sustainability conference in the country located right here in Breckenridge, Ģ��Ӱ��. The ability to fund that trip was transformative as it gave her firsthand exposure to Ģ��Ӱ��’s clean-energy initiatives, connected her with leaders shaping the state’s sustainability landscape, and ultimately confirmed that this is the state where she wants to build her career.

But the impact didn’t stop there. The Sustainability Scholars community itself- students, alumni, and CESR partners- became a network that opened new doors. At CESR events, Carly connected with Evan Goodman, a former SBC executive member and SRE Certificate alum now working at KeHE. Their conversations, mentorship, and his willingness to help her navigate the application process directly supported her in landing her Business Analytics internship for this summer.

Through a combination of funded experiential learning and a values-driven professional community, the Sustainability Scholars Program has helped Carly accelerate her path, deepen her purpose, and step confidently into her next chapter.

A Project With Global Reach

Every Sustainability Scholar designs a project that reflects their personal commitment to positive impact- and Carly’s journey is a great example of how meaningful work can evolve. She initially planned a campus-based reusable cup and coffee-loyalty initiative modeled after the Moss Loyalty Program, but after running into challenges with vendor engagement, she realized a pivot was necessary.

That shift led her to one of the most meaningful collaborations of her college experience. Carly had previously taken the class Hacking the Apocalypse with Jane Zelikova, who oversees Ģ��Ӱ��'s Sustainability Research Initiatives and leads Sunflower Seeds For Ukraine, a humanitarian project supporting communities affected by war and ongoing energy insecurity. After hearing Jane talk about her initiative, Carly immediately knew she wanted Ģ��Ӱ�� students to be part of this work.

Her Sustainability Scholars project now partners directly with Sunflower Seeds For Ukraine. With support from CESR and her Scholar cohort, Carly is helping convert 40+ small solar panels into USB charging units that will be distributed across Ukraine to power essential devices. She is also organizing a campus-wide clothing drive to gather cold-weather essentials for families facing severe hardship.

This shift from a local campus initiative to an international humanitarian project highlights Carly’s adaptability, her values-driven mindset, and her willingness to act where help is urgently needed.

Carly’s Message to Future Scholars

Carly’s energy is contagious, and she leaves future students with one clear reminder:

“There’s no reason we shouldn’t all be looking at climate tech, renewable energy, or food-system sustainability. It’s our future in our hands.”

Whether you’re an aspiring Scholar or a student just starting to explore sustainability, Carly’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a sustainability major to make a sustainability impact- just curiosity, involvement, and a willingness to say yes to the opportunities that come your way.

Sustainability Scholars is currently recruiting for the 2026-2027 cohort. Learn more and apply by March 13, 2026 on our website.

Meet Carly, a 2025–2026 Sustainability Scholar at the Leeds School of Business and a student who’s steadily transforming passion into impact. The Sustainability Scholars Program has helped her take her passion for sustainable business even further. With the program’s stipend and the connections she’s made through its networking opportunities, Carly has been able to pursue projects that create meaningful change. One of her most powerful experiences has been working on the Sunflower Seeds for Ukraine initiative, where she is helping convert solar panels into phone chargers and providing warm clothing for Ukrainian communities. Read more about her!

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Mark Kroese on Climbing Toward Sustainability

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:58:02 +0000

Mark Kroese on Climbing Toward Sustainability Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 11/10/2025 - 12:58

Jane Majkiewicz

Former Microsoft sustainability leader Mark Kroese shared practical insights on innovation, skills and market-driven solutions for climate progress at CESR’s Sustainability Bootcamp.

At the Sustainability Bootcamp on Nov. 7, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, keynote speaker Mark Kroese (pictured above), former general manager of sustainability solutions at Microsoft, shared practical insights drawn from a career at the intersection of technology, leadership and environmental advocacy. Kroese spoke to a packed room of 180 Leeds students and guests. We are “at a unique point in history, with unprecedented tools to develop creative and innovative solutions to the world’s biggest problems." he believes. His talk blended actionable advice and optimism rooted in innovation.

Skills over process.
Complying with process is important, but igniting people with ideas and skills is how you go big, he said. As an avid mountain climber, Kroese drew a parallel to elite climber Alex Honnold—famous for his free solo ascents: “Does he follow process? No. Is he crazy skilled? Absolutely.” His takeaway: Invest in skills. They’re what drive bold, transformative action.

Federal climate subsidies are a must-have to meet sustainability goals.
There’s no way sustainability progress can happen without federal support, believes Kroese. “The might of the federal government is massive. It’s a really big hole when they pull out, and it’s a really big accelerant when they are in.”

Invigorating the blue-collar workforce.
Kroese voiced strong support for the blue-collar workforce. “I’ve long thought the trades are undervalued. Welders, electricians—these jobs are essential. Data centers aren’t building themselves.” Market forces will help reinvigorate interest in these careers.

Career strategy: passion or paycheck?
On the perennial question of following one's passion or pursuing financial stability, Kroese offered pragmatic advice: “Work your tail off in your 20s and 30s. Accumulate assets early. That gives you options later.”

Climate progress and political setbacks.
Asked how to fix climate change progress that has been undone by the current administration, Kroese said innovation gives him hope. “It is sad that there is a lot getting undone—it’s shocking, it’s demoralizing,” he admitted. “But market solutions with low-grade premiums will carry the day. If someone builds a cheap, carbon-free fusion reactor, it’ll take off—regardless of who’s in the White House.”

He urged students to keep innovating, even if policy support lags. “Some ideas may sit dormant for a few years. But our time will come. We have to innovate our way out of this problem.”

AI: bubble or breakthrough?
While not an AI expert, Kroese shared a candid view: “AI is an amazing tool—for both good and bad. I hope the good wins, and I hope we have some guardrails.” He emphasized the need for industry-led ethics and regulation, even if the path forward remains unclear.

I can assure you that, in the long run, the thing that will set you apart is your personal brand of human traits and values.

Mark Kroese, former general manager of sustainability solutions at Microsoft

“I can assure you that, in the long run, the thing that will set you apart is your personal brand of human traits and values. We are, after all, called human beings—not human doings,” Kroese emphasized.

The imperative to invest in AI skills is most associated with productivity and GDP growth, he explained. “Certainly, these are important things, but I want to encourage you to also invest in something far less measurable: your humanity.”

It is unique human characteristics—”the nonalgorithmic miracle that is your whole, human self”—that build integrity, trust, empathy and principles, he advised. “So go out into the workforce and be an AI-informed, but uniquely human, values-based leader.”

A Sustainability Focused Day

At the fall 2025 Sustainability Bootcamp, hosted by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, Trent Yang (pictured left)—Boulder Climate Ventures team member and Leeds entrepreneur-in-residence—spoke to attendees about climate tech investing. Kyri Baker (center), Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder assistant professor of civil systems and architectural engineering, addressed climate-related challenges posed by AI. Branding leader Brenda Tuohig (not pictured), explored the future of media and advertising in an AI-driven world. Following the plenary session, students (right) gathered into collaborative working groups.

Former Microsoft sustainability leader Mark Kroese shared practical insights on innovation, skills and market-driven solutions for climate progress at CESR’s Sustainability Bootcamp.

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Student Spotlight: CESR Impact Intern Charlie Tell

Leo Kailus — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:53:18 +0000

Student Spotlight: CESR Impact Intern Charlie Tell Leo Kailus Wed, 11/05/2025 - 12:53

Charlie Tell with his summer internship managers at Greenhouse Scholars

This summer, CESR’s Impact Internships program supported Leeds student Charlie Tell to take an internship with a mission-driven nonprofit making real change. The program provides a $7,000 stipend to Leeds undergraduates who use their business skills at a registered 501c3 for the summer. Charlie, a senior studying Leadership and Management, interned this past summer at Greenhouse Scholars - an education-focused nonprofit supporting students from under-resourced backgrounds. Through the program, Charlie gained new insight into how nonprofits operate, how business skills translate into meaningful impact, and how his values continue to shape his journey.

Could you tell us about Greenhouse Scholars and what kind of work you did this past summer through the Impact Internship program?

“Greenhouse Scholars helps out in communities that are under-resourced or below the poverty line. They provide resources like educational development, scholarships for college, and workshops that help students with how to be a leader in the workplace. This summer, I worked with Greenhouse’s business practices, including a lot of work in Salesforce and Excel to try to automate a lot of the current systems, which needed work because of the nonprofit budget. By the end of the year, I got to work on the logistics of the Summer Symposium, which is the final, biggest gathering of the year for donors, scholars, and everyone to come to Boulder and learn more about what exactly the program does.”

What did you learn about working at a nonprofit organization, and how did the Impact Internship Program influence that experience?

“Probably the biggest takeaway from the whole experience was realizing how viable nonprofits can actually be. I always pictured nonprofits as tiny operations - someone working out of a closet with two employees and no money. But Greenhouse was a pretty big organization. They had around 30 full-time employees, all making solid wages, and they had steady funding from donors. It completely changed my perception of what a nonprofit can look like.

Also, the people working there were amazing - very impact-minded and genuinely passionate about what they were doing, which I really appreciated.”

What are some of the biggest challenges you think should be solved in the world right now, and how do you see business playing a role in the solution?

“I work during the school year in the education space for a company called Untapped in Broomfield. We train kids on executive functioning skills - planning, organization, and the things you need to succeed in school that usually aren't taught. Most of the students we work with are neurodiverse.

One thing I’ve noticed, especially with the rise of AI, is that the education system isn’t keeping up. AI is changing how students learn, and honestly, it feels like education needs a full rehaul to adapt to this shift.

In the U.S., most education is through public systems, so there’s not much room for business involvement within schools. But I think businesses can still play a big role outside traditional schooling - like what we do at Untapped. We’re not government-funded, but we still make an impact in the education sphere. I think there’s a lot of future potential for business solutions in education.”

Outside of academics and work, what personal experiences or influences have shaped the way you think about sustainability or education, and led you to pursue this opportunity?

“A big influence on who I am is the fact that both of my parents are psychologists. Growing up, I was taught to think deeply about my morals and the kind of person I want to be. That led me to study leadership and management at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder after moving from Ohio.

I’ve always been curious about people and what makes them who they are, which is why I gravitate toward education and leadership. Outside of school and work, I’m constantly surrounding myself with information about those topics. I think it’s helped me build empathy and think more about how I can make an impact in ways that go beyond just earning a paycheck.”

What advice do you have for current or incoming students?

“I’m a senior now, and when I started, I had the same picture everyone has about business school - land an internship at a big firm, get a return offer, and go down that corporate path.

But through my time with CESR and my internship last summer, I’ve learned that’s not the only route. There are so many other viable ways to build a career and find work that actually brings you joy - not just a paycheck.

So my advice is: don’t let the “typical” picture of success block you from finding a version of success that actually fits you.”

Charlie’s experience is a reminder that careers in business don’t have to follow a single path, and that meaningful work often sits at the intersection of purpose and practical skills. The Impact Internship program provides an unrivaled opportunity to make a real impact while eliminating the main roadblock in the nonprofit industry.

Applications are now open for students to express interest in the Impact Internship program for Summer 2026. Learn more.

This summer, CESR’s Impact Internships program supported Leeds student Charlie Tell to take an internship with a mission-driven nonprofit. Through the program, Charlie gained new insight into how nonprofits operate, how business skills translate into meaningful impact, and how his values continue to shape his journey.

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CESR’s Ģ��Ӱ�� by Bus Trek: Insights from Four Sustainability Students

Leo Kailus — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:38:47 +0000

CESR’s Ģ��Ӱ�� by Bus Trek: Insights from Four Sustainability Students Leo Kailus Fri, 10/17/2025 - 13:38

This fall, when students from the Leeds School of Business set out on the CESR Ģ��Ӱ�� by Bus Trek, they were journeying into the heart of our state’s sustainability movement. From Aspen to the Ģ��Ӱ�� River, this year’s trek brought together students eager to understand how climate change is shaping businesses, and how business can, in turn, shape our response to climate change.

We heard from four of those students (Elina Hjelmaker, Sam Siegal, Alex Radz, and Maren Clay) about what they learned, what inspired them most, and how the experience is shaping their outlook on sustainability and its connection with business.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

Elina:
“My favorite part of the trip was learning about Aspen One’s approach to sustainability. Their fully sustainable restaurant was especially inspiring, not only because it shows how environmental responsibility can be seamlessly woven into everyday experiences, but also because it sets a powerful example for other ski companies to follow in their footsteps.”

Sam:
“My favorite part of the trip was speaking with Pete McBride about the western water crises. I enjoyed how personal the presentation was. The photos McBride takes truly paint a descriptive picture of the water crises. McBride was also just a really cool person, and I loved hearing about his time with National Geographic and all the expeditions he has been on.

Maren:
“My favorite part of the trip was being able to talk with professionals in the sustainability industry and see what that really looks like in a business environment. In Leeds, I learn a lot about different techniques for increasing sustainability in a business, but seeing it in practice really opened my eyes to what businesses can achieve.”

What did you learn that really stuck with you?

Elina:
“On our EcoFlight tour over the Ģ��Ӱ�� River Valley, I witnessed firsthand how climate change is reshaping Ģ��Ӱ��’s landscape. The severe drought and its impact on the surrounding land were striking, and I was also surprised by the sheer number of gas developments and plants scattered throughout the area.”

Sam:
“I learned the severity of the water crises and how the constrained water is already affecting communities. We spoke with a local farmer, and it was interesting to hear the politics behind who has the rights to the water on his own property. I also found it interesting to hear how the water crisis affects the ecosystem. Especially how though we had a strong snowfall last year in the valley, the amount of water that made it to the river was much less. Depicting the plants sucking more water than average because of the previous droughts.”

Alex:
“I never realized just how important the Ģ��Ӱ�� River is for so many people across the U.S. and how badly it’s been managed as the country has grown. In some places, the river has even run completely dry in some areas, leaving communities without water and devastating ecosystems.”

Maren:
“Something that I learned on this trip that really stuck with me is that in order to make businesses become more sustainable, you have to work on finding root issues and solving them. Sustainability isn't just replacing lightbulbs to save electricity; it's getting involved in local political environments, and advocating for making communities as a whole more sustainable. Without legislation, sustainability will not be able to be fully actualized.”

You learned about how climate is impacting businesses but also about business opportunities that can make a difference - what are you most excited about and why?

Elina:
“There are many opportunities for businesses to make a difference with sustainable practices. One example of this is how Holy Cross Energy is transforming the way communities access power by investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Their goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2030 shows how a company can lead with ambition while also inspiring other businesses to adopt similar commitments. I’m most excited about opportunities like this because they prove that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it can also drive innovation, build trust with communities, and set a new standard for the future of business.”

Sam:
“Some of the biggest opportunities I found was how creating a reliable, clean and constant energy source could make one of the biggest impacts. If we are able to harness all the energy that happens naturally, we can desalinize water (solving some of the water crises), energy cost would be minimal (allowing everyone access to energy), and would stop the current oil and gas production (solving the warming climate).”

Alex:
“I think many businesses are beginning to realize that they do not have to sacrifice profit to make a positive impact. Oftentimes, making business decisions with the environment in mind can lead to future savings.”

Presumably, you care about this issue and/or see the opportunities. Where do you want to put your efforts? How do you want to use your power and your talents to make an impact?

Elina:
“In my future career, I want to approach sustainability in the same innovative ways as many of the companies we visited on this trek. There are countless opportunities to create positive change, and I believe staying optimistic is key to driving progress. I also hope to use my skills to educate others on the importance of sustainable practices, helping to spread awareness and inspire action that extends beyond my own work.”

Alex:
“I just want more people to realize that protecting the environment isn’t only about being socially responsible, it’s also a smart business move. Once people see that connection, there’s more potential for innovation, investment, and real change. I want to use my voice and platform to help more people understand this.”

Maren:
“Currently, I see that my "lever" is volunteer work. Time and energy are valuable things, and if I am able to donate my time and energy to organizations, small or large, that are working to make the business world more sustainable and profitable, I will be helping contribute to that cause. Additionally, it communicates to others around me that the sustainability cause is one worth investing time (and money) to, and will encourage others to volunteer their time to causes they feel passionately about.”

Why this trip matters:

The CESR Bus Trek is more than just a trip; it’s an outdoor classroom where students embrace ethical leadership while learning about environmental impact and business innovation. Students witnessed how sustainability challenges and business opportunities intersect across Ģ��Ӱ��’s landscapes, from flying over drought-ridden valleys to dining with conservationists and entrepreneurs.

As Elina, Sam, Alex, and Maren show, these experiences spark action, optimism, and leadership. CESR’s Ģ��Ӱ�� by Bus Trek reminds us that the business leaders of the future will be tackling more than spreadsheets and numbers, but will focus on ideas of impact, such as leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

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Wes Obmascik: A global perspective leads to a great internship

Sarah Arney — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:54:32 +0000

Wes Obmascik: A global perspective leads to a great internship Sarah Arney Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:54

Through CESR’s Sustainability Scholars Program, Wes Obmascik (Fin’26, SRE) discovered how sustainability could shape both his studies and his career. “I originally worked at a renewable energy developer during my sophomore year,” he shared. “I found out about sustainability through CESR and through their ethics class. Then I attended a climate finance workshop - it was awesome because it combined both finance and sustainability, which I didn’t realize you could combine.”

That experience led Wes to take his research with him on his study abroad in Europe, exploring how the region approaches sustainability. “I think they are ahead culturally - small things like bag taxes meant the majority of people were already bringing their own bags,” he explained. “It gave me a global mindset.”

This global perspective ultimately helped him land a role at Lightsource BP in power markets. “They told me they wanted someone who wasn’t just a finance kid who worked in energy. They wanted someone who was committed to sustainability,” Wes said. His advice for students considering a similar pathway or program? “If you’re passionate about protecting the earth or social responsibility, there’s now a whole industry around sustainability. You can have a very successful career while also contributing to something bigger.”

Read more about Wes' Sustainability Scholars experience in this inaugural cohort interview.

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CESR Impact Stories

Katherine Ratledge, Program Manager for the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility

Changing the message

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Sydney Bihm (SustBus’27) Minor: History
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Conservation Finance Intern

Bennett Burton (Bus, Fin, SustBus’28)
Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (BGCMD), Program & Operations Intern

Maren Clay (Acct, SustBus’27)
Ģ��Ӱ�� Enterprise Fund (CEF), Operations Intern

Patrick Mahoney (MBA’27, with a concentration in Real Estate and Finance)
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Peter Murry (MBA’27)
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