Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of environmental change, from pioneering scientific research to grassroots activism. Yet their contributions often remain underrecognized.
In this sustainability field that demands innovative thinking and relentless dedication, women are making their mark, leading organizations, transforming industries, and redefining how businesses approach environmental responsibility. Their leadership is not only molding policies but also driving tangible progress, from cutting emissions to promoting circular economies. These women are the catalysts of change, guiding companies toward greener practices, advocating for climate justice, and ensuring sustainability becomes more than just a promise.
But who are these trailblazers? Who are the voices turning ideas into action and inspiring the next generation of sustainability professionals?
In this blog post, meet 21 women who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate advocates for the planet. Discover their remarkable achievements, their unique approaches to sustainability, and the powerful lessons they offer for a more responsible future.
Kira Breslauer
Kira Breslauer is a trailblazer in sustainability-focused product development, bringing over a decade of experience across tech, carbon accounting, and enterprise solutions. As Head of Product at P6 Technologies, she champions user-driven innovation to advance Life Cycle Assessment software. Her journey spans Persefoni, IBM, and Carnegie Mellon’s elite product development program — where she fused strategy with systems thinking. From decarbonization tools to global supply chain platforms, Kira’s work consistently empowers organizations to meet their climate goals. Her early background in psychology and leadership coaching at Estée Lauder sharpens her human-centered approach, making her a standout among women shaping the future of sustainability.
Katharine Hayhoe
Katharine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy and professor at Texas Tech University, is a leading climate scientist and communicator. Named a UN Champion of the Earth and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, she bridges science and faith to engage diverse audiences on climate action. Hayhoe has authored over 125 scientific publications and the acclaimed book Saving Us. Her TED Talk, The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it, has garnered millions of views. Through her work, she inspires hope and collective responsibility for our planet’s future.
Kate Brandt
Kate Brandt, Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, is a pioneering force in environmental leadership. Appointed as the first Federal Chief Sustainability Officer under President Obama, she now spearheads Google’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon-free operations by 2030. Brandt leverages AI to enhance energy efficiency, notably reducing data center cooling energy by 40%. Her initiatives, such as eco-friendly routing, have prevented over 2.4 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions. Recognized among Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Brandt exemplifies how innovation and technology can drive sustainable transformation.
Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz
Isabelle Kocher de Leyritz stands as a transformative force in sustainable leadership. As former CEO of Engie, she spearheaded a strategic overhaul, divesting from coal and investing in renewables, resulting in a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 50% total shareholder return. Now leading Blunomy, she champions decarbonized, circular, and inclusive business models. Kocher’s approach emphasizes empowerment, decentralization, and aligning corporate purpose with environmental responsibility, positioning her as a pivotal figure in driving systemic change towards a sustainable future.
Sheri R. Hinish
Sheri R. Hinish, known as the “Supply Chain Queen”, is EY’s Global Consulting Sustainability, Technology, and Ecosystems Leader. With master’s degrees from Harvard and Rutgers, she pioneers sustainable transformation across net-zero strategies, ESG reporting, and circular supply chains. Sheri’s leadership earned her the No. 3 spot on Supply Chain Digital’s 2024 Top 100 Women list. Beyond EY, she hosts the Supply Chain Revolution podcast, advocating for inclusive, tech-driven sustainability and empowering underrepresented voices in STEM. Her mission: to build equitable, future-fit ecosystems through ethical innovation.
Leyla Acaroglu
Leyla Acaroglu is a globally recognized sustainability expert, designer, and sociologist. She developed the Disruptive Design Method, blending systems thinking and sustainability science to drive positive change. As founder of Disrupt Design, The UnSchool, and Circular Futures, Leyla empowers individuals and organizations to innovate for a circular economy. Her impactful TED Talk and 2016 UNEP Champion of the Earth award highlight her commitment to environmental responsibility. Leyla’s work continues to inspire transformative action worldwide.
Christiana Figueres
Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, is renowned for her pivotal role in securing the 2015 Paris Agreement, uniting 195 nations to combat climate change. A Costa Rican diplomat, she pioneered collaborative diplomacy, engaging governments, corporations, and civil society. Post-UN, Figueres co-founded Global Optimism, co-authored The Future We Choose and co-hosts the podcast Outrage + Optimism. Her leadership continues to inspire global efforts toward environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Eva Gladek
Eva Gladek is a pioneering industrial ecologist and the founder of Metabolic, a leading consultancy in Amsterdam dedicated to advancing circular economies. With a background in molecular biology from Amherst College and industrial environmental management from Yale University, she integrates scientific rigor into sustainability strategies. Under her leadership, Metabolic collaborates with over 300 organizations globally, including Danone and Heineken, to develop data-driven solutions for systemic environmental challenges. Gladek’s work exemplifies how visionary leadership can drive meaningful change in environmental responsibility.
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas is an environmental activist and the founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, a platform dedicated to promoting environmental justice through an inclusive lens. Coining the term “eco-communicator,” she bridges social justice and environmentalism, emphasizing that protecting the planet requires uplifting marginalized communities. Her 2022 book, The Intersectional Environmentalist, serves as a guide to dismantling systems of oppression to safeguard both people and the planet. Recognized by TIME100 NEXT and Forbes 30 Under 30, Thomas continues to inspire global audiences with her advocacy and thought leadership.
Arizona Muse
Arizona Muse is a prominent model and environmental activist dedicated to transforming the fashion industry through sustainable practices. As the founder of DIRT, a nonprofit organization, she champions regenerative agriculture to restore soil health and promote biodiversity. Her initiatives include supporting biodynamic farming projects worldwide and collaborating with brands to implement eco-friendly practices. Muse’s advocacy extends to her roles as Greenpeace Oceans Ambassador and Aveda’s first global sustainability advocate, reflecting her commitment to environmental responsibility.
Maria Eugenia Filmanovic
Maria Eugenia Filmanovic is a prominent Brazilian environmental lawyer and advocate for sustainable business practices. With extensive experience in environmental law, she has been instrumental in shaping corporate strategies that prioritize sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations. Her work emphasizes the integration of environmental considerations into business operations, promoting a balance between economic growth and ecological responsibility. Through her efforts, Filmanovic contributes to advancing environmental governance and fostering a culture of sustainability in corporate Brazil.
Fredrika Klarén
Fredrika Klarén, Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, is redefining automotive sustainability through transparency and innovation. With over a decade of experience at IKEA and KappAhl, she leads Polestar’s ambitious goal to produce a climate-neutral car by 2030, known as the Polestar 0 project. Klarén emphasizes full life cycle assessments, ethical sourcing, and circular design, challenging industry norms and greenwashing practices. Her leadership positions Polestar at the forefront of sustainable mobility, driving meaningful change in the EV sector.
Anna Lasso
Anna Lasso is a pathfinder in sustainability, leveraging over 15 years of experience to drive transparency in environmental impact reporting. As founder and CEO of Smart EPD, she has revolutionized Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) by digitizing them for seamless integration and accessibility. Previously, she led UL’s EPD program, scaling it from 100 to over 1,100 declarations. With dual master’s degrees from MIT and a background in industrial design, Anna bridges technical expertise with strategic vision to accelerate climate action through scalable solutions.
Sandra C. Chukwudozie
Sandra C. Chukwudozie is the CEO of Salpha Energy, a company dedicated to providing affordable solar energy solutions to underserved communities in Nigeria. Under her leadership, Salpha Energy has impacted over 1.5 million people, offering clean energy to homes and small businesses. In 2023, she inaugurated the first female-owned solar home system assembly plant in sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to produce 250,000 systems annually and create over 1,000 jobs. Sandra’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned her recognition, including the WIME Award and the Ashden Award for Energy Innovation in the Global South. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of clean energy in driving economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.
Anya Doherty
Anya Doherty is a pioneering force in food sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the founder and Managing Director of Foodsteps, she leads a data-driven platform that empowers food businesses to measure, reduce, and report their environmental impact. Under her leadership, Foodsteps has collaborated with industry giants like Compass Group and Tesco to achieve significant sustainability milestones, including a 40% reduction in meat usage across key dishes. Anya’s commitment extends beyond business; she co-founded Youngwilders, a charity dedicated to youth-led nature recovery projects in the UK. Her work continues to inspire a future where environmental responsibility is integral to the food industry.
Amy Springsteel
Amy Springsteel is a distinguished leader in sustainability and corporate responsibility. Currently serving as Bloomberg’s Chief Sustainability Officer, she drives global ESG initiatives, including ambitious goals to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030. Previously, she held senior roles at BNY Mellon and Voya Financial, where she led corporate responsibility strategies and ESG reporting. Springsteel’s extensive experience spans sectors such as finance, consulting, and nonprofit, collaborating with organizations like PepsiCo and General Electric. She holds certifications from the Global Reporting Initiative and Columbia University. Recognized for her strategic leadership, Springsteel is a member of the AccountAbility AA1000 Standards Board and the Florida State University Sustainability Alumni Council.
Megan O’Connor
Megan O’Connor is a driving force in sustainable technology and the circular economy. As co-founder and CEO of Nth Cycle, she developed an innovative electro-extraction process that recycles critical minerals from battery waste into reusable commodities. This breakthrough addresses the looming shortages of metals like cobalt and nickel, essential for clean energy technologies. Dr. O’Connor earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University and was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy in 2019 . Her leadership is propelling the transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.
Anna Harman
Anna Harman is a Canadian engineer and climate change consultant renowned for her leadership in decarbonizing the built environment. As a Senior Advisor for Decarbonization Strategy at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), she spearheads initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across global real estate portfolios. Her innovative strategies have been instrumental in developing decarbonization plans for the Government of Canada and have contributed to significant emissions reductions in thousands of buildings worldwide. Recognized as one of Canada’s 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders and awarded the 2021 Young Energy Professional of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers, Harman combines technical expertise with a passion for mentorship and advocacy. She co-founded the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) and actively mentors students, fostering the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Stephanie Lansing
Stephanie Lansing is a pioneering environmental scientist and professor at the University of Maryland, leading transformative research in sustainable energy and waste management. As head of the Bioenergy and Biotechnology Lab, she specializes in converting food waste into biofuels and bioplastics using anaerobic digestion and gasification technologies. Her work has garnered over $13 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. Additionally, Lansing co-leads NourishNet, a $5 million National Science Foundation initiative aimed at reducing food insecurity and waste through innovative technology solutions . Her interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental science with social equity, positioning her as a key leader in the future of environmental responsibility.
Laura Morrison
Laura Morrison is a prominent figure in sustainability, recognized for her leadership in integrating environmental responsibility into business practices. As the Chief Sustainability Officer at Markforged, she spearheads initiatives that align with the company’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing solutions. Her strategic approach emphasizes the importance of transparency and data-driven decision-making in achieving sustainability goals. Morrison’s work exemplifies how corporate leaders can drive meaningful environmental impact through innovation and accountability. Her efforts contribute significantly to shaping a more sustainable future in the manufacturing industry.
Susan Murphy
Susan Murphy, Executive Director of Boston University’s Impact Measurement & Allocation Program (IMAP), is a catalyst in sustainable finance and environmental responsibility. With a background in mechanical engineering from Olin College and a master’s in Technology and Policy from MIT, she bridges technical expertise with strategic vision. Her 12-year tenure at thinkstep, culminating as Director of Consulting and Innovation, honed her skills in life cycle assessment and ESG reporting. At IMAP, Murphy leads research on socially responsible investing, emphasizing data-driven strategies that align financial performance with environmental impact. Her leadership is shaping the future of sustainable development.
Women in sustainability powering the future of environmental innovation
In a world where sustainability is a necessity, the women highlighted here are leading the charge. From groundbreaking research to innovative leadership, they are transforming industries, advancing climate solutions, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Their stories showcase not just expertise but a deep, unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future.
These leaders prove that sustainability is not confined to one sector or approach. It’s a multifaceted journey requiring vision, resilience, and courage. They are reimagining supply chains, pioneering green technologies, advocating for climate justice, and turning ambitious goals into tangible impact.
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