Fellows and Ambassadors
Meet the 2021-22 Fellows and Ambassadors
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a second-year student enrolled in the dual MBA and Master of Architecture degree program.
Educational background:
B.A. in Architecture (Georgia Tech, 2017)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
As an undergraduate, I was a member of Georgia Tech’s co-ed acapella group. In my fourth year, we performed for President Obama and Michelle Obama at the annual White House Christmas party.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I am learning how sustainability plays a role in both the environment and society. I am integrating sustainability in my career by working to design spaces that are socially and environmentally equitable to create opportunities and build a stronger, healthier community.
Hometown:
Chandler, Arizona
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2016)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve traveled to 19 countries so far!
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
As an engineer, I have always attempted to find innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into my designs. As an MBA student, I now have a bigger scope and responsibility to make sustainability the main motif. In order to wholly integrate sustainability into my life, I work 14 hours per week in the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business to learn different ways to measure emissions, and I plan to incorporate these lessons into the TI:GER program at Scheller.
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a student in the Evening MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Chemistry (Duke University, 2005)
MPH in Environmental Health Sciences (Ohio State University, 2012)
M.S. in Biomedical Science (Barry University, 2013)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love participating in all kinds of running events and am always looking for a new challenge. I have completed a Peachtree Road Race, three marathons, three Tough Mudders, a bubble run, 5Ks dressed like Santa, hot chocolate 15Ks, a polar dash (think January in Chicago), and many others. I am currently training for the 2022 Disney Dopey Challenge.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
On a daily basis, I am mindful of my impact on the world and try to minimize that impact by recycling, reducing my use of single-use plastics, and being a conscientious consumer of energy-efficient items. I am hoping to apply these same principles on a larger scale by working with organizations to strategically set sustainability goals and actively find ways to reduce their carbon emissions, thereby minimizing their impact on the environment
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a first-year business administration major with a concentration in finance.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have triplet younger brothers who are 15 years old. Weirdly enough, two of them are identical, and the third is fraternal. The two identical ones, Josh and Chase, are both involved in JROTC at their high school, and the third, Trent, is a baseball fanatic.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Ray spent his career building a business that strove to be both successful and sustainable. I share Ray’s optimism and ambition for a more sustainable future. I also share Ray’s belief that the best way to achieve this goal is through innovation. With my finance concentration, I am planning to put sustainability at the center of my career through promoting investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other technologies that will make sustainability more achievable and beneficial to all.
Hometown: Bukavu, South Kivu, DR Congo
Current student status:
I am a fourth-year business administration major with a concentration in information technology management.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I speak three languages.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I want to encourage different businesses to pursue a sustainable way.
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a third-year architecture major. I am pursuing a minor in sustainable cities and the certificate in sustainable business.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I make and sell tie dye sheets and tapestries.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I plan to use my degree in architecture, minor in sustainable cities, and certificate in sustainable business to work with organizations in the sustainability field. I am passionate about creating sustainable communities. I also want to make sure that social equity is considered while sustainability solutions are being navigated. With my career goal of becoming a sustainability consultant or manager, I am interested in working with different groups on sustainability goals, planning, and initiatives.
Hometown:
Duluth, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Environmental Engineering (Cornell University, 2016)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I foster animals through the Atlanta Humane Society.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Like Ray, I believe sustainability is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do in business. As climate change causes global disruptions, the supply chains we depend on will need to be resilient and adaptable to continue functioning. I am getting my MBA to help build resilient supply chains.
Hometown: Johns Creek, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a first-year business administration major with a concentration in strategy and innovation.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I was born in Canada!
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I’m drawn to the niche sector of sustainability consulting. I hope to become a catalyst of innovation and economic growth and to help clients embed sustainable solutions in every facet of their strategy and operations. I look forward to practicing experiential learning and embarking on a new challenge with every case, whether it be implementing green building, renewable energy, or waste management.
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a student in the Evening MBA Program.
Educational background:
BBA in Risk Management and Insurance (University of Georgia)
M.S. in Information Systems (Georgia State University)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am a newbie dog lover who recently got a very adorable pomsky, Sora.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
As a software architect with a strong background in data science, I started doing more research on what software engineers can do to contribute to sustainability efforts. One of the key philosophies is that everyone has a part to play in the climate solution. Based on how quickly technology develops, we need to start taking action to build a more sustainable, better tomorrow.
Hometown: Dalton, Georgia
Current student status:
I’m a fifth-year business administration major with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. I will also be obtaining the Marketing Certificate.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve been to seven different countries outside the United States: England, France, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and Vatican City.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
The best legacy is one that leaves a mark on humanity’s heart instead of the planet. Making a difference that creates a better future outweighs any superficial success we may obtain. Every effort to maintain and conserve the planet is important. Every individual can make a difference, but the outcome is better when we all join together. This is what I live by and what I hope others will live by too. Our time is fleeting, but our impact will last forever.
Hometown: Johns Creek, Georgia
Current student status:
I’m a fourth-year business administration major with a concentration in business strategy and innovation.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I studied abroad at Georgia Tech-Lorraine in France this past summer!
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I initially integrated sustainability in my everyday life by making environmentally conscious choices in my diet, fashion, and overall lifestyle. However, the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business has inspired me to reimagine sustainability in a business context where I can help businesses implement sustainable business practices and create corporate strategy that minimizes their environmental and social impact.
Hometown:
Duluth, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a student in the Executive MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.A. in Anthropology and Comparative Religion (Emory University)
M.P.A. in Policy and International Economics (Indiana University)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I played rugby while living in Seoul, South Korea.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I truly believe businesses, their employees, and consumers have the ability to redirect our current business environment towards a more restorative, sustainable means to growth.
Hometown: Peachtree Corners, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a fourth-year physics major.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve managed to convince multiple customers that I was a computer when working drive-thru at Arby’s.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Sustainability is the root of all my professional pursuits. I seek to pursue graduate studies in photovoltaics, which will provide industry an increasingly efficient source of energy as the need to address climate change grows. I will integrate laboratory experience in device fabrication with my understanding of municipal civil service to explore new possibilities in expanding solar energy.
Hometown:
Marietta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am pursuing the Master of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management (MSEEM) degree.
Educational background:
B.S. in Environmental Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2021)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m really interested in textile design and spend my free time embroidering and sewing clothing.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
My approach to sustainability has been cultivating a mindset of reducing waste. Throughout my education and career path, this has consisted of researching methods for recycling wastewater and energy within everyday operations. I plan to integrate sustainability into my future through creating water and energy management practices that reduce resource consumption while promoting economic growth and infrastructure development.
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.A. in International Studies and German (Macalester College, 2015)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love podcasts! I know it’s very on-brand for my millennial generation, but I really do think they’re a great way to learn and explore new topics in a low-key, accessible setting. I’m currently listening to The Daily, Freakonomics, How I Built This, No Stupid Questions, Ologies, and Sustainability Defined. I love recommendations—feel free to reach out and share some of your favorites!.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I believe sustainability should be woven into the heart of every business to build a habitable and equitable world for future generations. Integrating sustainable practices into business is both necessary and economically valuable. My goal is to be an advocate for environmental, social, and economic sustainable business practices in the workplace, so we can leave the planet better than we found it.
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a second-year business administration major with a concentration in information technology management.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
President Cabrera and I played squash.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
My main focus is to learn as much as possible about sustainability. Additionally, I plan on combining my business major concentration in information technology management with my minor in law, science, and technology to pursue a career in climate policy. I also plan on interning in sustainability-focused companies and working on projects such as Drawdown Georgia.
Where did you grow up?
Germany
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Hospitality Management (Florida State University, 2011)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Until coming to Scheller, I had not lived anywhere for more than four years since the age of seven— thanks in part to being an Air Force dependent.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Sustainability has been part of a personal journey to do and live better. My own “spear in the chest” moment happened in the summer of 2020, when I realized I could increase my positive impact by understanding the challenges businesses face and helping them overcome the hurdles that keep them from operating sustainably and being a force for good in their communities. Pursuing an MBA is a big step towards reaching this career goal.
Hometown:
Kennewick, Washington
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.A. in Politics (Whitman College, 2015)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I lived off-grid in the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia, for a year while working as an ecological zipline guide! This experience led to my love for the outdoors and sustainability. I continued my journey by working as a guide and educator in China and the United States. I led people on backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering adventures while teaching them about the outdoors and sustainability.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
As a guide on Washington’s glaciated volcanoes, I educated clients on ecology and explained how climate change is shrinking the glaciers. I decided to pursue an MBA in order to make a larger impact on sustainability in my career. I want to contribute to the global task of working towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To me, sustainability is a way of life, as I strive for a zero waste lifestyle and follow a vegetarian diet.
Hometown:
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Current student status:
I am a second-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Marketing (University of Florida, 2017)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I received my boating license before my driver’s license.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Growing up in South Florida with the ocean only a block away, sustainability and protecting the environment were introduced to me at an early age. As I transition into my next job in Corporate America, I want to make sure that I find purpose within this role. For me, this purpose can be found through sustainability. I am looking forward to working alongside my company’s sustainability/recycling team after graduation.
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a student in the Executive MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2010)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love the great outdoors. I enjoy hiking, backpacking, and especially kayaking. Throughout college, I taught whitewater kayaking to campers in North Georgia. I have been fortunate to paddle in some wonderful places around the world. In 2019, I paddled to the face of a glacier on Lago Grey in Patagonia and on the Wailua River on the island of Kauai.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Working for Delta Air Lines has given me the unique opportunity to travel around the world to experience different locales and cultures. From the busy streets of Tokyo to the remote Strait of Magellan, traveling has opened my eyes to the truly important things in life—including sustainability’s role in both the environment and society. I plan to integrate sustainability in my career by working to influence my industry to be equitable and environmentally responsible.
Hometown:
Tokyo, Japan
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
M.S. in Civil Engineering (Tokai University, Japan)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a father of three children! I worked in a construction company for ten years. The renewable biogas project in Indonesia and an off-shore wind turbine project ignited my passion for sustainability.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I’m interested in reducing/neutralizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in construction and other operational industries. Now, I’m putting myself in an environment where students explore sustainable initiatives. The next step will be researching what would be the efficient way to reduce GHG and create economic impact.
Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois
Current student status:
I am a student in the Executive MBA Program.
Educational background:
Business Degree
CPA
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“OZ” means “youth.” I will say I am young at heart, not by age.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Sustainability brings new ideas that can create value for businesses and consumers.
Hometown:
Conyers, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a student in the Executive MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.A. in Communications (Lipscomb University, 2001)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I enjoy meeting people. Sharing a conversation, laugh, or a meal with new friends are things my wife, children, and I love to do.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
As a working adult with dyslexia, I understand the importance of cognitive diversity in the workplace. Although having a mind is universal, how it processes information is individual based on the wiring and past experiences. If I work with five carbon copies of myself, we can reasonably assume that when it comes to making any decision, we will all agree—regardless of whether we are right or wrong in our choice. This makes it easy to see the value of diversity to any business. I seek to find new ways to bring different voices to the table.
Hometown:
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.A. in Environmental Science (Emory University, 2017)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I visited ten National Parks during the summer of 2021! My goal is to eventually visit all 63 U.S. National Parks.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Economic success is inextricably linked to the health of our physical environment. The global climate crisis presents huge risks to the business world. To protect themselves and others, businesses will need to commit to running operations using carbon neutral power. I hope to use my education to contribute to the decarbonization of the economy, especially within the energy sector. I look forward to leaning into transformative business practices to better the world, just as Ray C. Anderson did.
Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a third-year business administration major with a concentration in strategy and innovation.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I once was handed a pizza by Shaquille O’Neal at the Papa John’s on 10th Street. I then got a high-five!
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I’m extremely passionate about sustainable urban development. In particular, I’m interested in the impact businesses have on the conditions of communities in which they operate. Through the Ambassadors Program, I hope to gain tools, experience, and insight into ways that businesses can perform in a financially, environmentally, and socially sustainable manner while creating better cities for us all.
Hometown:
Olympia, Washington
Current student status:
I am a second-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Biology (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2017)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I can speak a little bit of Ngäbere, which I learned while living in the indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé Reservation in Panama as a Peace Corps Volunteer. My Ngäbe name is Meli Chalibo.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Like Ray, I believe that a focus on sustainability isn’t just a “nice to have.” Rather, it’s a critical component of any successful business. I enjoy devising creative, lasting solutions to the large and small challenges faced by businesses that will make our society a better place for all. I hope that by completing two master's degrees at Georgia Tech (in environmental engineering and business administration), I will have the ability to design and implement environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable results.
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a second-year computer science major with a focus in modeling—simulation & intelligence.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve played the violin for almost 14 years. I continue to grow my love and fascination for music by picking up new instruments and learning new genres of music!
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
As a Georgia Tech computer science student, I often find myself at the intersection of technology and modernization. Yet, the most promising aspect of these discoveries lies in my capacity to use innovation towards positive social change. I have already begun to do so through implementing an in-house composter on campus. This project is only the beginning of my journey to bring my solution-oriented mindset into the landscape of the climate crisis, and I am excited to uphold Ray C. Anderson’s mission to champion socially responsible business practices in the future.
Hometown:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current student status:
I am a student in the Executive MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.S. in Environmental Engineering (Drexel University, 2004)
B.S. in Civil Engineering (Drexel University, 2004)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love the outdoors, especially any time I can spend with my family on the shoreline. My favorite childhood memories are of the times spent on my dad’s boat, smelling the fresh salty air and hopefully bringing home dinner.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I have spent over 15 years helping organizations comply with environmental regulations. Over my career, sustainability has come to encompass more than simply complying with environmental regulations. My decision to pursue an MBA hinged on a desire to integrate sustainable solutions into business operations in order to (as Ray said) “do good...not just no harm.”
Hometown:
Powder Springs, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a student in the Evening MBA Program.
Educational background:
M.S. in Information Technology (Kennesaw State University, 2019)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am addicted to Chipotle and eat more burritos than anyone should.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I strongly believe in being a lifelong learner. Learning and implementing sustainable practices both in our professional and personal lives is something that will pay dividends for years to come. In decades past, sustainability was something that was viewed as a “nice to have” but not as a business necessity. This thought process has completely flipped. We live in an era where interest and budgets are finally aligning to allow real strides in establishing sustainability as a true pillar of business.
Hometown:
West Deptford, New Jersey
Current student status:
I am a second-year aerospace engineering major.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love sumo wrestling!
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
As an undergraduate research assistant in the Benn T. Zinn Combustion Laboratory, I am helping to make more efficient jet engines. In my career, I hope to progress space travel to help humanity have a more sustainable presence in the solar system.
Hometown:
Vinings, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a second-year business administration major with a concentration in strategy and innovation. I am also pursuing the certificate in sustainable business.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am on the cross country and track teams at Georgia Tech. During my free time, I love to listen to music and explore the outdoors.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I study strategy and innovation, specifically within the realm of sustainability. Throughout my time at Georgia Tech, I hope to integrate myself in arenas where forward and innovative thinking thrives. I hope to embody a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow” by taking whatever steps are necessary to make a change in the movement that I am passionate about.
Hometown:
Winter Park, Florida
Current student status:
I am a first-year student in the Full-time MBA Program.
Educational background:
B.A. in International Studies and Economics (double major) (University of North Florida, 2010)
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I lived and worked in Athens, Greece, for two and a half years prior to coming to Georgia Tech.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I believe that the future of social impact is at the intersection of the business and nonprofit sectors. By combining the structure and efficiency from the business sector with the passion and heart of the nonprofit sector, we can create sustainable change that lasts for generations. I have a passion not only to reduce the negative social and environmental impact of business but also to build healthy and sustainable systems that put people before profit.
Hometown:
Suwanee, Georgia
Current student status:
I am a first-year business administration major with a concentration in strategy and innovation.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
The first time I baked cupcakes I mistakenly mixed up the sugar and salt proportions. I poured half a cup of salt into the batter and half a teaspoon of sugar. The cupcakes turned out green, wet, and extremely salty. Needless to say, I have never offered to bake for anyone ever again.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
My interest in sustainability stemmed from the fashion industry. With my introduction to the negative consequences of fast fashion, I broadened my knowledge of the intersection of material sciences and the environment. Now, I strive to reduce my consumption of wasteful materials such as single-use plastics, fast fashion clothing, and paper statements. Like Ray, I aspire for a world of renewable resources and zero scrap going to landfills.
Hometown:
Bath, Pennsylvania
Current student status:
I am a second-year business administration major with a concentration in information technology management.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a commercial aviation enthusiast. I’m happiest when I’m conversing about anything to do with airplanes and airports.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I’m always looking for ways to incorporate niche and revolutionary outlooks on conducting business. The Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business’s program for Undergraduate Ambassadors provides me with an outlet to spread the Center’s mission to disciplines outside of my academic interests. As a returning Ambassador and passionate participant in other Center programs, I hope to incorporate unconventional sustainability practices (especially in the realm of social equity) into my daily routine.
Hometown:
Cleveland, Ohio
Current student status:
I am a third-year chemical and biomolecular engineering major.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love to travel and see new places. My interest in sustainability stems partly from my desire to preserve the beautiful natural sights around the world for others to appreciate.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
Like Ray C. Anderson, I was greatly inspired by Paul Hawken’s writings in The Ecology of Commerce. I want to become part of the systemic change that is needed to reverse global warming and build a sustainable future for generations after us. As a chemical engineer, I will position my career to help make the processes and materials that businesses use more efficient and less harmful. Currently, I am conducting research in plastics recycling at Georgia Tech.
Hometown:
Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
Current student status:
I am a fourth-year environmental engineering major.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My cat’s name is Gator because she sounds like an alligator.
What makes you a “Ray C. Anderson of tomorrow”?
I’m currently on the Energy Team for a Georgia Tech Vertically Integrated Project (VIP), “National Parks: Diversity and Sustainability.” I am also serving on the Office of Campus Sustainability and Campus Services’ Student Sustainability Advisory Council. I am looking for careers in sustainability and am thinking about adding the Certificate in Sustainable Business.