Speaker

As the Founder of Gradible, Yadira is dedicated to pioneering innovative sustainability solutions that empower organizations to become smarter, resilient, and forward-thinking in infrastructure and design. Her expertise guides businesses in integrating effective waste, energy, and water management strategies, thereby enhancing their financial and environmental performance. Organization:GradibleTitle:Founder & Chief Impact OfficerWebhttp://www.gradible.coLinkedInwww.linkedin.com/in/yadira-d

Eric Sargent is the Founder of Circular Economy Club Boston and a Sustainability MBA candidate at Bard College, specializing in Circular Economy Value Chain Management. With over a decade of experience in the impact sector, Eric has led the development of sustainable operational systems, helped double the size of nonprofit organizations, and launched mission-driven businesses … Read more

Elizabeth Ellman is the Sustainability Programs Coordinator for the City of Bexley, Ohio, where she handles aggregation to waste, and a lot of stuff in between. Organization:City of BexleyTitle:Sustainability Programs CoordinatorLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethellman/

Larissa brings a wealth of experience in education and a genuine enthusiasm for creating tangible solutions to small-scale environmental challenges. She is actively involved in Anchor Gardens’ outreach efforts, leading workshops, engaging with local stakeholders, and championing initiatives that promote organic waste diversion and resourcefulness through gardening in the unique Alaskan context. Through her work, … Read more

I am a Brazilian architect and urbanist, currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, and conducting part of my research as a visiting researcher at the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), Portugal. I also hold a Master of Science degree in Architecture and Urbanism, in which I investigated … Read more

Cara Murray is a Program Analyst for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works Office of Waste Diversion, and has been with the department for 3.5 years. Cara works collaboratively with partners in municipal government and throughout the City to build equitable, sustainable change to achieve zero waste goals. Organization:Baltimore City Department of Public WorksTitle:Program … Read more

Jon Schroeder is an SMM Specialist at MnTAP, focused on sustainable materials, waste mitigation, reuse, recycling, lifecycle assessment (LCA), organizational engagement, and sustainable procurement. Based in Minneapolis, he has extensive experience in sustainability initiatives, with deep expertise in waste and materials management. He runs the Minnesota Materials Exchange as part of his job, and enjoys … Read more

Motivated by the urgent need to address wasted food and hunger, Erin Ash joined the Spoonfuls team in 2025, bringing with her a background in environmental justice and public health. She began her nonprofit career in Addiction Medicine at Boston Medical Center, later earning a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University. Before transitioning to … Read more

Connor Hoemann is a Toward Zero Waste Program Assistant at Sustainable Connections in Bellingham, WA. He holds a degree in Environmental Science from Whittier College and is committed to waste reduction, resource recovery, and community-driven sustainability. In his role, Connor provides technical assistance and outreach to local businesses, helping them comply with Bellingham’s single-use plastic … Read more

Brandi Hutton is the Toward Zero Waste Program Manager at Sustainable Connections. She has been there for 5 plus years helping build programs such as the Food Recovery Program, Community Freedges, and technical support for businesses transitioning away single-use plastics as part of the City of Bellingham’s Single-Use Plastics Ban. Originally from the Mid-West, Brandi … Read more