Surprising Future

A Pragmatic Eco-Warrior

I am in my last year at Penn State double majoring in Energy & Sustainability Policy and International Politics/International Relations. What does this mean for you? Well, I’m about to be available to build policy for any company, government (national, state, local, international), or NGO that desires a well-rounded and dedicated person seeking to fight Global Climate Change. All of my previous experiences have been in preparation to participate in combatting the greatest existential threat to humanity since the advent of reality television. Environmentalists do not lack passion. And thankfully, that is not my most valuable contribution to the cause. Although anyone who has met me quickly realizes the full commitment I have toward addressing this problem. Instead, here is the Top 10 list of things that I can bring to the table:

10. Oil & Gas Experience – I tried to instill change from within, and honestly, I failed miserably. However, I did gain incredible insight and knowledge on the refining process and understand how much effort is in place to extract every single possible amount of energy from these natural resources. Worked on desalters, steam methane reformers, sulfur recovery units, fluid catalytic crackers, demethanizers, polypropylene plants, gasification units, and more.

9. Practice What I Preach – I have never owned an SUV. I have a home garden, have energy star rated appliances, calculate carbon and water footprints (yup, that means no more almonds!), recycle, and have cut out red meats. I purposefully have never had any children, doing my part in fighting global overpopulation. Does all of this deserve a pat on the back? Nope. It’s just proof that talking the talk is worthless unless you actually walk the walk.

8. Leadership Abilities – Proven abilities to successfully manage both small and large teams. Exposure and achievement in business, academic, athletic, and social leadership roles. Advocate of Transformational Leadership style. Titles included: President, Senior Vice President, Executive Director, Communications Director, Coach, and Captain.

7. Strong Sales Experience – There is an element of sales in everything that we do. #1 ranked sales rep for every sales-related position I have ever had. Not only ranked #1 in sales, but also ranked #1 for lowest rejects.

6. Financial Background – First professional experience was starting on Wall St. at 19. Youngest producing broker ever at PaineWebber. Foundations Forum recipient (that was a really big deal for rookie brokers). International equity specialist. Thirteen years experience including asset management and alternative investment strategies

5. Communication Skills – Writing skills are rapidly diminishing in today’s workforce. Strong experience in public speaking, presenting, and producing effective material. Serve on the boards of two non-profits as Communications Director.

4. Political Junkie – Why is this important? Because politicians set policy. And knowing the players in government is critical because climate change requires the assistance of its advocates and the removal of its detractors.

3. Marketing Skills – If you like not having to pay a cancellation fee when you switch cell phone carriers, you have me to thank for it. No, seriously, I was a key player in causing that to go away. Also directly responsible for over 30,000 households in Chicagoland area switching to renewable energy.

This is possible!

2. People Management – Climate change requires people to stay committed to the cause. Commitment is my middle name, and people seem to respect and appreciate that and are willing to go above and beyond, often past what they themselves believed was possible.

1. Thinking Outside the Box – The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Thinking different isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s in my DNA.