CESR Impact Stories

Sustainability Scholars: Reflections from the Inaugural Class

Coco Goldman — Tue, 27 May 2025 20:15:47 +0000

Sustainability Scholars: Reflections from the Inaugural Class Coco Goldman Tue, 05/27/2025 - 14:15

Katherine Ratledge

The inaugural class of Sustainability Scholars 2024-2025: Daniel Hershey, Sloan Hurley, Madisen Medina, Wesley Obmascik

Sustainability Scholars is a competitive opportunity for Social Responsibility and Ethics undergraduates to join a cohort of students dedicated to sustainability. Scholars receive mentoring and up to $2,500 in financial assistance to support “transformative educational opportunities in sustainability and social impact.”

Below, the inaugural cohort reflects on how the program has helped them define their career paths. Learn more about the Sustainability Scholars Program here.

What attracted you to the Sustainability Scholars Program?

Daniel Hershey: The Sustainability Scholars felt like a space where bold thinking in sustainability was encouraged and supported. I saw a chance to be part of a great community, to learn from mentors, and to be able to shape ideas into real-world impact.

Sloan Hurley: I wanted to meet like-minded students who are committed to sustainability and build an even larger community of students within Leeds who are dedicated to careers with positive impact.

Madisen Medina: CESR highlighted students’ ability to create a project and follow their passions. I gravitated towards the individualism and diversity of projects- I felt trusted to do something really spectacular.

Wesley Obmascik: I wanted better access to CESR’s vast network of alumni and connections. Additionally, I loved the idea of finding a smaller community within Leeds committed to something I am passionate about: leaving this world better than I found it.

Tell us about your Sustainability Scholars project, and what made you select it.

Daniel Hershey: I launched two initiatives as part of my Sustainability Scholars project: SLOWFUTURE and Quecto Farm.

SLOWFUTURE is a clothing line in which each piece is made from 100% organic cotton and/or recycled materials and supports initiatives that make the world a better place: providing meals, planting trees, and distributing mosquito nets to prevent malaria. The goal is to create something that looks good and has an even bigger impact behind the scenes.

Quecto Farm Microgreens, in my hometown of Littleton, CO, is an initiative that grows and delivers ultra-fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens straight to local neighborhoods, making it easier for people to eat well and feel more connected to their food.

I selected these projects because I believe fast fashion and industrial food systems demand creative solutions to support our long-term wellbeing.

Sloan Hurley: I did an unpaid internship with the Colorado Grain Chain, helping them plan the inaugural Colorado Grain Summit. We brought together people throughout the grain supply chain, from farmers to millers and bakers to help localize the Colorado grain economy. I helped forge connections that will support sustainable agriculture practices and bring better food to our communities.

Madisen Medina: I attended the Sustainable Fashion conference in NYC at the Fashion Institute of Technology and completed my GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) Certificate. The fashion conference connected me to industries I would otherwise not have had exposure to: business, sustainability, and fashion. While I am passionate about fashion, I also understand the importance of transparency and reporting for every industry. The GRI certification gives a great general overview of reporting and can be a replacement for a CPA when it comes to ESG reporting.

Wesley Obmascik: In Spring 2025, I studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I wanted to research the values and actions surrounding sustainability in Europe. My project title was “The Certainty of Sustainability in an Uncertain Europe.” In addition to attending a sustainability conference in Prague, I have been interviewing people from across Europe to better understand whether the EU shares the same beliefs about sustainability as the U.S. To combat climate change, we all need to work together.

How has the Sustainability Scholars program supported your professional journey so far?

Sloan Hurley: The Sustainability Scholars program helped me dive headfirst into a career in sustainable agriculture and food systems. The program has opened doors to meet some of the most influential people in Colorado agriculture/food systems.

Madisen Medina: The FIT conference changed the trajectory of my fashion career. It inspired me to develop my own sustainable fashion brand, rather than simply supporting someone else’s.

Wesley Obmascik: The Scholars program has given me access to a vast network of passionate business leaders across different industries. As I apply for summer internships and, soon, full-time jobs next year, this network has provided me with a huge leg up.

What does being a part of the initial cohort of the Sustainability Scholars program mean to you?

Daniel Hershey: The culture we establish now will influence the Scholars who come after us. It pushes me to lead by example and to contribute meaningfully to a lasting foundation of innovation, purpose, and leadership.

Sloan Hurley: Being part of the initial cohort of the Sustainability Scholars program means I get to represent a shift in the way we do business here at Leeds . . . it means I can inspire other students to reflect on their "why" and ignite a deeper sense of purpose behind their time here at Leeds.

Wesley Obmascik: It's exciting! I hope it helps pave the way for more passionate students to enter the sustainability field and shows others that they, too, can build a great career in sustainability.

What makes you feel hopeful about the future and keeps you going in your commitment to sustainability, social impact, and ethical leadership?

Daniel Hershey: Increasingly, I see entrepreneurs leaning into purpose alongside profit. The next wave of leaders cares more about people and the planet than ever before. That energy fuels me to keep building, learning, and leading with compassion. 

Sloan Hurley: My fellow scholars give me hope. We each approached this program with a different passion for sustainability, but we all have a steadfast energy and enthusiasm within us to see our communities stronger and healthier.

Madisen Medina: Sustainability is often misconstrued as innovations of the future- but it's not. Sustainability is now, and we, as students, are the pilots of the future — starting today! We have the power to innovate, inspire, and change the systems that are in place. Today, tomorrow, and years to come.

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Dejun "Tony" Kong: Teaching the Art and Science of Climate-Conscious Negotiation

Coco Goldman — Tue, 27 May 2025 19:03:25 +0000

Dejun "Tony" Kong: Teaching the Art and Science of Climate-Conscious Negotiation Coco Goldman Tue, 05/27/2025 - 13:03

tony kong

Dejun "Tony" Kong is associate professor of organizational leadership at Leeds and the 2025 CESR Climate Curriculum Award winner for his work incorporating sustainability issues into his course ‘Negotiating and Conflict Management’. Kong is also the 2024 CESR Impact Award winner for graduate teaching, and a Poets & Quants 40-under-40 best business professor.

"Sustainability issues require a cooperative and creative approach to negotiation, as achieving solutions to environmental challenges often requires addressing divergent interests, beliefs, values, and priorities among various stakeholders and generating creative ideas and solutions."

Negotiation is a social process in which two or more parties jointly decide how to allocate resources or solve problems while building and managing relationships. People can take a competitive approach to negotiating sustainability issues; however, such an approach typically does not work well. Only when negotiators consider both their own interests and other parties’ interests will they achieve the best or most creative solutions. As addressing sustainability issues requires creativity and management of conflict (for example, conflict over ideas or beliefs, process conflict, and emotional conflict), negotiation, as a key to conflict management and creative problem solving, is particularly important.

At the Leeds School of Business, I teach negotiation at the graduate level (MBAX 6530/6531), which helps students develop ethical and effective negotiation skills to tackle business and societal challenges. In this research-informed course, students discover principles of ethical and effective negotiation and practice negotiation skills and strategies in various types of two- and multi-party negotiation. One complex interactive simulation involves multiple stages of multiparty negotiation over wildfire mitigation, and each student represents a group of stakeholders with unique concerns and preferences. Through these types of simulations and other hands-on experiences, this course prepares Leeds students to be future leaders or key contributors of sustainable business.

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Recognizing Stars in Our Sustainable Business Community

Jasper Deen — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:19:23 +0000

Recognizing Stars in Our Sustainable Business Community Jasper Deen Fri, 04/25/2025 - 13:19

Julie Waggoner

We are thrilled announce the 2025 CESR Impact Award winners, each of whom has made tremendous contributions to sustainability and social impact at Leeds. From a sponsored professional skier to an elected student sustainability leader and a former top corporate attorney to an authority on sustainable operations management, our winners care deeply about social and environmental impact and see business as a powerful tool to create change.

Each spring, we invite CESR students to nominate the professors and peers who’ve inspired them to pursue sustainability and social impact during their time at Leeds and beyond. Selecting the winners from among the pool of outstanding nominees is always a challenge, and this year was no different. Congratulations to all our nominees! The winners are:

Rising Star Student

Undergraduate: Carly Simmons (MGMT, SRE’27)

Graduate: Annika Cederstrand (MBA/MENV’26)

Graduating Student

Undergraduate: Renner Skidmore (MGMT, SRE’25)

Graduate: Erik Coler (MBA’25)

Teaching

Undergraduate: Erik Estrada, Assistant Teaching Professor of Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Graduate: David Drake, Associate Professor of Operations

Below are some reflections from our winners on their time at Leeds so far and their goals for the future.

What does winning a CESR Impact Award mean to you?

Cederstrand: The Impact Award symbolizes making a difference in the community and lifting others up around me to do the same. Winning it reinvigorates my passion to push sustainability forward on CU's campus, and I'm honored to have been selected. 

Coler: Winning the CESR Impact Award is such an honor, and honestly, it feels incredible to see my efforts recognized. I’m really passionate about finding creative business solutions to global challenges like sustainability and renewable energy, and receiving this award is a wonderful validation of that passion.

Estrada: Winning a CESR Impact Award is a wonderful affirmation of my passion for teaching and my commitment to making a difference in our students’ lives. It reminds me that every moment in the classroom is an opportunity to transform lives, as my mentors and teachers transformed mine.

Simmons: Winning this award is not only a huge honor, but a huge personal milestone as well. I’ve really felt that since coming to CU I have finally been able to make a positive impact that shows. This award reassures me that if I stay on my current path, that impact will only grow.

Skidmore: Winning the CESR Impact Award means the world to me. I came to business school with the goal to use business to promote sustainability and CESR has been crucial to help me understand what that means. Without CESR my time at Leeds would have been much less meaningful so to be recognized by that very center could not be more rewarding.

How have you been involved with CESR, sustainability, ethical leadership, and social impact at Leeds?

Cederstrand: I've been involved with CESR since my very first semester at CU, joining the Leeds Sustainability Case Competition Executive team as the VP of Judge Relations and later becoming the President of Judge Relations. As the VP of Sustainability for the MBAA, I have also worked closely with CESR on large scale sustainability initiatives like incorporating environmental impact assessment into core curriculum through a campus-wide pledge and building corporate partnerships with environmentally focused companies. 

Estrada: I have integrated sustainability and ethical leadership into my curriculum by creating classroom projects and forging community partnerships that highlight real-world impact. Through CESR, I’ve embraced innovative approaches that encourage students to think critically about their role in driving change.

Simmons: I am the current Vice President of the Sustainable Business Club (SBC) where I work to plan meaningful events that engage like-minded students. I also served as the Head of Ralphie’s Closet where I managed business attire donations, created the Ralphie’s Closet Instagram/LinkedIn accounts and founded the Ralphie’s Closet Committee.

Skidmore: I have been leading SBC at Leeds since the second semester of freshman year, back when it was still CESR Fellows. In the fall of sophomore year, I had the opportunity to join the CESR Advisory Board as undergraduate representative, which was the most impactful experience of my time at CU. Having the opportunity to share my ideas with executives from large companies on how to further the goals of CESR was incredibly cool. Through these engagements I have learned so much about myself, leadership, goal setting, and how to evaluate progress across programs.

How has CESR supported you during your time at Leeds?

Cederstrand: CESR has been an amazing resource for workshops and community partnerships that have helped me build invaluable skills. The CESR team has supported me every step of the way, and I am forever grateful to have been able to work alongside them during my time at CU.

Simmons: The CESR department has helped me grow as a business leader through valuable fireside chats, workshops and classes. Specifically, the fireside chats have been the biggest influence on my education. The speakers that the CESR program brings in have opened my eyes and truly are what inspired me to pursue this career path.

Skidmore: CESR has been a crucial support in understanding and maintaining my values throughout my time at CU. In this time of turmoil as our world and society face new challenges, staying aligned with values seems next to impossible. With the support of the classes, community, faculty, and staff that CESR is comprised of I feel successful in standing by my values throughout my time at CU.

What impact do you hope to leave on Leeds students?

Cederstrand: With every project I've worked on as the VP of Sustainability and with LSCC, my goal has been to grow the project for those who will come next. I want to create a foundation for sustainability that can be built from, so that the next group of CU students feels they have a strong footing and a clear path to follow, that keeps them moving onwards and upwards in their ideas for the future of sustainability on campus and in their careers. 

Coler: I genuinely hope to inspire other Leeds students to naturally embrace sustainability and ethical considerations in their future careers. I want to demonstrate through my projects and actions that having a positive social and environmental impact isn't just fulfilling—it can also be a strong and profitable business approach. Even if just a few students decide to integrate ethical leadership and sustainability into their professional lives because of my influence, I’ll feel like I've truly succeeded.

Estrada: I hope to ignite a lasting sense of confidence and intellectual curiosity in each student, empowering them to lead with integrity, passion, and purpose. My goal is to inspire a generation of thinkers and doers who embrace ethical leadership and create positive, sustainable changes in the world, especially when they can combine what they’re good at, what they love, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for. If they do that, then they will have a wonderful career.

What makes you feel hopeful about the future and keeps you going in your commitment to sustainability, social impact, and ethical leadership?

Cederstrand: I see immense opportunity in sustainable development. From technology companies to corporate sustainability initiatives and investments, there is a growing industry happening right in front of our eyes that will surpass in size any existing industry today and increase economic growth. To be sustainable is to be efficient with resources, effective with outcomes, and ethical with objectives. If we set up our current and future MBA students to follow that trajectory, I think we can make a real, positive impact on this world. I hope to instill that idea in everything I do and share that mindset with the people around me.

Coler: What keeps me hopeful and excited is the incredible opportunity we currently have—being part of the biggest energy transition the world has ever seen. It's motivating to know that our generation can use business innovation to address critical global issues. Watching renewable energy technology rapidly evolve, markets shifting toward sustainability, and global cooperation increasing reassures me that we have both the resources and passion to create meaningful, lasting change.

Estrada: I am energized by witnessing the daily transformation of my students; their resilience, passion, ideas, and willingness to tackle challenges head-on. This collective commitment to sustainable, positive change, along with the convergence of business, leadership, philanthropy, law, ethics, and social impact, which is what I focus on, continuously reminds me that our future is bright and full of promise.

Simmons: Something that makes me feel hopeful about the future of sustainability is the vastness of its career opportunities. As climate change becomes more and more of an influence on our daily lives, it brings me hope to know that I will be someone who has the necessary skills to find the solutions. Not everyone in the business school can say that, which makes me feel a sense of value. I know that the output of my work will be positive in any field I enter because I have the skills to do so.

Our events are on pause for the summer, but you can sign up for CESR’s student programs for undergraduates and MBAs anytime. Check out the pages to learn how you can get more involved in this vibrant community of changemakers.

CESR's 2025 Impact Award winners have created student organizations, developed curriculum, and built partnerships that make the world a better place. Winners share how the CESR community helped them stay true to their values and create pathways for future students to continue this impactful work.

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Madisen Medina: Looking Ahead with Optimism Toward a Sustainable Future

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 22:15:51 +0000

Madisen Medina: Looking Ahead with Optimism Toward a Sustainable Future Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 04/11/2025 - 16:15

As Madisen Medina (Mgmt, Fin, SRE’25) prepares to graduate, she steadfastly looks forward to a more sustainable future for all—one that she plans to help usher in through her own practices, ideas, dedication and work life. As she envisions her career path in designing circular, sustainable fashion, she’s confident that her Leeds education and engagement as a Sustainability Scholar with the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility have established a solid foundation from which she can stand out in the job market.

What led you to study at Leeds?
I think my path to Leeds was pretty nontraditional. I was a 2020 high school grad who, when COVID-19 hit, all of a sudden was scrambling for a “Plan B.” I was apprehensive about starting college during COVID, so I took a gap year with AmeriCorps (a yearlong service program). It was during that experience that I found a passion for business and the endless possibilities that exist within it. I specifically wanted to go to Leeds because of its location, reputation, and, most importantly, its Sustainability and Social Responsibility Track. Sustainability is something that doesn’t just impact a few, but everyone. Without a healthy planet, there is no business, no innovation and no life. Because of this, I am endlessly passionate about creating practices for change toward a more sustainable future for all.

What excites you most about Leeds?
I think that Leeds is unique in its approach to business. The school is innovative, entrepreneurial, and strives to steer students toward ethical business practices. I think introducing all business students to each area of emphasis creates more collaborative and empathetic, understanding employees, so I am excited to enter a career with this knowledge.

The Sustainability and Social Responsibility Track is a comprehensive approach to learning about corporate sustainability. I have been so impressed with my professors’ positive outlooks on the industry. Additionally, employers are always surprised that CU offers this track. I always get ‘I didn’t know schools offered that’ and ‘That is an awesome major.’ I think the specificity of this track and the projects I’ve done within classes really set me apart from other candidates.

Lastly, I am very excited about how well-connected Leeds is. There are connections and networking opportunities everywhere, and people in the industry are always willing to help students out or just talk to them. I’m learning all it takes is a ‘Hello!’ and that is really amazing.

What/who were impactful classes and professors?
I really loved my Sustainable Operations class with Teri Walters. She has such a beneficial and positive look on environmental sustainability. Keeping this positivity is the most critical part of moving forward and developing solutions that can save the planet. This is a class that I think anyone curious or passionate about sustainability, or even operations, would find influential.

"Keeping this [attitude of] positivity is the most critical part of moving forward and developing solutions that can save the planet."

Madisen Medina (Mgmt, Fin’25)

Another class that has been impactful is Leading Diverse Organizations. This class has an empathetic approach to diversity and inclusivity within the workplace, something I am very passionate about. Even though I may have some personal bias, I think that this class should be required for all students, as it would give students the tools to help create inclusive workplaces for all.

What is something you’ve done that you are proud of?
I am most proud of my gold-level Congressional Award. This honor is one I earned in AmeriCorps for my 1,500+ hours of community service and personal development. In earning this award, I had the opportunity to work for COVID-relief programs in 2020 and 2021, including contact tracing and working in vaccination centers for FEMA, which consisted of front-line public health work and 12-hour days. I am proud that I was able to tirelessly give to communities that were so often forgotten about. I also had the opportunity to branch out into industries I would have never otherwise worked in, like nonprofit construction.

I am proud of myself for being collaborative, learning new skills, and interacting with so many diverse groups. But most importantly, I am proud of the impact I was able to make on individuals who needed it most. I say this all the time, but service is a privilege. I am proud of myself for using my position to help others and create a lifelong passion for doing so.

What is a skill that you possess that you can’t put on a resume?
I am super crafty! I always have some sort of art, sewing or knitting project I am working on. I really like to either design things (usually clothes) from scratch and think about their construction or see things and recreate them myself. While I can’t necessarily put this skill on my resume, I still hope to use it in my career when designing a sustainable, circular fashion line.

COVID hit when Madisen Medina was about to start college, so she took a gap year to devote more than 1,500 hours to AmeriCorps. She arrived at Leeds with a passion for business and social responsibility—along with a Congressional Award for her community service.

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Noa Greene: Reflections on Sustainability, Leeds and Valuable Life Lessons

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:06:03 +0000

Noa Greene: Reflections on Sustainability, Leeds and Valuable Life Lessons Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 03/21/2025 - 12:06

As Noa Greene (Mgmt, Mktg’25) prepares to graduate and embark on a big move to Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael in northern Israel, she plans to continue pursuing her passion for sustainability, which flourished during her time at Leeds. In addition to majoring in sustainable management and marketing, Noa valued her engagement with the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility and earning the SRE Certificate.

Here, Noa shared her thoughts about her undergraduate experiences and opportunities. As she looks ahead to her future, she explained that "a kibbutz is an agricultural community founded on the values of community, reciprocity and connection. In entering this space, it allows me to experience a complicated part of the world in a way that is rooted in connection."

What led you to study at Leeds?
My passion for sustainability has always been a catalyst, propelling me toward places and spaces that can enhance this part of me. Leeds created an academic space that fueled my passion for sustainability and expand my knowledge. I knew I wanted a more realistic lens in my approach to socially responsible business. I wanted to be empowered to bridge the gap between consumerism and consciousness in a way that understands the complexities and nuances of a business.

What excites you most about Leeds?
Being in a business environment, I am surrounded by future changemakers and trailblazers. I am consistently inspired by my peers’ dedication to wielding business as an instrument of social change. Those I have surrounded myself with excite me, challenge me, motivate me, and go beyond mere encouragement and into a space of empowerment for me to fail, fail again, be challenged, and ultimately grow.

What challenges have you faced during your time in college? How did you overcome them?
As any college student, I have had to overcome great challenges and endure the adversity that life has thrown at me. Outside of the personal hardships that come with being human, I would say a challenge I have faced during college is the notorious comparison game. Whether it be grades, accomplishments, jobs, or professional opportunities, there have always been moments when I wonder if I am doing enough, networking enough, pursuing enough …

To navigate and overcome this, I simply became my own best friend. The notorious comparison game dissolved when I learned who I really am and I became my own strongest advocate. My intuition became my most trusted advisor and compass, reminding me to honor and celebrate my unique journey. As a senior about to embark on my own path, it has become evident that worth is not determined through comparison, but rather through the commitment to personal authenticity and being a lifelong learner.

"I believe empathy is a crucial element in the sustainability-driven workplace."

Noa Greene (Mgmt, Mktg'25)

What long-term goals do you have, whether professional or personal?
When I take a moment to envision my future, both personally and professionally, my mind turns to how I will work to create a brave space in the environments I work in. Creating a brave space transcends the concept of a safe space—it is about cultivating an environment where we take the time to go beyond mere encouragement and move into a space of flourishing empowerment. One day, when I hold an impact role, hopefully leading a team of wonderful individuals working toward restoring harmony within the environment, my ultimate goal will be to empower emerging leaders to find the inner strength to transform our deepest convictions into meaningful action.

The decision to move to the Kibbutz is rooted in an aspiration to be a partner in tikkun olam (repairing the world)—the vital work of repairing and rebuilding through pluralism, democracy, justice, empathy and coexistence. As I look both to the future and within myself, I embrace my place in these spaces between. I choose to exist within these fragmentary cracks, fueled by a passionate commitment to rebuilding.

What is something you’re proud of that you’d done while at Leeds?
Over the years, I have worked in some phenomenal spaces, all driven by a mission, including the Boulder Farmers Market, Sati Soda, Mad Agriculture and Munson Farms. I engineered these opportunities by relentlessly pursuing roles that align with my key values. I derive pride from the fact that I created these opportunities for myself. Persistent outreach (at times maybe too persistent), strategic networking and bold communication transformed my professional dreams into reality! Proving to yourself that you can architect the career path you desire is amazing. And that is what I take pride in.

What is a skill that you possess that you can’t put on a resume?
My empathy is a silent superpower that allows me to step into another’s world and unveil their unspoken narratives. To me, empathy goes beyond being a soft skill, but rather a transformative tool that bridges gaps, fosters trust and creates connections. It is an art of truly seeing people for all that they are, and appreciating what it means to be complex, nuanced, and frankly, messy human beings.

While I can’t emphasize this on a resume, I believe empathy is a crucial element in the sustainability-driven workplace. As I tackle environmental challenges, my empathy will be what enables me to connect farmers and urban consumers, or community stakeholders with agricultural researchers. Empathy is simply the tool that will transform the sustainable objectives and thresholds in the workplace into tangible, human-centered solutions.

After graduation, Noa Greene (Mgmt, Mktg’25) is headed to Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael in northern Israel, a place that will allow her to continue pursuing her passions for sustainability, community and connection.

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Students Discover Waste-Reduction Innovations for Retail

Jasper Deen — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:24:11 +0000

Students Discover Waste-Reduction Innovations for Retail Jasper Deen Tue, 03/18/2025 - 23:24

Jasper Deen

Students in Sustainable Business Club just organized a group tour of a hidden, yet important, player in the sustainable fashion industry. Ever wondered how premium brands clean and resell their used gear?

“You have to see it with your own eyes. There's like, 60,000 North Face jackets piled up in there at once.”

Last December, a Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE) Certificate alum working at The North Face suggested that their business partner, Tersus Solutions, might be a student interest. Leeds first-year Ryder Nicolaus (MKTG, DA'28) and Sustainable Business Club president Natalie Bovie (MKTG,SRE '25) spoke to CESR about organizing a tour of the facility. More than an inside-view of their favorite companies' operations, students found leadership opportunities, self-reflection, and new friends.

Organizing the Tour

When CESR caught wind of Tersus Solutions, they passed the word to the Sustainable Business Club. The value of connecting with this growing local business depended on student engagement.

"I don't think anyone here had ever heard of Tersus," Natalie Bovie started. "But when we looked into them, it was clear how relevant they've grown to be within the last ten years. We get to find these hidden-gem opportunities through CESR's alumni network. I'm lucky; since being here we've found niche, but interesting, sustainability related opportunities like this consistently."

Natalie met Ryder through another Leeds club. Recognizing his enthusiasm, she saw him as an SBC must-have and encouraged him to attend.

"Hearing the way Natalie talked about her work at SBC, about what they stand for and who they bring in, was so cool, " said Nicolaus. “When you walk in and they have food, they have everything planned out—it’s like ‘Uh, what’s going on?’ he laughed. "Everyone has a different major, so everyone is fitting in differently and bringing their own perspective. The energy feels exciting and new, I think partially because of their re-brand a few years back."

A few weeks and many emails later, students in colorful jackets huddled by Leeds for their carpools to Englewood. Chats about classroom struggles, thrift shops, and ski jumps quickly dissolved any carpool awkwardness—the SBC team gathered over twenty attendees for the tour, including some new faces.

The New Science of Gear Renewal

Tersus Solutions mixes high-tech cleaning with robust operations management. When companies with strong return policies or worn-wear programs receive imperfect items back, they ship them to Denver. Tersus takes over to clean, repair, and redistribute items back into consumers' hands.

“The amount of innovation that's been created in the last ten years makes you wonder where it’ll be in another ten.”

"Some products might just be missing a tag, while others might have a hole. Sometimes a whole truck will smell like garlic, so all of the clothes have to go to Tersus to be cleaned," Nicolaus remembers. "Most come in with labels saying exactly what's wrong with the item. They start by throwing everything into their CO₂ washers, which don't use any water and save a ton of energy. The whole business uses about as much water as a family of four."

While traditional washing methods use water and detergents, Tersus uses a patented, liquid CO₂ bath. It's a "closed-loop" washing system that preserves the fabric's original, high-tech qualities. Every client has various standards that re-sold gear must meet, so Tersus keeps meticulous track of every product detail. Using this quality assurance, brands gain clarity about where their returns are coming from and how they're handled. This end-to-end approach allows premium brands to offer ethical return programs without building that capability in-house.

Unveiling Hidden Mechanics of Sustainable Retail

The trip to Tersus revealed an entire hidden industry, and shifted the group's perceptions of retail operations and "sustainability" labels. While it fostered new friendships and shared interests, the tour challenged students' identities as consumers.

"My interest in sustainability started through thrifting," started Nicolaus. "I started a clothing brand in high school, and I think I want to work in fashion marketing. Before the tour, I couldn't understand why one company would go through all this work of fixing other companies' returns. But, you have to see it with your own eyes. There's like, 60,000 North Face jackets piled up in there at once. It makes you realize how big of a business this is."

“We talked a lot about our own role as purchasers and how that 'sustainability' label really works”

Bovie was also struck by the monumental scale of Tersus. "Driving back, we talked about our own role as purchasers and how that 'sustainability' label really works. If it weren't for top brands pushing for ethical ways to save their products, this new technology at Tersus wouldn't exist. Yet their business model relies on consumers who, well, consume a lot."

Most of these returns haven't been worn once. Bovie and Nicolaus report that the vast majority, almost 90%, are brought back to Tersus in near-perfect condition. Because Tersus charges companies for every service an item undergoes, items need to be able to resell at a price point high enough to make the process worthwhile. Hence, today's "circular economy" is only available to premium brands.

"Don't get me wrong, it's a huge step in the right direction," Bovie backed up. "But it's clear how much opportunity there is to make sustainability more accessible. The amount of innovation that's been created in the last ten years makes you wonder where it’ll be in another ten."

“The whole building uses about as much water as a family of four.”

Nicolaus agreed, arguing that "more and more companies are focusing on sustainability, and doing sustainability reports at the end of each year. Ralph Lauren just did one," he remembers, "and it was interesting to see how they partnered with other brands and companies, similar to Tersus, to create their own circular economy." Over time Nicolaus sees this trend to be an “increasing standard” for brand positioning, and hopes that companies like Tersus continue to innovate.

As demand for sustainable practice grows, business and technology will continue to evolve. Through experiences like the Tersus tour, Natalie Bovie and Ryder Nicolaus are gaining valuable insights into their future careers, while meeting like-minded students and young professionals.

Want to be a part of it all? Join the Sustainable Business Club, learn about the Social Responsibility and Ethics certificate, and subscribe to CESR's newsletter to learn about the next opportunities.

CESR and Sustainable Business Club organized a tour of the country's biggest garment renewal factory, located in Englewood, CO.

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Jake Davis (MBA’16)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:40:51 +0000

Jake Davis (MBA’16) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 02/26/2025 - 13:40

Anna Bedell (Mktg’25)

Jake Davis’ journey to sustainability has been anything but traditional. While his original life goal was to write for a ski magazine, he ultimately landed in impact investing for The Nature Conservancy, where he has now worked for almost a decade.

Davis followed his aspirations to become a writer by majoring in writing as an undergraduate at Northern Michigan University. Besides his passion for writing, that choice also stemmed from his knowledge that he would be going into active duty in the military after graduation.

“Being in the military had always been a tradition in my family, and it also helped pay for school,” he said. “I was able to choose to study something that I enjoyed—and I had always loved writing growing up.”

A change of perspective

Davis served in the military for the next nine years, working in intelligence operations and spending a few years deployed in Afghanistan. While the experience was invaluable in sharpening his leadership and strategic thinking skills, he was excited for a change. After leaving active duty, he pursued his dream of working for a ski magazine and became an editor in Boulder. But to his surprise, he found it was no longer his passion.

“If I had started sports writing right out of college, I would probably still be doing something like that,” he said. “But having spent a couple of years in Afghanistan and doing other things in the military, writing about ski helmets seemed much less exciting after having been in a war.”

In 2012, Davis joined CU Boulder as a program manager for the Presidents Leadership Class. He came to Leeds because he had been looking for his next move professionally and believed that graduate school could set him up for a successful transition. He completed his MBA in 2016 and John Helmers, Leeds director of Graduate Career Management, helped Davis get his position at The Nature Conservancy.

A new career path

At The Nature Conservancy, Davis runs the NatureVest department, which is responsible for using private capital to help advance conservation efforts. The department sources, structures, funds and closes innovative investment deals that aim to generate environmental, social and financial returns. His previous experiences have helped him excel in this position, he said, equipping him with the ability to set clear objectives, develop strategic plans and lead teams effectively.

“I think the experiences I’ve had—both in leading teams and knowing how to put together a coherent strategy for getting things done—have been pretty impactful for being able to succeed in life and business,” he said.

For Davis, being in a leadership position means empowering others and supporting them to be the best versions of themselves. He initially faced some challenges transitioning from a military communication style to a corporate setting. He had to learn how to balance different communication styles within the workplace while continuing to prevent conflict and streamline collaboration.

“I’m still working on the skills to be an effective coach for my team,” he said. “I like to have a fun time with people. Sometimes leading means engaging a team, or it requires tough conversations and feedback.”

The evolving role of sustainability

Davis understands that the sustainability industry is highly competitive and not easy to get into. As a fellow MBA student when Davis was at Leeds, Julie Waggoner, who is now the director of operations at the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, remembers Davis as a club leader who helped to organize events related to sustainability, and they did an entrepreneurial class project related to sustainability and social impact.

That was all part of the learning experience, leading to what Davis believes is simple advice for students looking to follow a career path similar to his: "The core skill sets required to do a job that focuses on evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements are the same as what’s involved in any other business function. Working in a different field right out of college will not hinder one’s chances of working in the sustainability industry later—as long as you’re continuing to hone your business skills."

“Understanding financial analysis and how value is created through channels are core components that those interested in sustainability still need to know,” he said. “Building up those skills while using your dream job for a road map can help set you up for a future career.”

"Understanding financial analysis and how value is created through channels are core components that those interested in sustainability still need to know. Building up those skills while using your dream job for a road map can help set you up for a future career."

Jake Davis (MBA’16)

The path isn’t always linear

Davis’ career is a testament to the value of being a lifelong learner. By having a spirit of curiosity and being open to opportunities, he embraces new experiences that allow him to follow his passions. While landing in his role involved a winding path and some redirection, that was part of the adventure and journey.

From the military to journalism to sustainability, Davis looks ahead with optimism for continuing to create positive change within his community and in the environment. He knows how to find the confidence to innovate and constantly takes steps toward the future he believes in.

Davis has been a guest speaker at events hosted by Leeds' Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) and is an engaged alumnus who helps students with mock interviews and networking initiatives. Learn more about how CESR is empowering current and future business leaders to solve social and environmental challenges.

Jake Davis took an unconventional career path to sustainability—starting in the military, transitioning into journalism and ultimately finding his passion in impact investing with The Nature Conservancy.

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The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:35:34 +0000

The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 02/11/2025 - 08:35

Jane Majkiewicz • Video by Cody Johnston

The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop solutions for sustainability challenges in the age of artificial intelligence.

As AI technology expands, its energy consumption is growing exponentially, raising urgent sustainability concerns. How can companies embrace AI without compromising environmental responsibility?

That was the central challenge that MBA students from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley (Haas), The University of Chicago (Booth), Duke University (Fuqua) and Columbia tackled at this year’s Leeds Sustainability Case Competition.

CU Boulder’s "For the Bees" team from the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program took first place, while Leeds’ "The Green Beans" team secured second place.

“Addressing environmental sustainability will be crucial for businesses over the next decade,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business. “Leeds is at the forefront of highlighting how sustainability is not only a competitive advantage for business, but also an opportunity to drive innovative solutions to global challenges.”

A legacy of sustainability at Leeds

“For 25 years, the Leeds School of Business has prioritized sustainability, ethics and social responsibility, and our students come here because of that focus,” said Mike Leeds (Fin’74).

Since 2001, the Leeds Sustainability Case Competition—formerly known as the Net Impact Case Competition—has provided students with real-world business challenges focused on sustainability. The competition brings together graduate students, executives and businesses that share a common commitment to business practices that yield positive social, environmental and financial returns.

A unique opportunity for future business leaders

“This competition is a unique opportunity because students work in cross-functional teams, collaborating with peers from different disciplines to develop innovative solutions to sustainability-related challenges,” said Kathryn Wendell, executive director of the Leeds Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.

With AI rapidly transforming industries, this year's competition demonstrated how business leaders can balance technological progress with environmental priorities. In addition to fostering an environment of creative problem-solving, the annual event also strengthens students’ professional networks, giving them essential connections as they become next-generation business leaders.

The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop sustainable solutions to power the AI surge.

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From Campus to Clean Energy: How CESR's Experiential Learning Launched a Career in Energy Policy

Jasper Deen — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:58:50 +0000

From Campus to Clean Energy: How CESR's Experiential Learning Launched a Career in Energy Policy Jasper Deen Fri, 01/31/2025 - 11:58

Jasper Deen

Hyde Weissenfluh (Entrepreneurship, SRE'22) is a lifelong environmentalist. His childhood interest in sustainability stemmed from his parents’ values and the natural beauty of Colorado, his home state. Now he supports federal clean energy investments and state-level policies at Colorado’s largest energy provider, Xcel Energy.

Hyde recently spoke to CESR about his story, crediting the Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE) Degree Certificate's experiential learning opportunities for launching his career.

In his capstone project for this undergrad certificate, Hyde reviewed Xcel Energy’s sustainability reporting and presented recommendations for the company to strengthen their environmental initiatives. Impressed with his work, they offered Hyde a summer internship to implement the recommendations that he and his team created. After the internship, they then hired him as an energy and technology policy analyst. Hyde’s journey from a conservation-minded Colorado kid to working with clean energy startups proves how showing up determined can create meaningful impact.

Shaping the Future in an Evolving Industry

Hyde remembers being an environmentalist long before he stepped into a classroom. “I’ve always been very interested in sustainability,” he started, “though I will say I was more focused on conservation when I was younger.” He knew he wanted to make a difference in his career, but had no specific vision when he entered Leeds.

Our conversation meandered from the latest policy developments to broader industry trends. Multiple times, Hyde emphasized what he thinks to be the most important aspect of sustainability education: agility. “Sustainability” moves fast; policies and markets might change dramatically within the four years someone takes to earn their degree. Hyde appreciated how even in his first CESR course, he felt the class “adapting to real-time changes and news in the ESG space.” While analyzing the forces behind the sustainability movement and learning how to adapt, classes “built upon each other," making the skills he learned more meaningful.

“My favorite part is using the publicly available climate scenarios we learned at Leeds to build climate analyses from the ground up."

For instance, his SRE capstone course introduced him to Climate Scenario Analysis (CSA) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting. He said the frameworks were exciting and eye-opening; these weren’t just abstract concepts, but tools spurring real corporate responsibility. Hyde was especially drawn to the rigor and depth of climate scenario analysis, which is now a big part of his job.

Beyond knowledge and newfound passion, the SRE Certificate’s experiential learning requirements gave Hyde direct industry experience and a strong business network. He says "the experience of getting to work with companies in two separate SRE classes" made the biggest difference for him.

In his capstone project, Hyde and his classmates partnered with Xcel Energy to review the company's sustainability reporting and offer strategic recommendations aligned with TCFD guidelines. Hyde took this networking opportunity seriously, and Xcel took their recommendations seriously. The company quickly hired him as an intern to implement his group’s suggestions, and when the internship ended in 2022, Hyde accepted a full-time offer as an energy and technology policy analyst.

Supporting Clean Energy Innovations Across Colorado

Now, Hyde plays a key role in advancing clean energy projects at Xcel Energy. His work focuses on securing federal funding for innovative energy initiatives and startups, including the Heartland Hydrogen Hub, Form Energy’s multi-day energy storage projects, and the Prime Time Virtual Power Plant program.

“Getting to see these first-of-their-kind clean energy projects through conceptual planning, funding and applications, and now seeing them being built is great,” Hyde shared. He says his entrepreneurship major combined with the SRE Certificate gives him the right mindset to work effectively with emerging carbon-free technology startups, ultimately finding them funding.

“Getting to see all of these first-of-their-kind clean energy projects through conceptual planning, funding and applications, and now seeing them being built is amazing.”

What's more, the skills Hyde gained in his CESR coursework now inform Xcel Energy’s clean energy mix and long-term strategy. “My favorite part is using the publicly available climate scenarios we learned at Leeds to build climate analyses from the ground up. Looking at different pathways to 1.5°C and 2.0°C and how the company’s strategy lines up with those.”

Hyde’s work feels especially meaningful because of its direct impact on his home state. “Being from Colorado, it’s exciting to work on projects and policies that will shape our local energy mix and support the state’s clean energy goals.” His efforts drive Xcel Energy’s commitment to becoming a net-zero energy provider by 2050.

“The experience of getting to work with companies in two separate classes had the biggest impact for me.”

To our Colorado business community, thank you for supporting CESR students! And Hyde, congratulations. We need more changemakers like you. And if you're a Leeds undergraduate who read this far down, we’re so proud of you. Email us to learn more about CESR's SRE Certificate, and join Sustainable Business Club to get involved in our many on-campus events.

Hyde Weissenfluh (Entrepreneurship, SRE'22) completed a class project reviewing Xcel Energy's sustainability report. His team's recommendations caught the company's attention, leading to an internship and a post-grad role as an energy policy analyst.

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Career Paths: How Lola Lichtenstein's Sustainability Skills Helped Her Stand Out

Jasper Deen — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:33:29 +0000

Career Paths: How Lola Lichtenstein's Sustainability Skills Helped Her Stand Out Jasper Deen Fri, 01/17/2025 - 11:33

Julie Waggoner

Lola Lichtenstein (Mgmt’25) will be joining Bloomberg in a sales role in New York City when she graduates this spring, thanks to a successful internship last summer. She says that the skills, knowledge and values she developed through the Social Responsibility and Sustainability Track at Leeds set her up for success and helped her to see that this opportunity would be a good fit.

“Throughout the hiring process, recruiters recognized the skills I’ve developed through my focus on sustainability, like people-centered thinking and ethical decision-making,” Lichtenstein said. “These things align well with the mission-driven, collaborative environment at Bloomberg. My strengths in communication and collaboration, which are important parts of their culture, have been shaped by my experiences in CESR courses, Sustainable Business Club, and team-based projects at Leeds.”

"Recruiters recognized the skills I’ve developed through my focus on sustainability."

Lichtenstein said that she was hesitant at first about the role with Bloomberg since she is not a finance major and initially wanted a role that focused on sustainability. A mentor helped her see that she had all the skills she needed to be successful, and that sustainability could be a part of jobs in many different fields, allowing her to seek companies whose values aligned with her own.

Guest speakers and peers in Sustainable Business Club, where she serves as the vice president of marketing, have inspired Lichtenstein to make a difference and helped her to see that there are many paths to impact.

“I am excited to work in an environment where my values align with others, and where there are many opportunities to learn and grow within the company,” she said. “Long-term, I aspire to create a positive impact on the world through my work. I have lots of ideas for making a difference, and I think Bloomberg will give me the perfect foundation to begin this journey.”

Lichtenstein is passionate about using business to solve challenges like climate change, global inequality and waste. While studying abroad in South Africa, she witnessed the stark divide between wealthy people living in mansions just across a highway from people who were struggling with a lack of basic infrastructure in townships. Classes at Leeds taught her about business models that create positive social and environmental impacts. One day, she hopes to return to South Africa and start a business that would address inequality with long-term solutions.

“The most growth comes in uncomfortable situations, and it's important to explore diverse opportunities.”

Lichtenstein sees building skills and staying true to her values as the key next steps on her career journey. She has advice to share with other Leeds students about pursuing rewarding opportunities and an impactful career.

“I think one of the most important things is to keep an open mind and step out of your comfort zone,” Lichtenstein said. “The most growth comes in uncomfortable situations, and it's important to explore diverse opportunities.”

The Social Responsibility and Ethics Certificate prepares students with many of the skills that helped Lichtenstein land her job and, at just nine credit hours, it pairs well with any area of emphasis at Leeds.

Lola Lichtenstein was offered a role at Bloomberg, thanks to the skills, knowledge and values she developed through sustainability classes at Leeds that set her up for success.

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