This year’s Emerging Leaders aren’t waiting for perfect conditions to advance sustainability. Read More
By
Maura Dilley
April 3, 2025
The Emerging Leaders cohort at GreenBiz 25 in Phoenix. Source: Trellis Group
At GreenBiz 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, the newest cohort of Emerging Leaders gathered with one clear purpose: to build connections, learn from one another and push the conversation forward. The Emerging Leaders program is more than an event; it’s an ongoing network designed to give early-career sustainability professionals access to mentorship, professional development and the tools they need to navigate the complexities of leadership in a rapidly evolving field.
What does it mean to be an emerging leader in sustainability today? For this group, it’s about translating passion into impact across a range of organizations and roles. “I use a combination of scientific acumen, policy understanding and communication skills to advance climate resilience and environmental stewardship,” Anirban Kundu said, reflecting the interdisciplinary mindset that many leaders are embracing.
One of the biggest challenges facing this cohort is navigating slow-moving organizational structures. Jøn Kent, co-founder of Sanctuary Farms and Sacred Earth, described the difficulty of “navigating silos within large organizations and translating sustainability across departments.” Similarly, Malayah Redmond noted the challenge of influencing decisions within complex hierarchies and finding ways to spark urgency around climate goals when processes can feel frustratingly slow.
Despite these structural challenges, the cohort shows remarkable adaptability. Shreya Sonar, who leads Circularity at Schneider Electric, said that shifting business mindsets is an ongoing challenge, but one she tackles by translating sustainability goals into business value propositions that resonate with leadership.
Communication emerged as a crucial skill for these leaders. Amidat Sonekan, a graduate student focused on improving global climate resilience, reflected, “I’ve learned that words matter, a lot. It’s wildly important to be intentional with language and recognize how it shapes understanding and outcomes.” Sarah Nerette echoed this sentiment, describing the importance of slowing down and ensuring the problem is fully understood before jumping to solutions.
Another recurring theme was the emotional weight of leadership. Many leaders are managing not only technical and strategic challenges but also the weight of expectations and the desire to make real change. This balancing act requires both resilience and humility. Dhruv Jhaveri said, “As a BIPOC immigrant in the sustainability field, imposter syndrome and systemic barriers often make it difficult to break through entrenched networks and have my voice heard in decision-making spaces.” For Jhaveri, leading in sustainability often means stepping into uncertainty with confidence, even when clear answers aren’t available.
Bridging generational and institutional gaps also surfaced as a challenge. The Emerging Leaders program itself fosters intergenerational conversations, helping these young leaders connect with more seasoned professionals. But translating new ideas into established systems requires diplomacy and persistence. Francesca Edralin, who works at the intersection of corporate sustainability and climate policy, describes it as balancing idealism with pragmatism, pushing for systemic change while understanding institutional constraints.
Throughout these conversations, one thing is clear: This generation of emerging leaders isn’t waiting for perfect conditions. They’re stepping into complex spaces, learning in real time, and building the future of sustainability with curiosity and determination. Their insights show us not only where the field is headed but how resilient, creative and thoughtful leadership can shape outcomes in uncertain times.
The 2025 Emerging Leaders Cohort:
Amidat Sonekan — Student, MBA/MS Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Anirban Kundu — Senior ESG Consultant, Anthesis Consulting (Canada) Inc., Ph.D.
Dhruv Jhaveri — Senior Analyst, Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
Francesca Edralin — Associate Specialist, Consumer Engagement, WWF
Jøn Kent — Co-Founder, Sanctuary Farms
Laura Miller — Program Analyst, D.C. Department of Energy and Environment
Lucia Castellares Tello — Student, Environmental Management, Yale School of the Environment
Malayah Redmond — Senior Associate, Company Network, Ceres
Maria Corona — Co-Executive Director of CA Green Business Network
Rachel Haynes — Program Manager, North Carolina State University
Samia Aboni — Master’s in Environmental Management Candidate ’26, Duke University
Sarah Nerette — Sustainability Programs Manager, CELI, NSBE, Wild Virginia
Sherida Hinckson — President, Green Quotient Solutions
Shreya Sonar — Circularity Senior Program Manager, Schneider Electric
Sydney Williams — Student, Master’s of Environmental Management with concentrations in Energy and Data Analytics and Modeling, Duke University-The Nicholas School of Environment
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Maura Dilley
Maura Dilley is a circular design strategist dedicated to advancing environmental and social justice by designing out waste and harm from production systems in food, textiles, and apparel. As co-lead of Cascade Circular, she helps global brands transition to circular business models, focusing on design for repair, resale, and recycling. Previously, Maura led circular design education at The Renewal Workshop and the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. With a foundation in systems change and sustainability leadership, she’s passionate about driving innovation for a waste-free future.
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