TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL

Shuchi Agrawal is an enterprise Data and AI executive who helps financial institutions turn intelligence into durable competitive advantage, responsibly and at scale, while aligning with risk and regulatory requirements. With over 20 years leading data and AI transformations in global banks, they specialize in cloud-scale platforms, responsible AI governance, and advanced analytics that drive measurable business impact. They also focus on building high-performing teams, upskilling organizations, and speaking on Responsible AI, AI governance, and enterprise AI transformation

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL

Geoff Barker is a mobility and product strategy professional with an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas, specializing in transportation, supply chain, and digital transformation. He has held strategic and consulting roles at Toyota North America, Blue Yonder, and PepsiCo, delivering large-scale operational and technology solutions. Currently, he is co-founder of a stealth startup building trust infrastructure for autonomous systems and serves as a board member at Wahu Mobility.

ECONOMY

Finance executive with 25+ years of global leadership across finance, operations, IT, and government contracting. Known for driving transformation, scalability, and shareholder value, I deliver strategic, data-driven solutions that enhance ROIC, optimize capital, and empower teams through servant leadership across corporate, mid-market, and private equity-backed organizations.

CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Purva Chawla is a Dallas, Texas-based architect, materials and sustainability consultant, and educator. She is the founder of MaterialDriven, a US and EU based materials library and design consultancy, and holds the role of Adjunct Lecturer at Southern Methodist University and Lawrence Technological University. Her teaching and research focus on subjects such as Circularity in the Built Environment, Embodied Energy and Biogenic Materials, and Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Processes. Purva is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design in Philadelphia, and the Sushant School of Art and Architecture in New Delhi, India.

ECONOMY

Elias Cisneros is an Assistant Professor of Political Economy and Sustainability at the University of Texas at Dallas. His research focuses on land-use change, deforestation, and conflict, analyzing how local political incentives drive agricultural land conversion in Brazil and Indonesia. He combines high-resolution satellite data with market and political shocks to inform effective conservation strategies for governments and NGOs.

WATER AND OCEANS

Dustan Compton, Conservation Manager at Tarrant Regional Water District, has 17 years of experience focusing on water conservation programs, community outreach and regional coordination. He has a master’s degree in Applied Geography from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management from Northeastern State University.

WASTE AND RECYCLING

Caralyn Dawson is an Environment and Development Planner II with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. She works on the Regional Codes and Solid Waste programs. She is originally from Alba, Texas, and graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in Environmental Science and an MA in Philosophy.

BIODIVERSITY

Kiersten Gibizov is an experienced animal educator who has worked with diverse species at the Fort Worth Zoo, Frank Buck Zoo, and Phoenix Zoo. She specializes in operant conditioning, animal handling, and public outreach, including training birds, raptors, and reindeer for educational programs. Passionate about conservation, she enjoys teaching the public, collaborating with teams, and sharing her expertise.

HEALTHCARE AND SPORTS

Dr. Daniel Hansen completed his medical training at the University of Kansas Medical School, his neurosurgery residency at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, and a fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital. He has special interests in pediatric epilepsy, tumors, minimally invasive surgery, and endoscopic surgery. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys his family, running, traveling, and cooking.

HEALTHCARE AND SPORTS

Business services division chair and corporate & transactional chair at Polsinelli, an AM Law 100 law firm. Wrote white paper on sustainability as it relates to the healthcare industry titled “Health Care ‘Prime’: Patient-Centered Sustainable Health Care.”

CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION

Asst. Professor of Instruction at UT, Dallas where she teaches environmental studies. She is also faculty coordinator for the minor and serves on the Sustainability Committee on campus. She taught environmental politics and philosophy, at various colleges for 9 years. She seeks to inspire students to engage in critical thinking and participate in civic life.

BIODIVERSITY

Brian is a hospitality and attractions executive leading mission‑driven organizations focused on conservation, public space, and community impact. As COO of Dallas’ $325M Trinity River Corridor at Harold Simmons Park, he drives strategic planning, operational build‑out, and sustainability while unifying stakeholders around environmental stewardship and exceptional guest experience.

BIODIVERSITY

Brian Lapidus is an accomplished marketing strategist and Chief Marketing Officer with over 30 years of experience in brand direction, strategic planning, and driving customer engagement. He excels at storytelling, innovation, and executing creative marketing ideas while making data-driven decisions. His expertise lies in identifying trends and developing brand strategies that meet business challenges.

BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Founder and President of Sustainable Concepts, Tricia Loe is an expert in helping projects achieve LEED and WELL certification. Tricia is an active leader in area professional organizations and currently serves as Chair of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Texas chapter. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from LSU and an MBA from SMU.

ENERGY

Eric Love is passionate about energy efficiency and conservation, helping residential and small commercial customers reduce energy use through practical upgrades and smarter operational practices. He has a strong interest in solar energy, battery storage, and modern energy management technologies, including lighting and HVAC systems. Eric works closely with customers to identify solutions that best balance comfort, cost savings, and long-term energy performance.

ECONOMY

Organizational development consultant and educator focused on building resilience in challenging environments. Served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked with government agencies in the Western Pacific region. Held sales leadership positions in the building products industry, specializing in sustainability with 5 design patents. He volunteers extensively in the community, serving 2 terms on the McKinney Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Board.

ENERGY

As Director of Energy and Sustainability at CBRE Group, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, Ira focuses on meeting clients’ sustainability goals that encompass green building, water efficiency, energy and CO2 reduction, waste and recycling improvement.

ENERGY

Mohammed Njie is a senior at Southern Methodist University studying Electrical Engineering and a pioneering student social entrepreneur in the Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise Program. He founded Janta Clean Energy to provide reliable, clean energy in The Gambia and has implemented solar projects and Wi-Fi-generating computer carts in local schools. Passionate about alleviating energy poverty, he combines research, innovation, and hands-on projects to create lasting impact in developing communities.

BIODIVERSITY

Amir Omar, a first-generation American, is the current Mayor of Richardson, Texas. Formerly a City Council member, he is known for initiatives like “Tree the Town” and community gardens that promote sustainability and civic engagement. With extensive experience in business and technology, he continues to lead Richardson with a focus on service, innovation, and community development.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

Ilyse Putz is the Giving Grove Program Director at GROW North Texas, connecting community partners to plant fruit trees for local benefit. She has established 20+ orchards and manages 60+ others across the DFW Metroplex. She holds degrees in Biology, German, and Plant Science and is active in local naturalist and food policy initiatives.

WASTE AND RECYCLING

Andrea and Chantal Sethi, a mother-daughter team, lead the award-winning Zero Waste Program for the Plano International Festival that achieved a 97% landfill diversion rate in 2024. Andrea has spearheaded green initiatives in the community, earning multiple environmental awards. Chantal, a former brand marketer, now leverages her expertise and passion to advance local sustainability initiatives. Together, they champion simple, everyday actions—like reducing, reusing, composting, and recycling—toward lasting environmental impact and a more sustainable future.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

CSR Strategist & Social Impact Leader | Corporate Trainer & Culture Innovator | Project Lead, Dallas Food Plan | Author & Speaker. Dr. Whitney W. Strauss is accomplished in CSR, philanthropy, and social impact, with 20+ years guiding nonprofits, corporations, and foundations. She excels in securing transformative funding, shaping policy, and forging strategic partnerships to drive measurable outcomes in health, education, and equity. She is committed to collaboration, inclusive leadership, and sustainable change.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Meghna Tare is a changemaker embedding sustainability and resilience into large organizations. As Chief Sustainability Officer at the University of Texas at Arlington and sustainability lead for FIFA World Cup 26 in Dallas, she drives actionable environmental strategies, fostering collective efforts toward a resilient, impact-driven future grounded in evidence and systems thinking.

AIR QUALITY

Daniela Tower is an Air Quality Planner at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) serving the DFW Metroplex. She specializes in data collection, analysis and implementing these findings into daily life to improve air quality - all while finding and holding a balance of people’s needs, environmental requirements, and economic prosperity with over 20 years of experience in the environmental field.

BIODIVERSITY

Jimena Vivanco is a conservation leader dedicated to urban ecology, environmental education, and community engagement. At Trinity Park Conservancy, she serves as the Conservation Manager leading youth programs, school partnerships, and habitat restoration initiatives, including Trinity River Crew and Lights Out, Dallas!, empowering young people and communities to protect and restore local ecosystems.

BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Sustainability leader with expertise in sustainability strategy, climate solutions, circular economy, supply chain , ESG and regulatory affairs. Combining his personal passion and professional experience he helps corporations and non-profit organizations with their sustainability journey and help combat climate change. For One Earth One Chance, he is responsible for advocacy and partnerships.

WASTE AND RECYCLING

Chris Wood worked for more than 15 years as a corporate attorney. A lifelong Houstonian, he attended UVA for undergrad and UT Austin for law school.