2019 Storytellers and Facilitators
Drew Bonfiglio
Co-Founder, Emzingo
Since co-founding Emzingo almost a decade ago, Drew has lived and worked at the intersection of leadership development and social impact, collaborating with Emzingo's university and corporate clients to design and deliver powerful experiences, workshops, and training. This journey began when - during the financial crisis back in ‘08 - it became obvious to him that the world needed more responsible leaders if we wanted to accelerate the pace at which positive social, environmental, and workplace change happens and to start solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. When he's not working, Drew spends time hiking and hanging out with his wife, kids, and puppy.
Co-Founder, Emzingo
Since co-founding Emzingo almost a decade ago, Drew has lived and worked at the intersection of leadership development and social impact, collaborating with Emzingo's university and corporate clients to design and deliver powerful experiences, workshops, and training. This journey began when - during the financial crisis back in ‘08 - it became obvious to him that the world needed more responsible leaders if we wanted to accelerate the pace at which positive social, environmental, and workplace change happens and to start solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. When he's not working, Drew spends time hiking and hanging out with his wife, kids, and puppy.
Jess Baum
Sustainability Manager, Badger
Jess Baum, Sustainability Manager at Badger in Gilsum, NH, is passionate about finding hopeful, healing, engaging solutions to climate change, and the paradox of living as a caring being in a complex world. She brings 10+ years’ experience in environmental & sustainability work and has an MS in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England. In her spare time, Jess enjoys gardening, herbalism, and walking in the woods.
Sustainability Manager, Badger
Jess Baum, Sustainability Manager at Badger in Gilsum, NH, is passionate about finding hopeful, healing, engaging solutions to climate change, and the paradox of living as a caring being in a complex world. She brings 10+ years’ experience in environmental & sustainability work and has an MS in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England. In her spare time, Jess enjoys gardening, herbalism, and walking in the woods.
Cissa Dieleman
B Local Boston Board - Marketing Chair
Cissa Dieleman is currently a Country Specialist at Audley Travel in Boston, where she is living the dream of planning people’s once-in-a-lifetime trips to Italy. Audley uses local people and business as partners, helping to bring benefits to local communities. This includes fair wages for overseas partners, socially responsible accommodations, and supporting carbon reductions. Cissa is currently working to start a conversation about B Corp certification in the office.
In one of her most recent roles, Cissa served as the Sustainability Coordinator at Tech Networks of Boston, a Certified B Corp. During that time, she expanded her role to include the management of social media marketing campaigns for Tech Networks, project management support, and being the steward for all of TNB’s sustainability efforts both internally and externally. Her mission was to build upon TNB’s existing framework to ensure that the company was operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
She has an extensive background as a Political Consultant and Fundraiser across political campaigns, non-profits, and foundations. She has particular expertise in public relations and social media management, which she has honed over many different industries.
Before her time at Audley Travel, she was recruited as a Campaign Manager by a political consulting firm where she led the charge in creating content for her candidate’s online platforms and managing their messaging. She was also a copy editor for the firm and created and edited mail pieces for over 50 candidates across the state.
Cissa earned her Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Relations from Iowa State University and a degree in International Affairs and French Language from Moscow State University.
B Local Boston Board - Marketing Chair
Cissa Dieleman is currently a Country Specialist at Audley Travel in Boston, where she is living the dream of planning people’s once-in-a-lifetime trips to Italy. Audley uses local people and business as partners, helping to bring benefits to local communities. This includes fair wages for overseas partners, socially responsible accommodations, and supporting carbon reductions. Cissa is currently working to start a conversation about B Corp certification in the office.
In one of her most recent roles, Cissa served as the Sustainability Coordinator at Tech Networks of Boston, a Certified B Corp. During that time, she expanded her role to include the management of social media marketing campaigns for Tech Networks, project management support, and being the steward for all of TNB’s sustainability efforts both internally and externally. Her mission was to build upon TNB’s existing framework to ensure that the company was operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
She has an extensive background as a Political Consultant and Fundraiser across political campaigns, non-profits, and foundations. She has particular expertise in public relations and social media management, which she has honed over many different industries.
Before her time at Audley Travel, she was recruited as a Campaign Manager by a political consulting firm where she led the charge in creating content for her candidate’s online platforms and managing their messaging. She was also a copy editor for the firm and created and edited mail pieces for over 50 candidates across the state.
Cissa earned her Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Relations from Iowa State University and a degree in International Affairs and French Language from Moscow State University.
Rooney Castle
Program Manager of Co-Pack Sales, B Corp & EU Operations, Rhino Foods
Rooney has been a member of the Rhino Foods family for the past 8 years and during this time his role has continued to evolve. He currently is the Program Manager of Co-Pack Sales, B Corp and EU Operations. Rhino became a B Corp in 2013 and since then Rooney has worked to leverage the certification to enhance the company’s purpose to “impact the manner in which business is done” both internally and externally.
Program Manager of Co-Pack Sales, B Corp & EU Operations, Rhino Foods
Rooney has been a member of the Rhino Foods family for the past 8 years and during this time his role has continued to evolve. He currently is the Program Manager of Co-Pack Sales, B Corp and EU Operations. Rhino became a B Corp in 2013 and since then Rooney has worked to leverage the certification to enhance the company’s purpose to “impact the manner in which business is done” both internally and externally.
Tim Cronin
Policy Program Manager, Climate Action Business Association (CABA)
As manager of CABA’s policy program, Tim analyzes climate & energy policies, develops legislative strategies, and engages local businesses in the policymaking process. He is also the founding author of the weekly ‘Massachusetts Policy Roundup‘ newsletter, assists in CABA member business recruitment, is the grassroots committee facilitator for the Massachusetts carbon pricing coalition, and represents CABA on the Alliance for Clean Energy Solutions (ACES) coalition.
A life-long resident of Weymouth Massachusetts, Tim is a member of Weymouth Rotary, his local Eagles chapter, and the Weymouth Energy Advisory Committee. He also serves as Co-Chair of the MetroCommon Scenario Advisory Committee, which is helping to develop Metro Boston's 2050 regional plan. Tim has a B.A. in Economics from Stonehill College and spent his junior year of undergraduate studies at Oxford University.
Policy Program Manager, Climate Action Business Association (CABA)
As manager of CABA’s policy program, Tim analyzes climate & energy policies, develops legislative strategies, and engages local businesses in the policymaking process. He is also the founding author of the weekly ‘Massachusetts Policy Roundup‘ newsletter, assists in CABA member business recruitment, is the grassroots committee facilitator for the Massachusetts carbon pricing coalition, and represents CABA on the Alliance for Clean Energy Solutions (ACES) coalition.
A life-long resident of Weymouth Massachusetts, Tim is a member of Weymouth Rotary, his local Eagles chapter, and the Weymouth Energy Advisory Committee. He also serves as Co-Chair of the MetroCommon Scenario Advisory Committee, which is helping to develop Metro Boston's 2050 regional plan. Tim has a B.A. in Economics from Stonehill College and spent his junior year of undergraduate studies at Oxford University.
Jake Elliott
Impact Partnerships Manager, SunCommon
Jake is the Impact Partnerships manager at SunCommon, forging relationships with various organizations across the region to spread and amplify SunCommon's mission of using our business as a force for good. Before joining SunCommon, Jake worked at the community level in Massachusetts to spread the adoption of energy efficiency and solar energy options for residents throughout the state. During that time he also completed a MBA in Sustainability at Antioch University in Keene, NH as he saw this program representing the belief that values led business can and should be a driver for social and environmental change in our world. He's now thrilled to be working for a B Corp where he has the opportunity to put his values to work.
Impact Partnerships Manager, SunCommon
Jake is the Impact Partnerships manager at SunCommon, forging relationships with various organizations across the region to spread and amplify SunCommon's mission of using our business as a force for good. Before joining SunCommon, Jake worked at the community level in Massachusetts to spread the adoption of energy efficiency and solar energy options for residents throughout the state. During that time he also completed a MBA in Sustainability at Antioch University in Keene, NH as he saw this program representing the belief that values led business can and should be a driver for social and environmental change in our world. He's now thrilled to be working for a B Corp where he has the opportunity to put his values to work.
Julie Fahnestock
Co-Founder & Creative Director, B Storytelling & B Local NYC
A Lover first. Storyteller second. As part of the founding team of The Love Economy Movement, Julie runs the production, content and brand building of Love Fests. She is also the Founder and Creative Director of B Storytelling, a creative agency committed to growing the B Corp movement through targeted content and branding. Her teams have helped dozens of social enterprises strategically discover, position and tell impact stories. She holds an MBA in Sustainability from Marlboro College Graduate School in Vermont and is proud to be the Board Co-Chair of B Local NYC. Julie lives in Brooklyn, New York with her sister and can be found jamming out on her piano, ecstatic dancing or trying to keep up with the runners in Prospect Park.
Co-Founder & Creative Director, B Storytelling & B Local NYC
A Lover first. Storyteller second. As part of the founding team of The Love Economy Movement, Julie runs the production, content and brand building of Love Fests. She is also the Founder and Creative Director of B Storytelling, a creative agency committed to growing the B Corp movement through targeted content and branding. Her teams have helped dozens of social enterprises strategically discover, position and tell impact stories. She holds an MBA in Sustainability from Marlboro College Graduate School in Vermont and is proud to be the Board Co-Chair of B Local NYC. Julie lives in Brooklyn, New York with her sister and can be found jamming out on her piano, ecstatic dancing or trying to keep up with the runners in Prospect Park.
Molly Flynn
Head of People Operations, U.S., Dimagi
Molly is passionate about building an impact-focused team with a people-first culture. Her initial desire to work in people operations stemmed from wanting to support a team that was not only dedicated to making an impact on their clients, but also their staff. Molly is a strong believer that people operations is key in leading their organizations to be empathetic and team-focused, where they put the employee first and use business as a force for good for their staff.
Molly leads Dimagi’s U.S.-based People Operations with a team in Cambridge, MA and remote across the United States. Dimagi is an impact-focused tech company that works in communities across the globe with offices in India, South Africa, and Senegal as well as the United States. Dimagi’s product, CommCare, is used to support data collection, enhanced service delivery, and improved decision making by front line workers in low-resource settings.
Prior to working at Dimagi, Molly served in a Team Leader role with AmeriCorps on projects across the Southwestern U.S. Molly serves as the Chair of Membership Engagement on the Boston B Local B Corp Board. She also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, as well as a Bachelors in Public Health and Psychology.
Head of People Operations, U.S., Dimagi
Molly is passionate about building an impact-focused team with a people-first culture. Her initial desire to work in people operations stemmed from wanting to support a team that was not only dedicated to making an impact on their clients, but also their staff. Molly is a strong believer that people operations is key in leading their organizations to be empathetic and team-focused, where they put the employee first and use business as a force for good for their staff.
Molly leads Dimagi’s U.S.-based People Operations with a team in Cambridge, MA and remote across the United States. Dimagi is an impact-focused tech company that works in communities across the globe with offices in India, South Africa, and Senegal as well as the United States. Dimagi’s product, CommCare, is used to support data collection, enhanced service delivery, and improved decision making by front line workers in low-resource settings.
Prior to working at Dimagi, Molly served in a Team Leader role with AmeriCorps on projects across the Southwestern U.S. Molly serves as the Chair of Membership Engagement on the Boston B Local B Corp Board. She also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, as well as a Bachelors in Public Health and Psychology.
Lori Hanau
Founder, Global Round Table Leadership
Lori Hanau is the founder of Global Round Table Leadership (GRTL), a training and coaching company dedicated to providing transformational learning and leadership development for conscious companies, campuses and networks. Lori is also a faculty partner and Co-Chair of Marlboro College’s Graduate and Professional Studies management programs. Lori works to foster group vitality through her advising, facilitation and co-creative practices, including GRTL’s Shared Leadership Framework™ and The Compassionate Accountability Process™. She also works as an advisor, coach, and guide for other founders, CEO’s, ED’s and leadership teams whose organizations focus on systemic change with an emphasis on social, economic and environmental justice.
Lori launched GRTL in 2002 after leaving her role as President and COO in the manufacturing sector to pursue her commitment to support the flourishing of people and organizations. She has training and expertise in the areas of mindfulness, martial arts, healing arts, spirituality, entrepreneurialism, social impact and mission-driven business. Lori is proud to serve on the Board of Advisors for The Of Many Institute for Multifaith Leadership at New York University. Lori has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Social Venture Network. Lori is a founding member of the Nature Based Leadership Institute (NBLI), at Antioch University New England, and also a founding consultant of the Center for New Leadership at Marlboro College. She writes a regular column on Shared Leadership for Conscious Company Magazine. In 2002, Lori co-founded the Mindfulness Practice Center in Keene, NH, where she also resides.
Founder, Global Round Table Leadership
Lori Hanau is the founder of Global Round Table Leadership (GRTL), a training and coaching company dedicated to providing transformational learning and leadership development for conscious companies, campuses and networks. Lori is also a faculty partner and Co-Chair of Marlboro College’s Graduate and Professional Studies management programs. Lori works to foster group vitality through her advising, facilitation and co-creative practices, including GRTL’s Shared Leadership Framework™ and The Compassionate Accountability Process™. She also works as an advisor, coach, and guide for other founders, CEO’s, ED’s and leadership teams whose organizations focus on systemic change with an emphasis on social, economic and environmental justice.
Lori launched GRTL in 2002 after leaving her role as President and COO in the manufacturing sector to pursue her commitment to support the flourishing of people and organizations. She has training and expertise in the areas of mindfulness, martial arts, healing arts, spirituality, entrepreneurialism, social impact and mission-driven business. Lori is proud to serve on the Board of Advisors for The Of Many Institute for Multifaith Leadership at New York University. Lori has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Social Venture Network. Lori is a founding member of the Nature Based Leadership Institute (NBLI), at Antioch University New England, and also a founding consultant of the Center for New Leadership at Marlboro College. She writes a regular column on Shared Leadership for Conscious Company Magazine. In 2002, Lori co-founded the Mindfulness Practice Center in Keene, NH, where she also resides.
Ann Hoogenboom
Sustainability Consultant
Ann has been committed to work that exemplifies how empowering people to take action can deliver solutions to today's greatest problems. She brings several years of experience in building corporate social engagement. She served as sustainability manager at Cabot Creamery Cooperative and as solar strategist at SunCommon. Ann has been an active member and advocate of the B Corp community network in Vermont and beyond. She is currently leading a group of B Corps focused on building a locally focused Vote Every Day campaign with a focus to heighten knowledge and exposure of B Corp businesses and their values.
Ann holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Vermont and a certificate in Ecological Economics from the Gund Institute. From this perspective, Ann strives to integrate climate solutions with corporate sustainability goals to create meaningful connections between the work we do and the world we aspire to build.
Ann lives in Waitsfield, VT with her fiancé and is about to embark upon building a fossil free home together. Ann’s other great love is fighting gravity—mountain biking, trail running and backcountry skiing.
Sustainability Consultant
Ann has been committed to work that exemplifies how empowering people to take action can deliver solutions to today's greatest problems. She brings several years of experience in building corporate social engagement. She served as sustainability manager at Cabot Creamery Cooperative and as solar strategist at SunCommon. Ann has been an active member and advocate of the B Corp community network in Vermont and beyond. She is currently leading a group of B Corps focused on building a locally focused Vote Every Day campaign with a focus to heighten knowledge and exposure of B Corp businesses and their values.
Ann holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Vermont and a certificate in Ecological Economics from the Gund Institute. From this perspective, Ann strives to integrate climate solutions with corporate sustainability goals to create meaningful connections between the work we do and the world we aspire to build.
Ann lives in Waitsfield, VT with her fiancé and is about to embark upon building a fossil free home together. Ann’s other great love is fighting gravity—mountain biking, trail running and backcountry skiing.
Emma Johnson
Director of the People Team, MegaFood
Emma is the Director of the People Team for MegaFood, a whole foods supplement company in New Hampshire. Emma has fifteen years of human resources generalist and leadership experience in various industries. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from GWU and SNHU respectively. She has a passion for learning, finding win-for-all solutions to complex organizational challenges, and helping people discover their own potential.
Emma grew up in Maine, and has lived and worked in Boston, Washington DC, and Honolulu. She’s lived in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire for the last ten years, and loves Mt. Monadnock, gardening, yoga and many outdoor activities (at least those that don’t require talent or coordination).
Director of the People Team, MegaFood
Emma is the Director of the People Team for MegaFood, a whole foods supplement company in New Hampshire. Emma has fifteen years of human resources generalist and leadership experience in various industries. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from GWU and SNHU respectively. She has a passion for learning, finding win-for-all solutions to complex organizational challenges, and helping people discover their own potential.
Emma grew up in Maine, and has lived and worked in Boston, Washington DC, and Honolulu. She’s lived in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire for the last ten years, and loves Mt. Monadnock, gardening, yoga and many outdoor activities (at least those that don’t require talent or coordination).
Kristin Kelleher
Program Director, The Climate Action Business Association
Watching sea level rise affect her hometown of Newburyport, MA inspired Kristin on her journey in the environmental field. She is always working to develop strong and reliable communication channels with key stakeholders and within vulnerable communities. Kristin’s ultimate passion is to act as an advocate for businesses, ensuring they have the tools to be resilient and sustainable.
Kristin is the lead author of the Businesses Acting on Rising Seas Report. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Updated Climate Change Projections for Metro Boston, as an Agenda Setter for the Climigration Network, and she serves on the American Society of Adaptation Professionals Registry Project. Kristin has a B.A. in International Affairs from GWU and an M.A. in Environment, Politics, & Globalization from King's College London.
Program Director, The Climate Action Business Association
Watching sea level rise affect her hometown of Newburyport, MA inspired Kristin on her journey in the environmental field. She is always working to develop strong and reliable communication channels with key stakeholders and within vulnerable communities. Kristin’s ultimate passion is to act as an advocate for businesses, ensuring they have the tools to be resilient and sustainable.
Kristin is the lead author of the Businesses Acting on Rising Seas Report. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Updated Climate Change Projections for Metro Boston, as an Agenda Setter for the Climigration Network, and she serves on the American Society of Adaptation Professionals Registry Project. Kristin has a B.A. in International Affairs from GWU and an M.A. in Environment, Politics, & Globalization from King's College London.
Ashley Larochelle
Director of Vision Activation, MegaFood
Ashley Larochelle is the Director of Vision Activation for MegaFood, a whole food supplement manufacturer located in Londonderry NH. In her role, Ashley drives strategic corporate communication, culture & engagement & a variety of projects aimed at aligning and supporting the company's business objectives, priorities, and vision.
Since arriving at MegaFood in 2012 from the financial services industry, Ashley spearheaded a number of signature initiatives. These include the company’s employee-run Culture Club that offer a variety of ways to make MegaFood a best place to work, community-building initiatives such as quarterly Town Hall meetings for all staff, 24 hours of paid volunteer time, and an annual MVP program, among others.
Ashley was instrumental in helping to coordinate MegaFood’s three-year effort to become a Certified B-Corporation, a milestone the company achieved in 2018. As a B-Corp, MegaFood joins a global movement of people using business as a force for good by meeting the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Ashley continues to play a major role in the company’s growing portfolio of social impact programs devoted to improving food security and access to better nutrition.
Ashley is originally from Haverhill Massachusetts, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations & Political Science from Rivier University in Nashua New Hampshire. She currently resides in Hudson New Hampshire with her husband Roger & daughter Finley. She is an avid volleyball player, oil painter, and Patriots fan.
Director of Vision Activation, MegaFood
Ashley Larochelle is the Director of Vision Activation for MegaFood, a whole food supplement manufacturer located in Londonderry NH. In her role, Ashley drives strategic corporate communication, culture & engagement & a variety of projects aimed at aligning and supporting the company's business objectives, priorities, and vision.
Since arriving at MegaFood in 2012 from the financial services industry, Ashley spearheaded a number of signature initiatives. These include the company’s employee-run Culture Club that offer a variety of ways to make MegaFood a best place to work, community-building initiatives such as quarterly Town Hall meetings for all staff, 24 hours of paid volunteer time, and an annual MVP program, among others.
Ashley was instrumental in helping to coordinate MegaFood’s three-year effort to become a Certified B-Corporation, a milestone the company achieved in 2018. As a B-Corp, MegaFood joins a global movement of people using business as a force for good by meeting the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Ashley continues to play a major role in the company’s growing portfolio of social impact programs devoted to improving food security and access to better nutrition.
Ashley is originally from Haverhill Massachusetts, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations & Political Science from Rivier University in Nashua New Hampshire. She currently resides in Hudson New Hampshire with her husband Roger & daughter Finley. She is an avid volleyball player, oil painter, and Patriots fan.
Joe Laur
Founding Partner, SEED Systems
Joe Laur is a leadership consultant, strategic facilitator, speaker and executive. He has led workshops and initiatives in systems thinking, strategic visioning, capacity building, personal mastery and multi-stakeholder conferences worldwide. He is a founding partner of SEED Systems, a consultancy dedicated to innovation and leadership for sustainable enterprise, applying systems thinking, scientific frameworks and organizational learning disciplines to foster innovation in organizations engaging with environmental and social issues.
Previously, Joe was Director for Content and Senior Manager for Community Engagement and Development at Waste Management’s Greenopolis project, providing information and tools for conservation, recycling and transforming waste to resources.
In partnership with the Society for Organizational Learning, (SoL). Mr. Laur along with colleagues Peter Senge and Sara Schley established the SoL Sustainability Consortium, a group of industry leaders in learning and sustainability. This consortium included members from BP, Ford, Coca Cola, Harley-Davidson, UTC, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Nike, 7th Generation, Waste Management and more.
He is co-author of "Learning for Sustainability", 2007, and the Doubleday book, “The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals And Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World” (June 2008) written with Peter Senge, Sara Schley and Brian Smith, and with Sara Schley, co author of "The Sustainability Challenge," published in The Systems Thinker and "Creating Sustainable Organizations" published in the Pegasus' Innovations in Management Series.
Mr. Laur was a designer and facilitator of the SoL Sustainability Forum on Business Innovation for Sustainability in 2004 & 2007. He has spoken at numerous business gatherings including Opportunity Green, Sustainable Brands, GreenBuild, the Natural Step Conference, The Power of Systems Thinking Conference, and the Systems Thinking in Action conference on issues of sustainable enterprise.
Founding Partner, SEED Systems
Joe Laur is a leadership consultant, strategic facilitator, speaker and executive. He has led workshops and initiatives in systems thinking, strategic visioning, capacity building, personal mastery and multi-stakeholder conferences worldwide. He is a founding partner of SEED Systems, a consultancy dedicated to innovation and leadership for sustainable enterprise, applying systems thinking, scientific frameworks and organizational learning disciplines to foster innovation in organizations engaging with environmental and social issues.
Previously, Joe was Director for Content and Senior Manager for Community Engagement and Development at Waste Management’s Greenopolis project, providing information and tools for conservation, recycling and transforming waste to resources.
In partnership with the Society for Organizational Learning, (SoL). Mr. Laur along with colleagues Peter Senge and Sara Schley established the SoL Sustainability Consortium, a group of industry leaders in learning and sustainability. This consortium included members from BP, Ford, Coca Cola, Harley-Davidson, UTC, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Nike, 7th Generation, Waste Management and more.
He is co-author of "Learning for Sustainability", 2007, and the Doubleday book, “The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals And Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World” (June 2008) written with Peter Senge, Sara Schley and Brian Smith, and with Sara Schley, co author of "The Sustainability Challenge," published in The Systems Thinker and "Creating Sustainable Organizations" published in the Pegasus' Innovations in Management Series.
Mr. Laur was a designer and facilitator of the SoL Sustainability Forum on Business Innovation for Sustainability in 2004 & 2007. He has spoken at numerous business gatherings including Opportunity Green, Sustainable Brands, GreenBuild, the Natural Step Conference, The Power of Systems Thinking Conference, and the Systems Thinking in Action conference on issues of sustainable enterprise.
Susan Leger-Ferraro
Founder & Chief Transformation Officer of G3
Human Sustainability is the brainchild of Susan Leger-Ferraro, Founder and Chief Transformation Officer of G3, a new leadership development consulting and training company serving clients across the United States and internationally. Susan’s Leadership created the first educational B Corp in the Greater Boston Area (Imajine That), receiving the following awards: Current Overall B Impact Score- 166.3, 2015 Overall B Impact Score- 163.5, Best for Customers- 2016,2017,2018, Best for Community- 2016,2017,2018, Best for Overall- 2016,2017,2018.
Through her innovative ideas and practices, Susan positively impacts the lives of countless humans and changes the landscape of organizations across the globe.
Susan Leger-Ferraro launched her first multi-million dollar business as a teenager. Since that time, Susan has received numerous accolades for her work and achievements, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts Woman in Business Champion Award, which she received for increasing opportunities for women in business; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, Boston Women’s Fund Woman of Action Award; Enterprise Bank Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts; National Top 100 Diversity-Owned Businesses; The ATHENA Leadership Award from ATHENA International; Beacon for Homeless Families Award from COMPASS for Homeless Families; Massachusetts School Committee Partners in Education Award, ICIC Icons of Industry Award, and Chevron Community Service Award. Susan has also been named a Boston’s Channel 5 education expert and WGBH business development partner.
Susan has been published in the Harvard Family Research Project and featured in such publications as Fortune; Inc.; Exchange; The New York Times; Boston Business Journal; The Boston Globe; Child Care Business; Entrepreneur; Franklin Covey’s 4 Roles of Leadership; and PBS’s www.ed.gov: Early Childhood: Good Start, Grow Smart; Boston’s Fox 25; Channel 5; and NECN news programs.
Susan is the founder and CEO of G3, Founder and ChairPerson of Imajine That, Founder and President of Inspirational Ones, Founder and CEO of Peace, Love & Happiness Real Estate, Founder and co-CEO of The Imaginal Group; Founder and past CEO of Little Sprouts, Inc.
Founder & Chief Transformation Officer of G3
Human Sustainability is the brainchild of Susan Leger-Ferraro, Founder and Chief Transformation Officer of G3, a new leadership development consulting and training company serving clients across the United States and internationally. Susan’s Leadership created the first educational B Corp in the Greater Boston Area (Imajine That), receiving the following awards: Current Overall B Impact Score- 166.3, 2015 Overall B Impact Score- 163.5, Best for Customers- 2016,2017,2018, Best for Community- 2016,2017,2018, Best for Overall- 2016,2017,2018.
Through her innovative ideas and practices, Susan positively impacts the lives of countless humans and changes the landscape of organizations across the globe.
Susan Leger-Ferraro launched her first multi-million dollar business as a teenager. Since that time, Susan has received numerous accolades for her work and achievements, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Massachusetts Woman in Business Champion Award, which she received for increasing opportunities for women in business; Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, Boston Women’s Fund Woman of Action Award; Enterprise Bank Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts; National Top 100 Diversity-Owned Businesses; The ATHENA Leadership Award from ATHENA International; Beacon for Homeless Families Award from COMPASS for Homeless Families; Massachusetts School Committee Partners in Education Award, ICIC Icons of Industry Award, and Chevron Community Service Award. Susan has also been named a Boston’s Channel 5 education expert and WGBH business development partner.
Susan has been published in the Harvard Family Research Project and featured in such publications as Fortune; Inc.; Exchange; The New York Times; Boston Business Journal; The Boston Globe; Child Care Business; Entrepreneur; Franklin Covey’s 4 Roles of Leadership; and PBS’s www.ed.gov: Early Childhood: Good Start, Grow Smart; Boston’s Fox 25; Channel 5; and NECN news programs.
Susan is the founder and CEO of G3, Founder and ChairPerson of Imajine That, Founder and President of Inspirational Ones, Founder and CEO of Peace, Love & Happiness Real Estate, Founder and co-CEO of The Imaginal Group; Founder and past CEO of Little Sprouts, Inc.
Sarah Lipton
Founder & Leadership Mentor, The Presence Point
Sarah Lipton has guided hundreds of leaders as they navigate all the challenges of leadership. Through her business, The Presence Point, Sarah works with organizations who wish to empower their leaders from the inside-out. Her passion is rooted in over twenty years of service, training and teaching and stems from the conviction that when leaders are genuine, society can bloom. She is the founder of Genuine, Inc, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is a keynote speaker, podcaster, and visionary who lives high on a hill in East Calais, Vermont with her husband and two small daughters.
Founder & Leadership Mentor, The Presence Point
Sarah Lipton has guided hundreds of leaders as they navigate all the challenges of leadership. Through her business, The Presence Point, Sarah works with organizations who wish to empower their leaders from the inside-out. Her passion is rooted in over twenty years of service, training and teaching and stems from the conviction that when leaders are genuine, society can bloom. She is the founder of Genuine, Inc, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is a keynote speaker, podcaster, and visionary who lives high on a hill in East Calais, Vermont with her husband and two small daughters.
Nick Managan
Northeast Marketing Manager, Cabot Creamery
Nick has worked in the Cabot Creamery Marketing Department for 10 years. For the past three years he has served as Cabot’s Northeast Marketing Manager. He works closely with Co-op, B Corp, non-profit and business partners throughout the Northeast, promoting the Cabot brand and spreading Cabot Gratitude to those who support the 800 farm families who own Cabot. Nick lives in Waterbury, VT with his wife Elizabeth and children, Henry & Rosalie.
Northeast Marketing Manager, Cabot Creamery
Nick has worked in the Cabot Creamery Marketing Department for 10 years. For the past three years he has served as Cabot’s Northeast Marketing Manager. He works closely with Co-op, B Corp, non-profit and business partners throughout the Northeast, promoting the Cabot brand and spreading Cabot Gratitude to those who support the 800 farm families who own Cabot. Nick lives in Waterbury, VT with his wife Elizabeth and children, Henry & Rosalie.
Stephanie Manners
VP of People at MegaFood
“Is disruptive in class” according to my third-grade report card. Some things never change. My role as the VP of People at MegaFood means that I have to be thinking about what will inspire talented people to join, engage with our mission today and stay with our company in the future.
As an HR generalist with over 25 years experience in Human Resources, I have broad experience in talent acquisition, benefits and rewards planning, and learning how people work. I have been a senior leader in HR for three privately-owned companies during significant growth spurts. Prior to joining MegaFood, I was lucky to have worked for other well-known consumer brands with great cultures such as The Life Is Good Company and Stonyfield Farms.
VP of People at MegaFood
“Is disruptive in class” according to my third-grade report card. Some things never change. My role as the VP of People at MegaFood means that I have to be thinking about what will inspire talented people to join, engage with our mission today and stay with our company in the future.
As an HR generalist with over 25 years experience in Human Resources, I have broad experience in talent acquisition, benefits and rewards planning, and learning how people work. I have been a senior leader in HR for three privately-owned companies during significant growth spurts. Prior to joining MegaFood, I was lucky to have worked for other well-known consumer brands with great cultures such as The Life Is Good Company and Stonyfield Farms.
Suzanne Mcdowell
Co-CEO, King Arthur Flour
For the past 20 years, Suzanne has helped drive King Arthur Flour’s mission to maintain exemplary company practices, values, and culture by creating and developing benchmarks and guidelines for all of King Arthur Flour’s human resource functions. Due to her highly regarded leadership of the company’s people practices, she became one of King Arthur Flour’s three co-CEO’s in 2014.
With nearly three decades of experience in human resource management, Suzanne was integral in helping King Arthur Flour become a founding B (Beneficial) Corporation in 2004, a movement that redefines what it means to be successful in business. As a certified B Corp, King Arthur Flour adheres to higher standards of transparency, accountability, and performance to its stakeholders, community, and the environment. Since 2013, King Arthur Flour has received recognition on B Lab’s Best for Workers list.
Under Suzanne’s direction, King Arthur Flour has been continuously named to the annual “Best Places to Work in Vermont” (sponsored by Best Companies Group) since its inception in 2006. In addition, Suzanne was honored as Human Resources Professional of the Year in 2012 by the Society for Human Resource Management Vermont State Council.
Prior to joining King Arthur Flour in 2000, Suzanne worked for 12 years at the world-renowned clothing company Patagonia Inc., serving in Director level positions in both human resources and retail management. Suzanne is a graduate of The University of Utah and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Delta Dental Plan of Vermont, Johnny’s Selected Seed, and the National Center for Employee Ownership.
In 2018, Suzanne completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and looks forward to spending more time guiding people on their journey inward in learning more about themselves.
When not working with the team at King Arthur Flour, Suzanne can be found at her home in Vermont, skiing, gardening, beekeeping or leading a yoga class. Not surprisingly, given her employer, she also enjoys bread-baking, experimenting with new grains, spices and recipes whenever possible.
Co-CEO, King Arthur Flour
For the past 20 years, Suzanne has helped drive King Arthur Flour’s mission to maintain exemplary company practices, values, and culture by creating and developing benchmarks and guidelines for all of King Arthur Flour’s human resource functions. Due to her highly regarded leadership of the company’s people practices, she became one of King Arthur Flour’s three co-CEO’s in 2014.
With nearly three decades of experience in human resource management, Suzanne was integral in helping King Arthur Flour become a founding B (Beneficial) Corporation in 2004, a movement that redefines what it means to be successful in business. As a certified B Corp, King Arthur Flour adheres to higher standards of transparency, accountability, and performance to its stakeholders, community, and the environment. Since 2013, King Arthur Flour has received recognition on B Lab’s Best for Workers list.
Under Suzanne’s direction, King Arthur Flour has been continuously named to the annual “Best Places to Work in Vermont” (sponsored by Best Companies Group) since its inception in 2006. In addition, Suzanne was honored as Human Resources Professional of the Year in 2012 by the Society for Human Resource Management Vermont State Council.
Prior to joining King Arthur Flour in 2000, Suzanne worked for 12 years at the world-renowned clothing company Patagonia Inc., serving in Director level positions in both human resources and retail management. Suzanne is a graduate of The University of Utah and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Delta Dental Plan of Vermont, Johnny’s Selected Seed, and the National Center for Employee Ownership.
In 2018, Suzanne completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and looks forward to spending more time guiding people on their journey inward in learning more about themselves.
When not working with the team at King Arthur Flour, Suzanne can be found at her home in Vermont, skiing, gardening, beekeeping or leading a yoga class. Not surprisingly, given her employer, she also enjoys bread-baking, experimenting with new grains, spices and recipes whenever possible.
Hayley Reissfelder
Social Media Manager, Teak Media + Communications
An expert in all things social and digital media, Reissfelder’s passion is helping nonprofits leverage all aspects of digital marketing to advance their causes and raise money. With boundless energy and commitment to her clients, Reissfelder helps organizations start or expand their social media networks and greatly improve their ability to raise money through enhanced SEO and digital campaigns, as well as by leveraging analytics to understand how to generate the greatest return on their investment. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Marketing with a concentration in digital and analytics.
Social Media Manager, Teak Media + Communications
An expert in all things social and digital media, Reissfelder’s passion is helping nonprofits leverage all aspects of digital marketing to advance their causes and raise money. With boundless energy and commitment to her clients, Reissfelder helps organizations start or expand their social media networks and greatly improve their ability to raise money through enhanced SEO and digital campaigns, as well as by leveraging analytics to understand how to generate the greatest return on their investment. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Marketing with a concentration in digital and analytics.
Simon Renault
Program Director, Sun Hill Farm
Simon Renault is the Program Director of Sun Hill Farm, a small farm and artist residency in Putney, Vermont.
Originally from France, Simon has traveled extensively. He has worked as a storyteller in Brittany, a hiking tour guide in Ireland, an educator and a farmer in Vermont. Simon is a permaculture designer and a Way of Council facilitator. He is currently a student in the Masters in Management of Mission-Driven Organizations at the Marlboro College Graduate and Professional Studies.
Through his work, Simon shares his passion for creating spaces where people can connect to themselves, other people and the natural environment.
Program Director, Sun Hill Farm
Simon Renault is the Program Director of Sun Hill Farm, a small farm and artist residency in Putney, Vermont.
Originally from France, Simon has traveled extensively. He has worked as a storyteller in Brittany, a hiking tour guide in Ireland, an educator and a farmer in Vermont. Simon is a permaculture designer and a Way of Council facilitator. He is currently a student in the Masters in Management of Mission-Driven Organizations at the Marlboro College Graduate and Professional Studies.
Through his work, Simon shares his passion for creating spaces where people can connect to themselves, other people and the natural environment.
Jackie Herskovitz Russell
Founder & President, Teak Media + Communication
Jackie Herskovitz Russell is the founder and president of Teak Media + Communication, New England’s sole Certified B Corp public relations firm. Founded in 1997, Teak empowers responsible companies and nonprofit organizations to achieve widespread recognition and increase their revenue.
As a former reporter for daily newspapers, Russell understood the power of the media and wanted to leverage it to help nonprofits and responsible businesses grow and continue their good work. Teak believes in the power of business as a force for good. Russell is convinced that businesses have both the power, and an obligation, to change the world for the better. By providing communication services that are based in the disciplines of traditional journalism and digital media, Teak helps important businesses grow.
Setting the pace for this progressive public relations firm, Russell accepts the promotional responsibilities of companies and organizations whose ethics and values are aligned with the Teak mission. Teak is best known for promoting large charitable organizations including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Recycling Partnership, New England Aquarium, YMCAs of Greater Boston, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, as well as responsible companies like Fidelity Bank, Global Research Innovation and Technology (GRIT), Rice Bran Technologies, and PwC.
Along with its B Corp affiliation, Teak Media is a member of the Investor Circle - Social Venture Network and is a founding member of the Boston Chapter of Conscious Capitalism.
The common thread that runs through all of Teak’s work is its ability to find and promote the stories that lie at the intersection of business and humanity. Russell holds a BA from Skidmore College, and an MAT from Boston University. She is an admitted media hound and considers her work to be a privilege and an honor.
Founder & President, Teak Media + Communication
Jackie Herskovitz Russell is the founder and president of Teak Media + Communication, New England’s sole Certified B Corp public relations firm. Founded in 1997, Teak empowers responsible companies and nonprofit organizations to achieve widespread recognition and increase their revenue.
As a former reporter for daily newspapers, Russell understood the power of the media and wanted to leverage it to help nonprofits and responsible businesses grow and continue their good work. Teak believes in the power of business as a force for good. Russell is convinced that businesses have both the power, and an obligation, to change the world for the better. By providing communication services that are based in the disciplines of traditional journalism and digital media, Teak helps important businesses grow.
Setting the pace for this progressive public relations firm, Russell accepts the promotional responsibilities of companies and organizations whose ethics and values are aligned with the Teak mission. Teak is best known for promoting large charitable organizations including Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Recycling Partnership, New England Aquarium, YMCAs of Greater Boston, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, as well as responsible companies like Fidelity Bank, Global Research Innovation and Technology (GRIT), Rice Bran Technologies, and PwC.
Along with its B Corp affiliation, Teak Media is a member of the Investor Circle - Social Venture Network and is a founding member of the Boston Chapter of Conscious Capitalism.
The common thread that runs through all of Teak’s work is its ability to find and promote the stories that lie at the intersection of business and humanity. Russell holds a BA from Skidmore College, and an MAT from Boston University. She is an admitted media hound and considers her work to be a privilege and an honor.
Sara Schley
Founder & CEO, Seed Systems
Sara Schley is the founder and CEO of Seed Systems an international consulting company established in 1994. Seed Systems uses Systems Thinking while working with individuals, teams, organizations, and networks to accelerate our transformation to a Sustainable world where all thrive. Sara has worked in business, non-profit, government and academic sectors; creating, designing, facilitating, teaching and coaching leadership programs and culture change initiatives for sustainability.
Partnering with Peter Senge and Joe Laur, Sara was the co-creator and leader for ten years of the SoL Sustainability Consortium established in 1999, a network of major corporations including Nike, Shell, Ford, WorldBank, Interface, Schlumbergere and more, challenging each other to create best practices in the field. She is also co-founder of the Women Leading Sustainability Network WLS, a dynamic circle of Women ground-breakers and thought leaders for sustainability established in 2001.
Since 2018 Sara has been helping to launch the BCorp Women CEO movement in partnership with Eileen Fisher and Blab. Seed Systems has been a BCorp since 2015. Sara is co-author with Peter Senge and others of Learning for Sustainability (SoL, 2006) and of The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World; (Doubleday 2008.)
Sara has her MBA from the University of Massachusetts and BA from Brown University. She lives with her husband and children in Western Massachusetts. Sara’s aspiration is to heal the world and be back in time for her kid’s baseball game.
Founder & CEO, Seed Systems
Sara Schley is the founder and CEO of Seed Systems an international consulting company established in 1994. Seed Systems uses Systems Thinking while working with individuals, teams, organizations, and networks to accelerate our transformation to a Sustainable world where all thrive. Sara has worked in business, non-profit, government and academic sectors; creating, designing, facilitating, teaching and coaching leadership programs and culture change initiatives for sustainability.
Partnering with Peter Senge and Joe Laur, Sara was the co-creator and leader for ten years of the SoL Sustainability Consortium established in 1999, a network of major corporations including Nike, Shell, Ford, WorldBank, Interface, Schlumbergere and more, challenging each other to create best practices in the field. She is also co-founder of the Women Leading Sustainability Network WLS, a dynamic circle of Women ground-breakers and thought leaders for sustainability established in 2001.
Since 2018 Sara has been helping to launch the BCorp Women CEO movement in partnership with Eileen Fisher and Blab. Seed Systems has been a BCorp since 2015. Sara is co-author with Peter Senge and others of Learning for Sustainability (SoL, 2006) and of The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World; (Doubleday 2008.)
Sara has her MBA from the University of Massachusetts and BA from Brown University. She lives with her husband and children in Western Massachusetts. Sara’s aspiration is to heal the world and be back in time for her kid’s baseball game.
Carey Underwood
Director of Mission Driven Partnerships & Programs, King Arthur Flour
As part of the marketing team at King Arthur Flour, Carey is responsible for bringing a strategic cross-company focus to values-driven programs and partnerships, including Bake for Good initiatives, 1% for the Planet, and B Corp. This work supports King Arthur Flour’s vision to build community through baking. She has been at the company for 10 years.
Carey has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College and a master of science from Simmons College.
Director of Mission Driven Partnerships & Programs, King Arthur Flour
As part of the marketing team at King Arthur Flour, Carey is responsible for bringing a strategic cross-company focus to values-driven programs and partnerships, including Bake for Good initiatives, 1% for the Planet, and B Corp. This work supports King Arthur Flour’s vision to build community through baking. She has been at the company for 10 years.
Carey has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College and a master of science from Simmons College.
Emily Hall Warren
Director of Administration, W.S. Badger Company
Emily Hall Warren is the Director of Administration at the W.S. Badger Company, a family owned and family friendly business built around healthy living in the workplace and in the community. Badger is known for its certified organic and truly natural personal care products, employs 100 full- and part-time workers, and is a certified B Corporation – which adds transparency to the company’s social and environmental business practices.
Prior to Badger, Emily specialized in training and Organizational Advancement for the Claremont Savings Bank and more recently The Timken Company.
Emily has an extensive background in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP) and a Master’s Degree in Organization and Management from Antioch New England University. She serves as a Trustee of the Trust Funds for the Town of Gilsum and as a Board Member for Keene Chamber of Commerce. As the mother of an active nine-year-old son and twin six-year-old boys, Emily appreciates and embraces the millennial’s goal of a good work life balance.
Director of Administration, W.S. Badger Company
Emily Hall Warren is the Director of Administration at the W.S. Badger Company, a family owned and family friendly business built around healthy living in the workplace and in the community. Badger is known for its certified organic and truly natural personal care products, employs 100 full- and part-time workers, and is a certified B Corporation – which adds transparency to the company’s social and environmental business practices.
Prior to Badger, Emily specialized in training and Organizational Advancement for the Claremont Savings Bank and more recently The Timken Company.
Emily has an extensive background in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP) and a Master’s Degree in Organization and Management from Antioch New England University. She serves as a Trustee of the Trust Funds for the Town of Gilsum and as a Board Member for Keene Chamber of Commerce. As the mother of an active nine-year-old son and twin six-year-old boys, Emily appreciates and embraces the millennial’s goal of a good work life balance.
Justin Wright
CEO, Habitus Incorporated
As the co-founder, CEO and lead trainer for Habitus Incorporated, Justin is an experienced negotiation trainer, mediator / facilitator and conflict management consultant. His expertise is in collaborative negotiation theory, behavior change, multi-party facilitation, mediation and career coaching. In addition to his work with Habitus, he has served on the training teams at the Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation, and the mediation practicum at Tuft’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Justin is a former adjunct professor of negotiation at Yale University and Northeastern’s Business School.
Justin designs and leads innovative and highly dynamic trainings for corporate, educational and non-profit institutions in the US and abroad. He has trained individuals at companies such as Eastman Chemical, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Akamai, Anika Therapeutics Inc., Commonwealth Financial, NeighborWorks, Bavaria Foundation, FINCA, SIGNUM Foundation – College of Notaries, Shanghai TransLegal, IBM Europe, IFC Cantabria, Better Future Project and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
CEO, Habitus Incorporated
As the co-founder, CEO and lead trainer for Habitus Incorporated, Justin is an experienced negotiation trainer, mediator / facilitator and conflict management consultant. His expertise is in collaborative negotiation theory, behavior change, multi-party facilitation, mediation and career coaching. In addition to his work with Habitus, he has served on the training teams at the Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation, and the mediation practicum at Tuft’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Justin is a former adjunct professor of negotiation at Yale University and Northeastern’s Business School.
Justin designs and leads innovative and highly dynamic trainings for corporate, educational and non-profit institutions in the US and abroad. He has trained individuals at companies such as Eastman Chemical, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Akamai, Anika Therapeutics Inc., Commonwealth Financial, NeighborWorks, Bavaria Foundation, FINCA, SIGNUM Foundation – College of Notaries, Shanghai TransLegal, IBM Europe, IFC Cantabria, Better Future Project and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
SOKOKi STUDiOS
To celebrate this BLDNE this year's theme of INSPIRE, we are bringing a collaborative mural experience for you to enjoy.
We thrilled to present Sokoki Studios, a husband-wife duo that paints large scale murals with a firm commitment that art can change the world, one muralat a time.
With a vibrant color palette, they are committed to bringing a positive message of unity through creativity, collaboration and leadership. Their projects focus on the power of art to generate social change and transform communities and public spaces.
Sokoki Studios is comprised of Colombian-American Artist and Muralist, Chinon María, and Mexican-American Creative Producer and Artist Sebastian Mitre created Sokoki Studios in 2017.
Clients range from schools, nonprofits, community centers and large corporations who are looking to bring smiles with buckets of paint, including the World Trade Center in NYC, the USA for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Silverstein Properties, Port Authority of NY and NJ, Make a Wish Foundation, Saks Fifth Ave, Toyota among others.
Their work has been featured in the NY Times, Forbes, CBS Sunday Morning, Architectural Digest, NowThis News, HBO, Vice News among others.