CESR Impact Stories

Student Spotlight: CESR Impact Intern Charlie Tell

Leo Kailus — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:53:18 +0000

Student Spotlight: CESR Impact Intern Charlie Tell Leo Kailus Wed, 11/05/2025 - 12:53

Charlie Tell with his summer internship managers at Greenhouse Scholars

This summer, CESR’s Impact Internships program supported Leeds student Charlie Tell to take an internship with a mission-driven nonprofit making real change. The program provides a $7,000 stipend to Leeds undergraduates who use their business skills at a registered 501c3 for the summer. Charlie, a senior studying Leadership and Management, interned this past summer at Greenhouse Scholars - an education-focused nonprofit supporting students from under-resourced backgrounds. Through the program, Charlie gained new insight into how nonprofits operate, how business skills translate into meaningful impact, and how his values continue to shape his journey.

Could you tell us about Greenhouse Scholars and what kind of work you did this past summer through the Impact Internship program?

“Greenhouse Scholars helps out in communities that are under-resourced or below the poverty line. They provide resources like educational development, scholarships for college, and workshops that help students with how to be a leader in the workplace. This summer, I worked with Greenhouse’s business practices, including a lot of work in Salesforce and Excel to try to automate a lot of the current systems, which needed work because of the nonprofit budget. By the end of the year, I got to work on the logistics of the Summer Symposium, which is the final, biggest gathering of the year for donors, scholars, and everyone to come to Boulder and learn more about what exactly the program does.”

What did you learn about working at a nonprofit organization, and how did the Impact Internship Program influence that experience?

“Probably the biggest takeaway from the whole experience was realizing how viable nonprofits can actually be. I always pictured nonprofits as tiny operations - someone working out of a closet with two employees and no money. But Greenhouse was a pretty big organization. They had around 30 full-time employees, all making solid wages, and they had steady funding from donors. It completely changed my perception of what a nonprofit can look like.

Also, the people working there were amazing - very impact-minded and genuinely passionate about what they were doing, which I really appreciated.”

What are some of the biggest challenges you think should be solved in the world right now, and how do you see business playing a role in the solution?

“I work during the school year in the education space for a company called Untapped in Broomfield. We train kids on executive functioning skills - planning, organization, and the things you need to succeed in school that usually aren't taught. Most of the students we work with are neurodiverse.

One thing I’ve noticed, especially with the rise of AI, is that the education system isn’t keeping up. AI is changing how students learn, and honestly, it feels like education needs a full rehaul to adapt to this shift.

In the U.S., most education is through public systems, so there’s not much room for business involvement within schools. But I think businesses can still play a big role outside traditional schooling - like what we do at Untapped. We’re not government-funded, but we still make an impact in the education sphere. I think there’s a lot of future potential for business solutions in education.”

Outside of academics and work, what personal experiences or influences have shaped the way you think about sustainability or education, and led you to pursue this opportunity?

“A big influence on who I am is the fact that both of my parents are psychologists. Growing up, I was taught to think deeply about my morals and the kind of person I want to be. That led me to study leadership and management at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder after moving from Ohio.

I’ve always been curious about people and what makes them who they are, which is why I gravitate toward education and leadership. Outside of school and work, I’m constantly surrounding myself with information about those topics. I think it’s helped me build empathy and think more about how I can make an impact in ways that go beyond just earning a paycheck.”

What advice do you have for current or incoming students?

“I’m a senior now, and when I started, I had the same picture everyone has about business school - land an internship at a big firm, get a return offer, and go down that corporate path.

But through my time with CESR and my internship last summer, I’ve learned that’s not the only route. There are so many other viable ways to build a career and find work that actually brings you joy - not just a paycheck.

So my advice is: don’t let the “typical” picture of success block you from finding a version of success that actually fits you.”

Charlie’s experience is a reminder that careers in business don’t have to follow a single path, and that meaningful work often sits at the intersection of purpose and practical skills. The Impact Internship program provides an unrivaled opportunity to make a real impact while eliminating the main roadblock in the nonprofit industry.

Applications are now open for students to express interest in the Impact Internship program for Summer 2026. Learn more.

This summer, CESR’s Impact Internships program supported Leeds student Charlie Tell to take an internship with a mission-driven nonprofit. Through the program, Charlie gained new insight into how nonprofits operate, how business skills translate into meaningful impact, and how his values continue to shape his journey.

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CESR’s Colorado by Bus Trek: Insights from Four Sustainability Students

Leo Kailus — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:38:47 +0000

CESR’s Colorado by Bus Trek: Insights from Four Sustainability Students Leo Kailus Fri, 10/17/2025 - 13:38

This fall, when students from the Leeds School of Business set out on the CESR Colorado by Bus Trek, they were journeying into the heart of our state’s sustainability movement. From Aspen to the Colorado River, this year’s trek brought together students eager to understand how climate change is shaping businesses, and how business can, in turn, shape our response to climate change.

We heard from four of those students (Elina Hjelmaker, Sam Siegal, Alex Radz, and Maren Clay) about what they learned, what inspired them most, and how the experience is shaping their outlook on sustainability and its connection with business.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

Elina:
“My favorite part of the trip was learning about Aspen One’s approach to sustainability. Their fully sustainable restaurant was especially inspiring, not only because it shows how environmental responsibility can be seamlessly woven into everyday experiences, but also because it sets a powerful example for other ski companies to follow in their footsteps.”

Sam:
“My favorite part of the trip was speaking with Pete McBride about the western water crises. I enjoyed how personal the presentation was. The photos McBride takes truly paint a descriptive picture of the water crises. McBride was also just a really cool person, and I loved hearing about his time with National Geographic and all the expeditions he has been on.

Maren:
“My favorite part of the trip was being able to talk with professionals in the sustainability industry and see what that really looks like in a business environment. In Leeds, I learn a lot about different techniques for increasing sustainability in a business, but seeing it in practice really opened my eyes to what businesses can achieve.”

What did you learn that really stuck with you?

Elina:
“On our EcoFlight tour over the Colorado River Valley, I witnessed firsthand how climate change is reshaping Colorado’s landscape. The severe drought and its impact on the surrounding land were striking, and I was also surprised by the sheer number of gas developments and plants scattered throughout the area.”

Sam:
“I learned the severity of the water crises and how the constrained water is already affecting communities. We spoke with a local farmer, and it was interesting to hear the politics behind who has the rights to the water on his own property. I also found it interesting to hear how the water crisis affects the ecosystem. Especially how though we had a strong snowfall last year in the valley, the amount of water that made it to the river was much less. Depicting the plants sucking more water than average because of the previous droughts.”

Alex:
“I never realized just how important the Colorado River is for so many people across the U.S. and how badly it’s been managed as the country has grown. In some places, the river has even run completely dry in some areas, leaving communities without water and devastating ecosystems.”

Maren:
“Something that I learned on this trip that really stuck with me is that in order to make businesses become more sustainable, you have to work on finding root issues and solving them. Sustainability isn't just replacing lightbulbs to save electricity; it's getting involved in local political environments, and advocating for making communities as a whole more sustainable. Without legislation, sustainability will not be able to be fully actualized.”

You learned about how climate is impacting businesses but also about business opportunities that can make a difference - what are you most excited about and why?

Elina:
“There are many opportunities for businesses to make a difference with sustainable practices. One example of this is how Holy Cross Energy is transforming the way communities access power by investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Their goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2030 shows how a company can lead with ambition while also inspiring other businesses to adopt similar commitments. I’m most excited about opportunities like this because they prove that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it can also drive innovation, build trust with communities, and set a new standard for the future of business.”

Sam:
“Some of the biggest opportunities I found was how creating a reliable, clean and constant energy source could make one of the biggest impacts. If we are able to harness all the energy that happens naturally, we can desalinize water (solving some of the water crises), energy cost would be minimal (allowing everyone access to energy), and would stop the current oil and gas production (solving the warming climate).”

Alex:
“I think many businesses are beginning to realize that they do not have to sacrifice profit to make a positive impact. Oftentimes, making business decisions with the environment in mind can lead to future savings.”

Presumably, you care about this issue and/or see the opportunities. Where do you want to put your efforts? How do you want to use your power and your talents to make an impact?

Elina:
“In my future career, I want to approach sustainability in the same innovative ways as many of the companies we visited on this trek. There are countless opportunities to create positive change, and I believe staying optimistic is key to driving progress. I also hope to use my skills to educate others on the importance of sustainable practices, helping to spread awareness and inspire action that extends beyond my own work.”

Alex:
“I just want more people to realize that protecting the environment isn’t only about being socially responsible, it’s also a smart business move. Once people see that connection, there’s more potential for innovation, investment, and real change. I want to use my voice and platform to help more people understand this.”

Maren:
“Currently, I see that my "lever" is volunteer work. Time and energy are valuable things, and if I am able to donate my time and energy to organizations, small or large, that are working to make the business world more sustainable and profitable, I will be helping contribute to that cause. Additionally, it communicates to others around me that the sustainability cause is one worth investing time (and money) to, and will encourage others to volunteer their time to causes they feel passionately about.”

Why this trip matters:

The CESR Bus Trek is more than just a trip; it’s an outdoor classroom where students embrace ethical leadership while learning about environmental impact and business innovation. Students witnessed how sustainability challenges and business opportunities intersect across Colorado’s landscapes, from flying over drought-ridden valleys to dining with conservationists and entrepreneurs.

As Elina, Sam, Alex, and Maren show, these experiences spark action, optimism, and leadership. CESR’s Colorado by Bus Trek reminds us that the business leaders of the future will be tackling more than spreadsheets and numbers, but will focus on ideas of impact, such as leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

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Wes Obmascik: A global perspective leads to a great internship

Sarah Arney — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:54:32 +0000

Wes Obmascik: A global perspective leads to a great internship Sarah Arney Thu, 09/25/2025 - 13:54

Through CESR’s Sustainability Scholars Program, Wes Obmascik (Fin’26, SRE) discovered how sustainability could shape both his studies and his career. “I originally worked at a renewable energy developer during my sophomore year,” he shared. “I found out about sustainability through CESR and through their ethics class. Then I attended a climate finance workshop - it was awesome because it combined both finance and sustainability, which I didn’t realize you could combine.”

That experience led Wes to take his research with him on his study abroad in Europe, exploring how the region approaches sustainability. “I think they are ahead culturally - small things like bag taxes meant the majority of people were already bringing their own bags,” he explained. “It gave me a global mindset.”

This global perspective ultimately helped him land a role at Lightsource BP in power markets. “They told me they wanted someone who wasn’t just a finance kid who worked in energy. They wanted someone who was committed to sustainability,” Wes said. His advice for students considering a similar pathway or program? “If you’re passionate about protecting the earth or social responsibility, there’s now a whole industry around sustainability. You can have a very successful career while also contributing to something bigger.”

Read more about Wes' Sustainability Scholars experience in this inaugural cohort interview.

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Shaping the Energy Transition: Lessons from a �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Alum

Leo Kailus — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:28:14 +0000

Shaping the Energy Transition: Lessons from a �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Alum Leo Kailus Tue, 09/09/2025 - 12:28

“Your next step is not your last step.”

That’s one of many reflections from Dave Smith (MBA '19), a graduate of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Sustainable Entrepreneurship MBA program and now a key player at Schneider Electric’s renewable energy advisory practice. In a recent conversation with CESR, Dave shared insights from his journey through the world of sustainable business, the role �鶹��Ѱ��played in launching his career, and the critical challenges he’s working to solve today.

Starting Off

For Dave, Leeds was more than a business school; it was the launchpad for a mission-driven career. "What was really cool was understanding how the power of business and private enterprise can be used to solve so many social and environmental problems,” Dave recalled. “The networking opportunities were very strong.”

It was through one of those connections, a coffee chat sparked by Leeds career services, that Dave eventually landed his “dream job” at Schneider Electric. A year after graduating, that seed blossomed into a full-time role helping major corporations shift toward renewable energy.

Powering the Private Sector

Today, Dave works in business development for Schneider Electric’s global sustainability consulting team, helping companies develop and implement clean energy strategies across the world.

“We help businesses understand the financial opportunity,” Dave explained. “Cost savings, risk mitigation, access to capital - these are some of the value streams that come from adopting renewable energy in addition to ESG benefits.”

His work includes everything from helping a large apparel company achieve 100% renewable electricity usage across 45 counties to designing supplier-facing initiatives like Target Forward Renew — a program that supports decarbonization across Target’s global supply chain.

Navigating a Volatile Market

Despite recent political shifts and policy uncertainty in the US, Dave remains optimistic and busy. “We’re in a tremendously volatile time politically, which impacts energy and clean energy,” he said. “But that volatility also creates opportunity. In periods of market disruption there are winners and losers. Companies have a time sensitive opportunity to proactively engage in US wind and solar projects before tax credits expire and capitalize on strong risk-adjusted returns.”

Dave emphasized the growing importance of aligning business strategy with environmental and social responsibility. “Companies that excel at sustainability, both environmental and social, will achieve a competitive advantage over their peers, which will become increasingly evident as time goes on.”

Sustainability from Any Seat

Even in roles not traditionally labeled as “sustainable,” Dave believes every job can contribute to a greener world. “If you're in finance, you're looking for low-risk cash flows. Sustainability can help you get there. If you're in marketing, it helps with brand value. There are always connections and cross functional value.”

His advice to students: Embrace it. “Lean into your passion,” he said. “Even if you’re not in your dream job right away, every step you take can build toward it.”

That mindset led Dave to leave a corporate role at Amazon and start cold-calling solar companies looking for opportunities, a leap that eventually funded his degree and launched a career rooted in impact.

Looking Ahead

As a new father, Dave says his work feels more urgent and personal than ever. “It’s not just environmental - it’s social, too. Climate justice, access to clean energy - that’s embedded in everything we’re doing.”

Whether helping global brands navigate energy procurement or encouraging the next generation of business leaders to stay committed to their values, Dave embodies the CESR mission: building a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future through business.

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Career Paths: Finding Rewards in the Peace Corps

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:21:06 +0000

Career Paths: Finding Rewards in the Peace Corps Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 08/25/2025 - 11:21

Jane Majkiewicz

In 2025, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder ranked second nationally for Peace Corps volunteers. Among them are Leeds graduates who are turning global service into a launchpad for meaningful careers.

One of Ben Dant's roles in Paraguay was teaching entrepreneurship to high school students.

Kathryn Wendell, executive director of the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR), believes Leeds students are especially well-prepared for Peace Corps roles. “Any student coming from Leeds has great hard skills and collaborative teamwork experience that they can apply,” she said.

Wendell speaks from experience. She served in Ecuador, helping women entrepreneurs access microloans and business training. While her degrees in cultural anthropology and Spanish were valuable, she had to learn business skills on the job. That's not the case for Leeds students, she noted.

“Leeds students come in with relevant skills already developed. Whether it’s finance, strategy, marketing or operations, these are all transferable to local community members aspiring to strengthen their businesses and access new economic opportunities.”

From Boulder to Paraguay: Ben Dant’s journey

Ben Dant (Mgmt’17) was inspired by a great uncle who served in the Peace Corps, seeing the opportunity as a way to combine his interests in service, sustainability and global learning.

When Dant applied after several years of work in the music business post-graduation, he noted that he was willing to be stationed anywhere. He was initially assigned to Colombia in 2020—plans that were derailed by COVID-19. That didn’t deter him from keeping his application active, ultimately landing him in Paraguay in 2023.

“I’ve always been interested in the service angle and sustainability, and I have a real passion for learning about the world,” he said.

Dant has worked in economic development, co-teaching entrepreneurship and business planning to high school students. In Paraguay, students choose majors in high school in the same way college students do in the U.S. His school focused on technology, offering marketing, accounting and business administration topics.

Kathryn Wendell, executive director of CESR

“We helped students create business plans, in addition to forming savings groups to fund real projects. The goal was to work with government agencies to build a culture of localized entrepreneurship and financial literacy."

Outside the classroom, Dant found a deep, special connection with the community. “Paraguayans are so inviting. I was a stranger who showed up, and I got to know everyone in town over two years”—something that would be rare in the U.S., he believes.

He credits the Peace Corps with helping him build resilience and integrity. On a LinkedIn post, Dant applauded a Peace Corps friend who noted: "You show up because you gave your word,” and “You do the hard things, even when no one is watching."

“Those are two things that I could never had said better myself about how Peace Corps service has taught me about integrity and doing the work to reach the bigger goal,” said Dant. He has found the experience so rewarding that he’s serving for another year in Paraguay, working as an extension volunteer for an NGO.

Empowering youth in Thailand: Kiera Hurley’s impact

Kiera Hurley with her tourism group at a local temple.

Kiera Hurley (Mktg’23), who earned certificates in Social Responsibility and Ethics and Global Business, is serving in Thailand in the Youth in Development sector. Her decision to join the Peace Corps was driven by a desire to make a difference and immerse herself in a new culture.

“The Peace Corps has a strong legacy of developing impactful leaders across diverse fields, and I aspire to be one of them,” she said. Leeds helped propel that mindset.

“Leeds is a community full of adventurous, good-spirited and forward-thinking students, professors and staff,” she said. “My professors shared a wealth of experience and wisdom while giving us the space to form our own opinions and values. CESR curated an environment where all students felt drawn to sustainability, not just as a concept, but as a way of living.”

Hurley’s work focuses on building leadership, confidence and global awareness among youth. She teaches in classrooms, runs an afterschool volleyball club, and led a Self-Love English Camp. One of her proudest achievements is creating a world map mural that will live on in the school, opening students’ minds to international cultures and traditions.

Her most memorable project to date was launching a tourism club at a local school. The club taught public speaking, video creation and sustainable tourism, culminating in student-led video tours of a local temple. “This project was a win for everyone involved. The temple has since asked the students to continue serving as tour guides and continue promoting its cultural significance.”

"CESR curated an environment where all students felt drawn to sustainability, not just as a concept, but as a way of living.”

Kiera Hurley (Mktg’23)

Hurley also serves as multimedia director for  Sticky Rice, an online magazine that shares stories from Peace Corps volunteers in Thailand. She also regularly posts dispatches on her personal blog. “I want people back home to see the kind, generous spirit of the Thai people and the deep sense of community I feel here.”

Business skills in action

Both Dant and Hurley emphasized how their Leeds education prepared them for Peace Corps service. Hurley applied her SRE certificate experience directly to her work in Thailand.

“As a student consultant, I learned problem-solving, creative thinking and how to focus on long-term impact,” she said. Early in her service, she conducted a SWOT analysis with local leaders to identify community strengths and challenges.

Dant echoed the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking. “It’s a sink-or-swim environment. You learn how to adapt, persist and work across cultures."

For Wendell (pictured right), Peace Corps service is more than a personal journey—it’s a professional springboard. “It helped me get my job at the World Bank and later at Chevron working on corporate responsibility,” she said. “Companies value people who’ve worked abroad, who can navigate diverse teams and lead with integrity.”

As an example, she pointed to Noel Kinder, who spoke at Leeds in 2023, mentioning that his Peace Corps work in Honduras shaped his career, leading him to the chief sustainability officer role at Nike (he is now the vice president of sustainability at Lululemon).

Hurley hopes to continue working at the intersection of values-driven business and humanitarian work. “I’m drawn to roles that advocate for ESG change, ethical supply chains and environmental education,” she said. “I want to empower girls and women in meaningful ways.”

Dant is keeping an open mind about specific roles, but he knows whatever he does, he wants it to be purpose-driven. “I’d love to continue working internationally, whether through nonprofits, sustainable businesses or NGOs,” he said.

A path worth considering

Would they recommend the Peace Corps to others? Absolutely.

“It builds skills you wouldn’t be pushed to develop otherwise,” said Dant. “If you have any interest in international work, I’m not sure there’s a better way to learn.”

Hurley would agree. “It’s easy to follow the roadmap we’ve been given and go straight from college into a job, but this experience will open your mind and heart. It’s extremely challenging in many different ways. Peace Corps volunteers learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and are away from friends and family. But as we all know, growth often comes from discomfort,” she said.

Wendell, Dant and Hurley all agreed: overcoming obstacles and navigating setbacks is an essential part of the experience. Wendell summed it up: “The Peace Corps made me a much more appreciative and resilient individual."

Whether teaching entrepreneurship in Paraguay or uplifting youth in Thailand, Leeds’ Peace Corps volunteers are applying their business skills to empower communities and redefine what it means to lead with purpose.

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David Drake joins CESR as new Faculty Director

Sarah Arney — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 18:05:05 +0000

David Drake joins CESR as new Faculty Director Sarah Arney Thu, 08/21/2025 - 12:05

CESR is excited to welcome David Drake as our new faculty director. A 2025 recipient of CESR's Impact Award for Graduate Teaching and a 2023 recipient of Leeds' prestigious Frascona Teaching Excellence Award, David exemplifies CESR's values of ethics, sustainability, and impact-driven leadership.

Read more about David's award-winning contributions...

The 2025 recipient of CESR's Impact Award for Graduate Teaching will become CESR's new faculty director.

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Welcoming the Daniels Fund ethical leadership programming to CESR

Sarah Arney — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 17:51:19 +0000

Welcoming the Daniels Fund ethical leadership programming to CESR Sarah Arney Fri, 06/13/2025 - 11:51

CESR is thrilled to welcome the programming formerly associated with the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Collegiate Program at Leeds starting this Fall.

The Daniels Fund events promoted principles-based ethical decision-making focused on integrity, accountability, transparency, fairness, trust, respect, rule of law, and viability. Now under the CESR umbrella, this programming will strengthen CESR’s ability to deliver on our strategic pillar of ethical leadership, bringing events like the Business Ethics Case Competition and March Debate Madness to even more Leeds students.

Learn more...

Now under the CESR umbrella, the programming formerly associated with the Daniel Fund Ethical Leadership Initiative will strengthen CESR’s ability to deliver on our commitment to ethical leadership, bringing events like the Business Ethics Case Competition and March Debate Madness to even more Leeds students.

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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.

Hear from this year's inaugural Sustainability Scholars cohort -- Madisen Medina, Daniel Hershey, Sloan Hurley and Wesley Obmascik about their accomplishments in this program, and what it means for them and their career journeys.

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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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CESR and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship bring Breakthrough Energy’s University Climate Ventures network to CU

Sarah Arney — Tue, 06 May 2025 22:07:12 +0000

CESR and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship bring Breakthrough Energy’s University Climate Ventures network to CU Sarah Arney Tue, 05/06/2025 - 16:07

In a major step toward accelerating Colorado’s climate innovation economy, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder has launched Boulder Climate Ventures, a new interdisciplinary program that equips students to develop and launch high-impact startups focused on climate solutions. The program is supported by Breakthrough Energy, a global initiative focused on advancing climate and energy solutions through innovation and investment.

Led by the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the Leeds School of Business, Boulder Climate Ventures is a graduate-level program that connects students—primarily from business, engineering and science backgrounds—to a growing network of experts, researchers and entrepreneurs tackling sustainability challenges.

Boulder Climate Ventures is the newest addition to Breakthrough Energy’s University Climate Ventures network, joining Stanford University, MIT, Technical University of Munich and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is the first U.S. public university to be included in the network—a milestone that reflects the university’s growing leadership in climate innovation, said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability.

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