Sara Fuentes is the Founder and President of SmartWaste. With 10 years of experience in the Waste and Recycling Industry, Sara is a leader in abating commercial waste. A passionate advocate for women and a tenacious leader, Sara is setting out to alter the cleantech landscape and finding her own niche. Sara draws on her experience working as an educator and Vice-Chair of the Women in CleanTech and Sustainability organization, where she is an impactful mentor and friend.

Smart Waste is a Minority Women-owned and operated start-up with a focus on Waste Technologies, Waste Systems and Vendor Management for Zero Waste programs. Our core values are Transparency, Circularity, and People. Transparency to establish trust. Circularity to explore and validate the downstream community. People are the heart of sustainability. Our Impact will influence our communities to practice a zero-waste lifestyle. We are looking to work with companies that are in alignment with our values and goals.

Parul brings over 20 years of exceptional expertise in digital strategies and product management, consistently leading innovative solutions in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She has a proven track record of successfully implementing transformative programs that streamline processes and achieve impressive results. Parul is deeply committed to creating inclusive and forward-thinking environments, and her dedication to fostering cultures of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is evident in her emphasis on trust and collaboration.

As a passionate advocate for leveraging advanced technology, Parul addresses pressing real-world challenges related to climate, the environment, and social justice. She holds influential positions on several environmental nonprofit boards, where her leadership has resulted in impactful initiatives and positive change. Parul’s unique ability to bridge the gap between communities and translate the complex languages of technology, data, and business into meaningful connections distinguishes her as a leader in her field. Her remarkable achievements highlight her deep dedication to making a difference.

Parul serves as the CEO of the Zero Food Waste Project, which aims to educate communities on sustainable practices, provide tools and resources to prevent food waste, and foster leadership to drive impactful change. The vision of the Zero Food Waste Project is a world where food waste and greenhouse gas emissions are minimized, promoting a circular food ecosystem where no food goes to waste. By working together, forming partnerships, and inspiring collective action, the project strives to create a healthier, more resilient planet for future generations.