Defiant Optimism:
Harnessing Hope in the Fight Against Climate Change
Defiant Optimism:
Harnessing Hope in the Fight Against Climate Change
November 7, 2024 | 5:30 PM EST – 8:30 PM EST
Join WCS and The Bliss Group for an engaging and inspiring panel discussion on “Defiant Optimism: Harnessing Hope in the Fight Against Climate Change.” This event will bring together leading experts from the fields of journalism, education, business, and activism to explore how a hopeful and proactive mindset can drive impactful solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Discover how a spirit of defiant optimism can not only sustain our efforts but also galvanize communities and industries toward a more resilient and sustainable future. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a conversation that champions hope, action, and the collective power to make a difference. Join us and be inspired to take your own steps toward combating climate change.
Location:
Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY
Pricing:
- WCS Member ticket: $15
- Non-Member ticket: $30
- Student ticket: $10
Meet Our Panelists
Emily Adams
Director, Sustainability at MetLife
Emily joined MetLife’s Global Sustainability Team in 2014. She leads the company’s sustainability reporting and environmental communications efforts. Notable contributions include overseeing the annual Sustainability Report, the CDP Climate Change Investor Report, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Climate Risk Survey. Emily also manages the global environmental employee engagement program “Our Green Impact”, involving thousands of associates from over 40 markets each year. She graduated from Colgate University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geography and was recognized as part of the Green Biz 30 Under 30 cohort in 2020.
Dr. Alison Branco
Climate Adaptation Director at The Nature Conservancy
Dr. Branco is the Director of Climate Adaptation for The Nature Conservancy in New York, where she works with communities and governments to plan for and adapt to climate change. Dr. Branco holds degrees from Connecticut College and the University of Connecticut and has work experience on the East Coast of the US and in Western Australia. Most recently, Alison served as Director of the Peconic Estuary Program, Part of EPA’s National Estuary Program. Now with the Nature Conservancy, she leads a statewide team engaging across New York’s diverse floodplains to help build healthy and resilient shoreline communities for the long-term benefit of both people and nature.
Meredith McDermott
Chief Sustainability Officer at NYC Public Schools
Meredith is the Chief Sustainability & Decarbonization Officer at the NYC Public Schools Office of Energy & Sustainability. She leads sustainability and climate planning, reduces emissions, and implements waste reduction initiatives across 1,500 buildings. Meredith aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes climate education in the strategic climate plan. She previously led sustainability efforts at Chicago Public Schools and holds Masters degrees in Marine Science and Environmental Management/Sustainability.
Danielle Holly
Lead, North America at Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Danielle is the North America Lead of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, where she’s focused on building the momentum for the circular economy in the US and Canada and leading the North America team. Prior to joining EMF, Danielle spent her career at the intersection of business and environmental impact in leadership roles at the Aspen Institute’s Business & Society Program and Common Impact, a nonprofit that pioneered corporate skilled volunteering, for more than a decade.
Emily Porro
SVP, Impact Co-Lead at The Bliss Group
Emily is a seasoned communications strategist who has worked with clients at every stage of the corporate life cycle—from sustainability and climate startups to iconic global brands looking to make a difference. In her more than 20 years as a PR professional, Emily has held senior-level leadership positions at some of the most respected PR and communications firms in the world. She has led programs that have defined industries, shaped messaging, and educated audiences.