Columbia University's M.S. in Sustainability Management alumni will share insights into the courses that shaped their professional journey.About this Event
Panel: Corporate Sustainability
Thinking about a future in sustainability? Join Columbia University's M.S. in Sustainability Management for a special panel series, “Workshops in Sustainability Career Paths and Curriculum,” where alumni share which courses had the biggest impact on their careers—and why.
The workshop series offers an inside look at how Columbia’s M.S. in Sustainability Management's curriculum translates into real-world skills and professional opportunities. Hear directly from graduates as they reflect on the classes that shaped their thinking, built their toolkits, and helped them launch successful careers in sustainability.
Registrants can attend virtually or in person, and registration is required.
Moderator:
Vance Merolla
Senior Vice President & Fellow, Global Sustainability, Colgate-Palmolive Company
Lecturer in Professional Studies, Sustainability Management
Vance Merolla is Senior Vice President & Fellow of Global Sustainability for Colgate-Palmolive Company, a consumer products company based in New York City, responsible for the evolving development and implementation of Colgate’s global sustainability strategy. Vance provides leadership on Colgate’s worldwide strategic, commercial and environmental programs including working on integration of sustainability into the company’s brands and products, key business functions, and the advancement of the company’s commitments around climate change, sustainable sourcing, elimination of plastic waste, and water stewardship.
Prior to his 25+ years with Colgate, Vance was an environmental engineering consulting group manager for the URS Corporation, an environmental compliance manager at a leading waste-to-energy company and a design engineer on water, wastewater and landfill design projects at an environmental consulting firm. Vance holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University. He is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Washington, and is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED-Accredited Professional.
Panelists:
Alexandria Lee
Senior Strategy Manager, Retail & Sustainability, Accenture
Alexandria (Alex) Lee is a sustainability strategy professional experienced in formulating innovative, data-informed initiatives that promote transparency, collaboration, resilience, and operational efficiency in the retail industry across fashion, food, and beauty. Currently, she is a Senior Manager in Accenture's Retail Strategy practice, where she also serves as the North America Responsible Retail Lead. Her expertise and passion are at the intersection of retail, supply chain, and sustainability — advising retailers on embedding sustainability, responsibility, and resilience into their business ethos through sustainability strategies that progress business priorities, integrated operating models, centralized ESG data and systems, and responsible sourcing practices that tie both “ends” of the supply chain (from farm and manufacturers to brands, retailers, and consumers) together.
Previously, Alex held roles in Buying, Planning, and Responsible Sourcing at retailers including PVH, Gap, Macy’s, and Lucky Brand Jeans. Alex holds an M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a B.S. in Supply Chain Management and Marketing Management from Syracuse University. She is also a lecturer for IENYC’s M.S. in Business of Social Impact and Sustainability program. Outside of work, you can find Alex running, getting into her next crafting project, or reading.
Danny Dolan
Principal, Enterprise Strategic Sustainability, FedEx
Danny Dolan is a Principal of Enterprise Strategic Sustainability at FedEx, where he leads sustainability reporting strategy. Before joining FedEx, he advised companies including Kroger, Peloton, and Red Robin on sustainability reporting and disclosure. Danny earned his M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and previously worked in communications, focusing on brand strategy, storytelling, and content marketing. His career journey from communications to corporate sustainability gives him a unique perspective on how organizations create and communicate business value through sustainability.
Note:
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
For in person attendees, a QR code will be emailed to your email address the day before the event, which will grant you access to Morningside Campus where the workshop will take place. Please note that in person seating is limited.
For virtual attendees, the Zoom link will be emailed to your email address on the day of the event.
For more information, please contact the event organizer, Cindy Ip, at [email protected]
To obtain additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at [email protected].
If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation, or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, [email protected], at least 10 days in advance.
Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness (https://preparedness.columbia.edu/) to stay up to date on the latest campus health and safety policies.
This event is open to individuals irrespective of identity and sex.
Event venue
Columbia University, 116th and Broadway, New York, United States
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