Cultivating the next generation’s sustainability professionals of color

Join a community of diverse sustainability professionals committed to solving the climate crisis

The Emerging Leaders Program connects professionals of color pursuing careers in sustainability and provides opportunities to learn and network with leading professionals in the industry.

For each premier Trellis event, we convene an impressive cohort of emerging BIPOC sustainability professionals selected from a competitive application process. Selected applicants receive a complimentary all-access scholarship to participate in the event - which comes with special recognition and networking opportunities exclusive to Emerging Leaders.

Emerging Leaders also gain access to ongoing professional development, networking, mentorship, and support through the Emerging Leaders Network - joining a growing cohort of 300+ diverse peers making an impact across the sustainability industry.

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Our Impacts

300+     $5360        30  

Average Scholarship Value

Emerging Leaders Awarded

Cohorts Convened

  • We provide our Emerging Leaders a platform to share their unique expertise with other sustainability practitioners - during the event and beyond. Emerging Leaders and alumni regularly lead roundtable discussions, host breakout sessions, and even share insights from the main stage at the event.

    For example, check out Emerging Leaders Program Manager, Bryan Lewis and Circularity ‘23 Emerging Leader, Suraya Souidi discuss Gen Z’s Role in Shaping the Circular Economy in a keynote session at Circularity 23 in Seattle, WA.

    We also feature our Emerging Leaders in GreenBiz articles - like this one where our Circularity 23 Emerging Leaders weighed in on how we overcome the biggest obstacles to a circular economy.

  • By removing the cost barrier to attend GreenBiz conferences, the Emerging Leaders Program expands access to world-class ideas, conversations, and networks that regularly lead to new career opportunities for our Emerging Leaders and alumni.

  • Emerging Leaders engage as peers with executives, practitioners, and leaders across the sustainability industry - including many representing some of the largest companies in the world. The program is intentional about creating opportunities for Emerging Leaders to make the right connections for their career - both at the event and beyond.

  • The Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) is a growing community of 250+ EL alumni who convene regularly to learn from experts in the field, share resources, troubleshoot professional challenges, and engage with mentors.

  • "Already, the discussions I've had with my peers and mentors have shaped my personal theory of change on fighting climate change, and its even led me to consider career paths I hadn't previously."

    Jacob Kennedy - GreenBiz ‘23 Emerging Leader

  • "More than a network, I have built friendships and a support system that has proven to be crucial to my professional and personal development."

    Jennifer Coronel - Circularity ‘21 Emerging Leader

  • "Even though I'm four years out now, I still feel really lucky to have that network and the GreenBiz team that I can tap into today. Having the financial barrier removed was huge."

    Isaac Carroo - Circularity '19 Emerging Leader

  • "The GreenBiz Emerging Leaders Program has been wonderful in connecting me with other peers, mentors, and professionals who are similarly driven to make a positive impact with respect to sustainability and climate issues."

    Charles Hua - GreenBiz ‘23 Emerging Leader

  • “For once, I felt a deeper sense of belonging where my values weren't challenged, or I didn't have to assert my opinions for my voice to be heard or valued.”

    Sydney Covey - GreenBiz ‘20 Emerging Leader

  • "The program gave me confidence in my abilities while surrounding me with like-minded people from frontline communities that affirmed my belief that climate change is and must be an intersectional movement."

    Danicole Ramos - VERGE '19 Emerging Leader

  • “As an Emerging Leader, I was able to garner long-term support and mentorship, which has since helped me learn about opportunities and strengthen the way I prepare myself for my future career.”

    Jesus Palenzuela - GreenFin '22 Emerging Leader

  • "GreenBiz has opened up professional opportunities for me to get started in my career."

    Oshane Mcrae - VERGE ‘18 Emerging Leader

  • "Participating in the GreenBiz Emerging Leaders Program has had a profound impact on my career trajectory. The program led to an internship opportunity and informed my dissertation research on circular design for airline uniforms"

    Cindy Cordoba Arroyo - VERGE ‘18 Emerging Leader

  • "The program has truly elevated my status in the Circular Economy & Sustainability field."

    Michael Rojas - Circularity '21 Emerging Leader

Get involved.