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Mikaela Ringquist
Mikaela Ringquist
Photo by Robbie Quinn (@robbiequinnnyc)
A few of my favorite things: ★ New York City ★ dance (ballet & aerial) ★ filmmaking ★ vintage fashion ★ the beach ★ 1920s parties ★ cocktails ★ spooky season ★ live music ★ multiculturalism ★ fighting for the common good
Hello! I'm a sustainability and corporate responsibility expert with 12+ years leading impact-driven initiatives focused on people and planet. My leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy: understanding others' perspectives, communicating in ways that resonate, and building consensus and collaboration toward a shared vision.
For 6 years, I worked with the UN Global Compact—the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative—where I led strategic partnerships and launched their flagship campaign, influencing 1,800+ companies to change practices on climate, water, labor rights, and gender equality.
I also served on the NYC Fair Trade Coalition board and helped open NYC's first Sustainable Fashion Community Center. Prior, I worked in academia and diplomacy and oversaw projects in Afghanistan in collaboration with the U.S. State Department.
I hold an MA in policy and public health from Boston University.
My multicultural background as a half-Swedish, half-Venezuelan, first-generation American uniquely positions me to get along with people from all walks of life and build bridges.
My current work focuses on intersection of AI and sustainability, and ensuring that this technology's benefits outweigh its risks.
If this resonates, I'd love to connect!
I'm currently Director of Partnerships at CCAI, a nonprofit catalyzing impact and research at the intersection of climate and machine learning.
WCS is a global community of 10,000+ professionals advancing women's leadership in the green economy. I lead the NYC Chapter.
I am developing a brief on the business case for data center sustainability.
Stay tuned.
Below are examples of initiatives I've spearheaded which I'm especially proud of.
Forward Faster Corporate Sustainability Campaign
I led the launch of this UN Global Compact flagship campaign, resulting in 1800+ companies aligning business practices to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hope you enjoy our campaign video!
I established a funding partnership with leading clean energy company Ørsted to pilot this climate accelerator. Since then, 3700+ companies worldwide have learned how to set science based emissions targets.
CMO Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Targeted to marketers, the blueprint helps all professionals incorporate sustainability into their growth strategies, and includes best practices, case studies, and a resources hub with 80+ educational materials.
I loved serving on the NYC Fair Trade Coalition board, building a local community of advocates and small businesses at the intersection of sustainable fashion and fair trade, and establishing the city's first sustainable fashion community center!
Medieval Afghan Miniatures Project
From my diplomacy days. My work in collaboration with the U.S. and French embassies of Afghanistan to promote cultural repatriation.
SPEAKING & PRESENTATIONS
Speaking about the UN Global Compact's approach to CSR at the Be Philanthropy Forum in Brussels, Belgium 2023
Examining the important legacy of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union on US labor rights.
Labor & Suffrage as Sister Movements
Exploring the interconnection between 20th century labor movements and women's suffrage