Women In Sustainability: Eight Leaders Who Have Made an Impact for Good
Posted By on Mar 26th 2025
As we reach the close of Women's History Month, we want to highlight several of the thousands of inspiring women driving change in the world of sustainability.
From pioneering innovative technologies to leading groundbreaking movements, women across industries are shaping a more sustainable future for our planet.
We’ve spotlighted eight female leaders who are making a difference and helping others do the same. These women, along with countless others worldwide, are at the forefront of the quest to create positive change.
Today, we honor their contributions and acknowledge their unwavering commitment to a kinder and more sustainable world.
Table of Contents
- Elena Doms, Arctic Artist, Activist, & CEO of +EARTH+
- Jen Gale, Climate Educator & Founder of Sustainable(ish)
- Miyoko Schinner, Ethical Food Systems Advocate & Founder of Miyoko’s Creamery & Rancho Compasión
- Gloria Walton, Climate Investor & CEO of The Solutions Project
- Nicole Rycroft, Founder & Executive Director of Canopy
- Brittany Sierra, Founder & CEO of the Sustainable Fashion Forum
- Winona LaDuke, Activist, Economist, & Author
Hazel M. Johnson, Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement
Born in 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Hazel M. Johnson is considered the mother of environmental justice. Like many activists, her journey began at home. In 1962, Hazel and her family moved to Altgeld Gardens in Chicago. They loved the neighborhood, and Hazel was affectionately nicknamed “Mama Johnson.”
“I decided to make it my mission not only to find out what was really going on but also to do something about it.”
In 1969, Hazel’s family was turned upside down when her husband, John, passed away unexpectedly from lung cancer at just 41 years old.
While searching for answers, Hazel made the connection between severe environmental pollution in her area and high rates of health issues such as asthma, cancer, and birth defects. Stunned and angry, Hazel shifted the focus of her organization, “People For Community Recovery,” to address environmental hazards and health effects.
Under Hazel’s leadership, PCR fought for environmental justice and achieved key victories like asbestos removal, lead abatement, and a ban on new or expanded landfills in Chicago. Hazel also became a mentor for young activists, including a then-fledging community organizer Barack Obama. Hazel worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of caring for the environment, as well as how the environment affects human health.
Hazel’s legacy remains strong, and the People For Community Recovery continues to advocate for a healthy environment and support the next generation of changemakers.
“I decided to make it my mission not only to find out what was really going on but also to do something about it.”
Source: elenadoms.com/pages/speaking
Elena Doms, Arctic Artist, Activist, & CEO of +EARTH+
“As a child and witness of climate change, I want to show you that our planet has many wonders to give. And that the beauty of nature and the Arctic is worth saving.”
Source: elenadoms.com/pages
Elena Doms was born and raised in the Arctic beside the polar circle. She speaks fondly of her childhood, surrounded by ice and the rugged beauty of the north. Elena shares her memories of growing up in the Arctic, from watching the Aurora Borealis, swimming in cold forest rivers, and seeing seals sunbathe on the ice. Those early experiences gave her a love and respect for nature that she carries today.
As a young adult, Elena was working as a director at a major finance company when she came to a stark realization: her home was literally disappearing, and no one seemed to understand why this mattered. With forests burning and ice melting away, Elena decided to step away from her career in finance and become a full-time advocate for the planet.
Elena is the co-founder of Earth Plus, a nature tech company that restores soil, captures carbon, and protects natural spaces. She also raises awareness with her keynote speeches and vivid art pieces, helping spread “Arctic awe” and encouraging others to take action for the planet.
“As a child and witness of climate change, I want to show you that our planet has many wonders to give. And that the beauty of nature and the Arctic is worth saving.”
Source: elenadoms.com/pages
Source: asustainablelife.co.uk/contact/
Jen Gale, Climate Educator & Founder of Sustainable(ish)
Jen Gale is a UK-based sustainability educator and climate activist. In September 2012, she and her family decided to do a buy-nothing year and recorded their progress on her blog, “My Make Do and Mend Year.” Throughout this year, Jen’s perspective changed. She began to see the impact of how and where she shopped and the difference simple changes and choices could make.
“We can change the world. In the face of climate change, resource depletion, fast fashion and a throwaway culture, one person’s actions really do count.”
Source: asustainablelife.co.uk
At the end of the year, she knew her life would never be the same. Now, Jen runs “Sustainable(ish),” an online community and platform that focuses on progress, not perfection, and provides resources, tips, and support for people who want to make an impact for good. This community also inspired Jen’s down-to-earth and actionable book, “The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide.”
Jen advocates for simple lifestyle changes, greater carbon literacy, and the power of a positive and engaged community. In-person and online, Jen helps people feel empowered to start living more sustainably no matter where they are.
“We can change the world. In the face of climate change, resource depletion, fast fashion and a throwaway culture, one person’s actions really do count.”
Source: asustainablelife.co.uk
Source: miyokoschinner.com/
Miyoko Schinner, Ethical Food Systems Advocate & Founder of Miyoko’s Creamery & Rancho Compasión
“Cooking, community, nature—this is how we change the food system.”
Source: linkedin.com
Miyoko Schinner is a renowned epicurean activist who works diligently to promote a food system founded on sustainability, equity, and animal compassion. She is the co-founder of Miyoko’s Creamery, a leading vegan dairy product brand, and the founder of Rancho Compasión, a sanctuary for animals and a center for learning.
Miyoko recognizes that change often happens with food - from the meals we make to the people we eat with. Her passion for food, animals, and the planet began at a young age, and she has now spent decades sharing this message with the world. She inspires people to rethink the impact of their food choices and creates simple yet delicious recipes to help them get there.
Her message reaches people in places as far-flung as Saudi Arabia and Korea through her keynote speeches, as well as in their home kitchens through her cookbooks and YouTube cooking channel.
She has been recognized by INC Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders, Forbes’ 50 Over 50, and been named UN Women’s “Vegan Revolutionary.” Miyoko has dedicated her career to reducing our reliance on animal products and promoting a healthier, more compassionate, and more sustainable food system.
“Cooking, community, nature—this is how we change the food system.”
Source: linkedin.com
Gloria Walton, Climate Investor & CEO of The Solutions Project
Gloria Walton is the CEO of The Solutions Project, an organization dedicated to advancing climate justice and supporting the shift to a clean, renewable energy future. With a deep passion for social equity and environmental sustainability, Gloria has built a career focused on driving systemic change and amplifying the voices of communities most impacted by climate change.
“When we think change is impossible, we stop trying. But when humans tell their stories, we see ourselves in them, and that gives us something to fight for.”
Source: Time Magazine
Before taking the helm at The Solutions Project, Gloria worked at the intersection of social justice and environmental policy, advocating for marginalized communities and ensuring equitable and inclusive clean energy access. She has helped spearhead efforts to mobilize diverse communities to advocate for sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Gloria’s work is centered on the belief that tackling climate change requires a commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. Through her leadership at The Solutions Project, she is empowering a new generation of leaders to pursue solutions that are not only green but also equitable, fostering a future where everyone has access to the benefits of a clean energy economy.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Gloria is committed to breaking down barriers for women and people of color in the sustainability space, ensuring that their perspectives are central to the conversations shaping our collective future.
“When we think change is impossible, we stop trying. But when humans tell their stories, we see ourselves in them, and that gives us something to fight for.”
Source: Time Magazine
Source: printaction.com
Nicole Rycroft, Founder & Executive Director of Canopy
“If we are to address the climate and biodiversity crises, we need to change the way business is done.”
Source: climatebreakthrough.org
Nicole Rycroft is Canopy's founder and executive director, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting forests and advancing sustainable practices in the paper, packaging, and fashion industries.
Driven by her passion for conservation and social impact, Nicole has dedicated over two decades to advocating for protecting the world’s most critical and endangered forests.
After years of working with environmental groups, Nicole founded Canopy in 1999 with a vision to find innovative solutions for reducing the environmental impact of the paper industry. Her leadership has resulted in groundbreaking collaborations with major companies to eliminate using ancient and endangered forests in paper products and packaging. Nicole’s work has also led to the development of new materials and alternatives, demonstrating that sustainability and industry growth can go hand in hand.
Nicole’s advocacy and strategic approach to environmental protection have made her a leading voice in the sustainable business movement. She is a tireless campaigner for solutions addressing environmental and social justice issues, always striving to create positive change that benefits the planet and the people who depend on it.
Through Canopy, Nicole continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, empowering industries to adopt greener practices and inspiring others to take action in the fight against climate change. Her work is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the natural world.
“If we are to address the climate and biodiversity crises, we need to change the way business is done.”
Source: climatebreakthrough.org
Source: pdxmonthly.com/
Brittany Sierra, Founder & CEO of the Sustainable Fashion Forum
Brittany Sierra is the founder of The Sustainable Fashion Forum, a platform dedicated to empowering and educating individuals in the fashion industry to make sustainable and ethical choices. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting niches on the planet, and Brittany recognized this need and sought to create change.
“To achieve a sustainable, regenerative, and equitable future, the [fashion] industry must embrace a new system —one that is holistic, inclusive, and actively reduces our impact on people and the planet.”
Source: thesustainablefashionforum.com
With a deep passion for fashion and the environment, Brittany created the forum to bring together thought leaders, creatives, and industry professionals to foster meaningful conversations and solutions for a more sustainable future in fashion.
Brittany's journey in the fashion world began with a commitment to sustainability and a desire to challenge the industry's traditional practices. As the founder of The Sustainable Fashion Forum, she has cultivated a community that advocates for responsible production, consumption, and innovation in fashion.
With a background in fashion design and sustainability, Brittany brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She is an outspoken advocate for transparency, circularity, and inclusivity in the fashion industry, and her work focuses on driving systemic change that prioritizes the planet and people over profit.
Through her leadership and vision, Brittany has created a space where industry professionals can connect, learn, and collaborate to make fashion a force for good. Her work continues to inspire and empower others to transform the fashion industry into one that values sustainability, ethics, and long-term impact.
“To achieve a sustainable, regenerative, and equitable future, the [fashion] industry must embrace a new system —one that is holistic, inclusive, and actively reduces our impact on people and the planet.”
change the way business is done.”
Source: thesustainablefashionforum.com
Source: faculty.washington.edu/
Winona LaDuke, Activist, Economist,
& Author
“Let us be the ancestors our descendants will thank.”
Widely attributed quote
Winona LaDuke is a renowned Native American activist, environmentalist, and author, dedicated to protecting the rights of Indigenous communities and the environment. A member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabe, Winona has spent her career advocating for environmental justice, sustainable energy, and preserving Indigenous land and culture.
As the founder of the nonprofit organization Honor the Earth, Winona has led numerous initiatives to promote renewable energy solutions, safeguard Indigenous lands from harmful resource extraction, and amplify the voices of Native communities in environmental decision-making. Her work focuses on the intersection of climate change, Indigenous rights, and ecological sustainability, with a commitment to addressing the injustices faced by Native peoples.
Winona’s activism has earned her national and international recognition. She is widely regarded as a fierce advocate for social and environmental justice. Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy, she has inspired generations to take action in the fight against climate change while honoring the traditions and wisdom of Indigenous cultures.
A visionary leader, Winona LaDuke continues to champion a future where the rights of Indigenous peoples are respected, ecosystems are protected, and communities are empowered to lead the way in sustainable practices. Her unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and environmental stewardship makes her a powerful voice in the movement for a more sustainable and inclusive world.
“Let us be the ancestors our descendants will thank.”
Looking to the Future of Women In Sustainability
We’re grateful for women past and present who are dedicated to creating a brighter future for people and the planet. The impact of women in sustainability continues to grow, and their leadership and tireless efforts are vital to creating a more sustainable future.
As we reflect on the progress made, we also recognize the work still to be done.
At EcoEnclose, we remain inspired by the women leading the charge in sustainability in every area, from packaging to fashion to food. We’re proud to be part of a movement that is helping to make our planet a better place for everyone.
Learn more about the women of the EcoEnclose team.
Interested in continuing your career in sustainability? Explore opportunities to work with EcoEnclose here.
Photos: (Top) peopleforcommunityrecovery.org/our-story/legacy, elenadoms.com/pages/speaking, asustainablelife.co.uk/contact/, miyokoschinner.com/, thesolutionsproject.org/who-we-are/our-team/gloriawalton/, printaction.com/spotlight-nicole-rycroft-of-canopy/, pdxmonthly.com/style-and-shopping/2016/10/can-this-portlander-help-fashion-businesses-get-off-the-ground, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winona_LaDuke
About EcoEnclose
EcoEnclose is the leading sustainable packaging company that provides eco-packaging solutions to the world’s most forward-thinking brands.
We develop diverse, sustainable packaging solutions that meet our rigorous research-based standards and customers’ goals. We drive innovative packaging materials to market and consistently improve the circularity of existing solutions.