CBS Green Business Club

 

Candidate Statements

Edie Constable (AVP Programming)

I have loved serving on the GBC board this year as AVP of Programming. We’ve created a very special community in exploring the nexus of business and sustainability, and I see so much more for us ahead. If elected Co-President, my focus next year would be to:

  1. Grow our programming agenda. I will work with my fellow rising second years to set up programming for early fall. Create the 2nd Annual Green Business Week (a great success this year!). Additionally, I’d love to start a Lunch & Learn series to leverage the skillsets and experiences of our peers to learn about project finance for energy, waste management in cities, green bond underwriting, and more.
  2. Expand CBS awareness about the Green Business Club’s professional activities. Beyond continuing our “Green Columbia” efforts, I hope increase CBS engagement in some of our professional activities. We can poll students about sustainability topics that would be of interest to them, and find the right clubs with which to co-sponsor.
  3. Create new intersections with other Columbia graduate programs. Create Columbia-wide graduate sustainability listserv for green events on/off campus, including students of the business school, law school, SIPA, sustainability management program, journalism, urban planning, and more. Co-sponsor more events with student clubs at other graduate schools.

It would be a great honor to lead next year’s GBC board in building upon the momentum we have created this year, and I fully commit to making this role be my priority.

 

Sasha Shabaldin (AVP Programming)

Hi guys,

Here are few points about why you should trust co-president position to me.

I’m experienced in green business
For me it’s not just a personal interest but a primary career focus. I worked 6 years in energy efficiency, carbon trading, and green building industries. My connections and expertise will allow me to bring practitioners from the industry and to organize events, which will help you in your future career.

Green Business Club is my top-priority club at Columbia
I know how to make events successful and how to account multiple interest into consideration.

I have clear goals – to provide club members with access to high quality events, industry leaders and opportunity to learn from peers. I plan to:

  • have company visits once per month to renewable energy, waste management and cleantech companies as well as government agencies. I’m already in negotiation process with Brooklyn Microgrid and NYC Government. More will follow
  • create a regular newsletter about other sustainability focused activities at CU, including events at SIPA, Earth Institute and GSAPP
  • create a lunch-and-learn events, where GBC members can share their expertise with the club members in informal setting
  • facilitate a cleantech West Coast Track during winter break

 

Grant van Wyngaarden (AVP Programming)

If Elected, I will

  • Develop the programs YOU want
  • Provide opportunities in the fields of YOUR interests
  • Actively seek YOUR input on the above items
  • Work with other club representatives to plan joint events, specifically with:
    • Real Estate Association – LEED & Energy Star information, building efficiency programs, and waste reduction
    • CSIMA & PEVC – Provide opportunities for students to learn more about the burgeoning green investment field
    • Family Business Club & CEO – Understanding the benefits of incorporating green in your family business and/or startup
    • TBG – Bring the latest green technologies to campus
    • And with the traditional connected clubs
      • ​Social Enterprise Club
      • ​Energy Club
      • ​GMA
      • ​MCA
  • Work with other Columbia institutions to provide networking and learning opportunities, including the organizations I am already actively participating with:
    • The Earth Institute
    • SIPA & the Center on Global Energy Policy
    • School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Bring outside experts to campus
  • Support events in NYC and surrounding areas as well as further away trek(s)

Why Me

  • Passionate about green
  • Have been an active GBC board member since joining
  • J-Termer, so I will be planning and working all summer long
  • Will be taking cross-registration classes at SIPA in the fall

About Me

  • Previously a Management Consultant with eight years working experience in Australia, Canada, Ghana, and the United States
  • Looking for a post-MBA career in solar energy in the US
  • Passionate about renewable energy, efficiency improvements, and reductions in waste, CO2 and pollution emissions