You know that sustainability and environmentalism are rapidly growing and changing fields, becoming more and more important every day. But they’re also incredibly broad fields, ranging from science to policy, business to nonprofit work. Interested in a green career, but confused when it comes to your options?

We’re holding the Green Careers Panel just for you! This panel-style event will feature 4 environmental professionals offering insight into a diverse range of related fields, such as environmental law, environmental consulting, urban planning, non-profits, and governmental organizations.  Discussing their current job experiences, they will speak to their personal work, professional trajectory, skills they find most valuable, and challenges they have faced.  The speakers will provide an opportunity for students in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, and anyone with an interest in a “green” career, to gain a better understanding of the opportunities in an evolving and relevant field, and aid them in finding their own potential career path.

Open to UChicago students only. Doors open at 6:45, and panel will start at 7:00. Dinner will be provided with vegetarian options.

Speakers:

Ryan Smith, Delta Institute
As project manager, Ryan leads projects in Delta’s ecosystems portfolio, including the areas of climate, agriculture, water, and forestry. Prior to joining Delta Institute, he served as the Operations Manager for Cardno, managing the environmental and ecological restoration division for the Illinois office.  Prior to Cardno, he worked 12+ years for the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District in Hamilton, Ohio implementing conservation best management practices in the agriculture and urban arena. He is a Certified Conservation Planner and holds a Bachelors in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Wright State University.

Gary Steinbauer, EPA

Eloise Karlatiras, GCRC
Eloise Karlatiras serves as CEO at Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition, a conservation nonprofit focused on operationalizing environmental impact reduction in the foodservice industry. With a background in foodservice, environmental conservation project planning, and social media marketing and strategy, Eloise helped to incorporate and begin leading the Coalition in 2011. A combined enthusiasm for sustainability, strategic vision for organizational growth, and love of new media serve Eloise as she continues to guide the workings of Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition.

Evan Feinauer, NRDC
An NRDC litigation fellow, Feinauer holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was managing editor of the University of Chicago Legal Forum and worked in the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in ethics and public policy from Suffolk University. Feinauer is based in NRDC’s Chicago office.

This event is sponsored by the Global Voices Conference Series, the Uncommon Fund, and UCPIP.