Leah Powley Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Clemson, South Carolina, United States

• Translate corporate sustainability goals into specific, actionable on-the-ground initiatives implemented in the University context: - Manage plastic reduction campaigns, including Sip Smarter, and identify cost-effective product alternatives - Develop proposals—complete with cost analyses and informal environmental impact assessments—for mid-scale sustainability investment opportunities in campus dining, including a reusable to-go container program and conversion to durable serviceware for select dine-in locations - Oversee year round food donation processes and develop partnerships with additional local recipient agencies - Document local and sustainable purchases and sourcing practices; further develop sourcing efforts by establishing partnerships with local growers and businesses• Collaborate directly with professors, undergraduate, and graduate students on research and course work related to sustainable dining and food systems• Engage regularly with student clubs and organizations to discuss and address campus issues of food insecurity, sustainability education, food waste reduction, and other food system topics• Strengthen partnerships with University departments through routine communications and collaboration to troubleshoot, improve, and transform campus dining’s composting, recycling, and waste management practices• Develop and execute special and educational events, including campus All-In Farmers’ Market, Weigh the Waste and Food Waste Buffet dining campaigns• Represent Aramark and Clemson Dining on Sonoco FRESH Advisory Board, at Clemson University Sustainability Commission meetings, and in additional organizational contexts• Developed strategic written content on sustainability and diverse and ethical sourcing practices for use in submitted response to Clemson University’s 2019 RFP

Appleton, Wi

Assessed, copyedited, and prepared 42 baseline documentation reports in support of reaccreditation processes.

Menasha, Wi

Conducted machine maintenance; developed Standard Operating Procedures manual; managed invoicing, production scheduling, and business organization.

Greater Boston Area

Durham, New Hampshire

• Analyzed and tracked solid waste generation and collection data from campus residences to identify outlier residences and areas for improvement. Created infographics to easily communicate data. • Researched and interviewed diverse stakeholders from UNH and external institutions about campus waste reduction efforts, institutional policies, financial and administrative capacities, and barriers to program implementation.• Evaluated previous campus waste-related projects, identified opportunities for improvement, and recommended prioritized action items as part of a comprehensive and scalable university sustainability initiative. Report includes timelines, cost-benefit analyses, recommended stakeholder collaborations, and progress indicators and goals. • Research findings and recommendations were presented to community members and university administration. The final report is now incorporated into required reading for two undergraduate courses.

Santa Barbara, California Area (Remote)

• Managed and accurately updated network members’ information in Salesforce CRM software. Aided in digitally organizing registrant information for 150+ individuals and program sessions in personalized Guidebook application that was frequently used during the 2017 Forum event.• Drafted logistical planning documents for annual Forum and Policy Briefing events.• Compiled, edited, and updated information from 50+ member meetings and communications in concise documents that were used in program development discussions.• Developed and fostered interpersonal relationships by conducting 10 member interviews to gauge impact of organization events. Authored program bulletins featuring interview stories.

Appleton, Wi

• Managed harvesting for and packing and delivery of 100 weekly community-supported agriculture (CSA) shares.• Directed and supervised groups of 5 to 20 volunteers on a weekly basis. Educated volunteers of various ages on proper horticultural and agricultural practices.• Maintained and digitized planting and harvesting logs with accurate variety, weight, and location information of all produce harvests.• Co-managed the farm stand at weekly farmers’ markets. Conducted transactions with 100+ customers per week and managed the delivery schedule of additional products to market.• Selected to receive the only promotion to a paid position due to my diligent work ethic, agricultural skills, and reliability.

Appleton, Wi

• Researched the restaurant’s applicability for Green Restaurant Certification and presented the owners with a list of potential sustainability improvements. Implemented incremental waste-reduction initiatives in back-of-house operations.• Prepared and served meals and beverages to 30-50 daily customers and handled sales transactions and customer inquiries. Served and prepared dishes for large parties at multiple formal catering events. Maintained and ensured performance of numerous kitchen appliances. • Selected by owner to oversee and manage all restaurant operations, including the performance of two employees, for 10 consecutive days while managers took vacation.

Neenah, Wi

• Coordinated packaging and distribution of over 80 weekly community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes, overseeing sanitation measures and packing procedures of an eight-employee team.• Harvested, cleaned, and stocked produce and honey at farm stand on a daily basis. Developed visual aids and appealing advertisements for stand products.• Managed thousands of dollars in daily customer transactions.• Co-managed farm stall at weekly farmers’ market and accurately conducted monetary transactions with 150+ customers.• Directed and assisted 250+ daily customers during “pick your own” strawberry and raspberry seasons. Managed and assessed on-field pathways to maximize harvesting efficiency.• Chosen from a staff of more than 20 to manage all farm stand operations and harvesting for multiple weekends while owners were absent.

Waterville, Maine

• Designed and distributed dozens of original event posters. • Recorded, edited, and posted podcasts to department website. • Worked with department faculty to organize and advertise conferences, including lecture series with Carl Safina, Frances Moore Lappé, and Terry Tempest Williams.

Waterville, Maine

• Held bi-weekly question/study sessions for homework assignments for Environmental and Natural Resources Economics course. Evaluated student assignments. • Assisted professor with analyzing data collected from 400 student climate change surveys.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Authored a white paper about seafood labeling and traceability systems in the E.U. and other nations.• Conducted research about global and domestic seafood naming and traceability practices and contributed to an official Oceana report about these issues.• Synthesized relevant recent events and policy developments to write and publish three blog posts about seafood fraud for a public audience on the Oceana website.• Communicated and brainstormed with representatives from WWF ways to improve the efficacy of the organizational partnership.• Manually collected seafood samples from area restaurants for genetic lab testing.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Agriculture, Food, And The Environment

Course topics include sustainable enterprises, corporate social responsibility in the food industry, agricultural science and policy.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Environmental Policy

Activities and Societies: Sirens a cappella group, Colby Volunteer Center and the Evening Sandwich Program

Public Policy

Course: Science and U.S. Politics

Conservation Biology

International study abroad in Namibia. Courses focused on wildlife conservation biology, natural history, and human impacts.