- Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member through the Energy Communities program, focused on supporting coal and oil & gas transition regions, with my service station at CSNoW.- Supporting capacity-building efforts to address poverty in Wyoming through collaborative networks guided by the CDC’s Social Determinants of Health framework.- Facilitating partnerships among agencies and organizations to strengthen economic development and foster common ground in transitioning energy communities.

Mariana Pickering, Co-Founder and 'Chief Emu', is a recovering architect and an expert in communicating the construction industry’s movement towards a better understanding of building science and sustainability. With over a decade of work on high-performance projects and products across three continents, she is passionate about translating data, results, and needs into stories that help shift the cultures and mentalities of building professionals towards change. Some selected accomplishments include:- Established and nurtured North America's largest community of Passive House accredited construction professionals, driving adoption of sustainable building practices.- Managed the first traveling workshop for Passive House construction professionals in America, promoting energy-efficient building techniques nationwide.- Advocated for climate impact mitigation in the built environment through speaking engagements and media appearances as an industry expert.- Led collaboration with partner organizations to amplify efforts towards sustainable development and conservation initiatives, contributing to impactful industry-wide initiatives.- Advocated for policy changes in energy-efficient building standards and environmental conservation efforts at local and national levels, demonstrating leadership in shaping industry regulations.- Demonstrated proficiency in social media and web management by managing and curating content for company social media accounts (@EmuBldgScience) and website (emupassive.com).- Showcased communication skills and commitment to knowledge sharing by producing educational videos on building science topics through the "Monday B.S. (Building Science) with Emu Mariana" YouTube playlist (2023) and curating Emu's Core Curriculum.- Exhibited strong networking abilities by attending and manning company booths at major conferences including the North American Passive House Conferences and Greenbuild, fostering valuable industry connections.

Writing primarily on "Green Building". Scroll down to PUBLICATIONS below to see selected articles or view all of my Houzz articles here: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/emubuildingscience

Participated in researching and framing policy recommendations, working directly with Bill Becker, the Executive Director of the PCAP project, an initiative of Natural Capitalism Solutions to help the President of the United States take decisive action on global warming and energy security.

Developed a successful architectural business in rural Emilia, Italy, overcoming significant economic and cultural obstacles. Advocated for advanced building techniques and business branding in a traditional farming community by increasing awareness and education of the client base. Established international connections with important leaders in our field through attending and volunteering at conferences and maintaining connections on social media. Researched, designed and organized technical presentations for public administration and interest groups on “green building” and various industry standards, such as Passive House, LEED, Living Building and CasaClima.

Provided several Italian companies with advice learned from my own efforts with Emu Architetti, regarding branding, identity, logo, website, and social media presence. Emphasized the importance of online presence, frequent updates and communication with the community. Consultations ranged from general advice to specific logo creation, website creation (Wordpress), and social media management.

Taught English as a foreign language, as a "madrelingua", at several schools, communities, and businesses in the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena. Also conducted private lessons. Schools included: Puntoing in Rubiera (RE), Liceo Scientifico in Modena, and the English summer camp for middle school students in Cavriago (RE).

Compiled research on environmentally responsible products and materials to be considered in the design of the Lane Cove residences, which went on to win the BPN Sustainability Award for multi-unit residences in 2010 and the Multi Residence category for the Abode House of the Year awards in 2012. Also worked on the preliminary spatial distribution for modern private home and managed the company materials library.

Taught classes in English as a second language to Korean immigrants to Australia of various ages and levels. Independently prepared course materials and led several Australian cultural excursions.

Worked one-on-one with 10th-12th grade students to improve math scores on standardized tests for admission to university. Focused on individualized attention and specific training in the particular testing techniques of the SAT and ACT tests. (Note: this was a part-time position that I held at the same time as an architectural job with Design Control, and after)

Right-hand for high-profile executive of well known marketing company. Managed all personal affairs, including estate staff, children, pets, travel arrangements, calendar, etc. (Note: this was a part-time position that I held at the same time as private SAT tutoring for high school students.)

Revamped the materials library and archiving system for the company, while acting as office assistant. Responsible for materials selection and finishes on residential interiors. Reviewed and edited plans, sections, and elevations. Assembled presentation material for client approval. Managed office administration; handled all logistics of the business except accounting. Made site visits and worked in close contact with all contractors and suppliers. Improved efficiency of several organizational systems within the office, including the materials library and the archives. Built hand-made models of several residential properties.

Consulted clients on how to use existing space and home/office systems more efficiently. Administered all contact with 10 to 15 clients, from initial consultation to invoicing.

Various office positions as part of my financial aid Federal Work/Study package.

Summer position as right-hand woman for a Master Finish Carpenter in the process of expanding his business. Responsible for PR, advertising, invoicing, scheduling, mailings, phones, and assisting. Contributed innovative business solutions and suggestions for future growth.

Office assistant in the Architectural Faculty office of DIS.

Assisted Ms. Stephanie Ross with her class of 20 fifth graders in all subjects. Organized a class play and helped them construct the set. Helped grade test and quiz papers. Taught spelling in Ms. Ross' absence.

Assembled presentation packets for client, Centex, one of the largest home builders in America. Aided the architectural illustrator and produced options for multiple sign designs.