How to Engage: Networking + Making the Sustainability Case

So you’re passionate about the environment, you’ve learned about the issues, and you have some great ideas on how to make the world a better place. What’s next? Join us Monday, May 14th and learn how to share that passion with your peers and colleagues for a fun night of professional development.

First up, we’ll be joined by local improv coach Marcus Hunter who will teach networking skills through play. Exercise active listening in a low stress environment, how to keep the conversation moving, and how to say “yes, and…”

Next, learn how to connect with your colleagues and management to improve sustainability at your workplace. We will be joined by two experienced sustainability professional to share their experiences building momentum for sustainability programs, and how to have that difficult conversation about starting a green team.

Barbra Batshalom is a social entrepreneur, educator and change agent working with a variety of governmental, institutional and private sector organizations to help them institutionalize sustainability and achieve portfolio-wide measurable improvements in performance and profitability. With a diverse background of fine arts, social psychology and 20+ years in architecture and sustainability consulting, she brings a variety of skills to her work and a unique perspective engaging the human dynamics of decision-making and creative collaboration to technical work. Her work focuses on the intersection of systems, processes and culture. Barbra also teaches sustainable RE development in Brandeis University’s International Business School.

Kristen Fritsch AIA LEED AP BD+C  WELL AP is a designer with a passion for the environment and nature. She is currently a sustainability coordinator at Elkus Manfredi Architects where she has been instrumental in implementing initiatives related to the AIA 2030 Commitment. Her role also involves advising and assisting design teams with LEED, WELL, materials and systems research, daylighting concepts and coordination with consultants.  She has led firm-wide training on sustainable design practices and the greening of office operations. Outside the office she has taught design studios at the Boston Architectural College on using biomimicry in the design process.