Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Advocate, Communications Guru

Sophia Usow

773-***-**** / **********@*****.***

A passionate advocate for environmental sustainability with a communications background in creative and technical writing and web design. Has a proven track record of building expertise in new skills to provide high-quality results. Proficient in Spanish and Midwestern English. References and portfolio available upon request. EXPERIENCE

2020-Present SEEDS ECOLOGY & EDUCATION CENTERS Traverse City, MI Project Manager & Zero Waste Facilitator

• Executed a regional organic waste diversion survey for 150+ stakeholders in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

• Audited energy, water, and waste data at SEEDS, as well as at the 2021 National Cherry Festival, using Energy Star Portfolio Manager and the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM).

• Implemented a food security partnership with The Father Fred Foundation, including growing and distributing hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to Grand Traverse County families.

• Directed an internal review of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) policies and practices at SEEDS alongside executive leadership and board members, resulting in change to the organization's strategic plan.

• Created educational animations and videos about solar energy, trail restoration, and wetland ecology using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and DaVinci Resolve. 2015-Present SELF EMPLOYED Various locations

Creative Consultant

• Authored and edited promotional copy, designed and managed websites, and created visual content for a variety of clients, ranging from nonprofits, to entrepreneurs, to property management companies.

• Utilized Squarespace, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office to enhance clients' market presence. 2019-2020 ENGAGE DELTA COUNTY Delta, CO

Sustainability Consultant

• Performed a regional food system assessment of Delta & Montrose Counties.

• Organized a community-wide gathering, Food, Legacy & Opportunity, that fostered discussion around the future of food in Colorado’s Central Western Slope.

2019-2020 UPSLOPE BREWING Boulder, CO

Sustainability Consultant

• Researched and analyzed Upslope’s current supply chain and created a supplier survey which was distributed to 90+ vendors.

• Created purchasing guidelines and a comprehensive sustainability supply chain review.

• Supported the Benefit Corporation (B Corp) recertification process.

• Coordinated The Future of Beer: Exploring Alternative Grains event with 30 major brewery supply chain stakeholders.

2014-2016 HARBOR PICTURE COMPANY New York, NY

Website/Social Media Coordinator & Client Services Associate

• Grew online presence and brand through the development of social media outlets.

• Authored copy and industry-wide press releases.

• Monitored necessary costs, pinpointed problem spending areas and formulated departmental budget, saving

$3,000+ per quarter.

EDUCATION

December 2019 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO Boulder, CO

Masters of the Environment, Sustainability, Planning & Management Specialization May 2014 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor of Arts, History, Summa Cum Laude

• Phi Beta Kappa Society member

• Columnist and cartoonist for The Michigan Daily

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