ALUMNI

SUMA alum Kyle Jacobs discusses the intersection of sustainability and effective storytelling, and how we can leverage film and other media to drive impactful change. The TV series he is currently writing, titled 'I Don't Care, will incorporate the UN's Sustainable Development Goals into its environmentalist message and educate audiences on making sustainable choices while prioritizing compelling narratives.

As the grandson of a former NYC cab driver, Gary Weinstein, has long been fascinated by the unique opportunities and challenges urban transportation can offer. Now a SUMA alum, Gary remains passionate about developing and implementing large-scale sustainability initiatives in New York’s transportation industry. The SUMA program offered Gary an opportunity to learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields and join a robust and widespread alumni network, which he says exceeded his expectations. As sustainability manager at JFK Terminal 4, Gary has already overseen the achievement of a LEED platinum certification and the title of 'Greenest Aiport Terminal', but he aims to continue to develop relationships with high-value partners and guide JFKIAT to its net-zero goal.

Alicia Kurnia Liono reflects on her pivot from a career in wildlife conservation non-profits to ESG consulting and sustainable finance. Liono joined Columbia University's Sustainability Management (SUMA) program to learn more about the intersection of sustainability and finance, but she credits the hands-on consulting projects in her coursework for her success in landing various sustainability fellowships and freelancing roles during her studies. Since graduating, she has been advising financial corporations on nature strategies, sustainability implementation, and ESG risk management.

Voltpost, a startup co-founded by CEO and SUMA alum Jeff Prosserman ('22), is leveraging lamp post infrastructure in urban areas to make electric vehicle (EV) charging accessible and cost-effective to install. This innovative platform could have widespread benefits for municipalities and partners, according to Voltpost's director of partnerships and SUMA alum Aditi Desai ('23), in addition to decarbonizing transport for more people.

2024 SXSW Innovation Awards Finalists Announced.
The 2024 SXSW Innovation Awards feature over 50 finalists, including an EV-charging platform co-founded by SUMA alumni Jeff Prosserman and Luke Mairo, recognized in the Urban Design category. This platform, alongside innovations in AI and Health & Biotech, highlights visionary ideas shaping the future. Finalists, selected by industry leaders, will be honored on March 11.