Get to know CEC members Alexis Gatson-Currie & Amanda O’Dell
Name | Alexis Gatson-Currie |
What is your work and how did you end up focusing on the work you do? | My work is as a serial entrepreneur and avid community liaison. Advocacy is in my bloodline, which is how I focus on my work. |
What’s your biggest motivation to do climate work (or for engaging in climate action)? | My biggest motivation for climate work is leaving a legacy for the future. Practicing sustainability and addressing climate change creates a sustainable world for everyone. |
If you could accomplish one big goal related to climate action, what would it be? | One goal I would accomplish related to climate action is reducing food waste in the home and sharing the message on a broader level. |
Who inspires you the most? | My grandmother inspires me the most; she was a part of second-hand shopping and wisely used her resources. My grandmother is a pioneer and an advocate of human and environmental rights. |
What’s one book that helped inform your perspective on climate action/the climate crisis? | One book that helped inform my perspective on climate action and crisis is “Climate action; the climate is in our hands” by Georgina Stevens. |
What words of wisdom or motivation can you share with those who want to engage in climate action? | Change starts from within, and it is essential to be connected to the mission and understand the impact of one’s life. Being a practitioner, ally, or influencer of sustainability can impact creating a sustainable now and future. |
What’s one thing you do to recharge from your work? | To recharge from work, I practice mindfulness and spend time with family. |
Name | Amanda O’Dell |
What is your work and how did you end up focusing on the work you do? | I am the Corporate Sustainability Manager for Black & Veatch, a KC-based engineering and construction firm. Right out of college with a chemical engineering degree, I was hired on to work in oil & gas at BV, which I know seems counter to the work I do today. I wasn’t fulfilled in engineering so when I took a course on corporate sustainability in grad school I realized I could marry my passion for environmentalism with my drive to make a larger impact on society through infrastructure so I joined BV’s first-ever Sustainability Team! |
What’s your biggest motivation to do climate work (or for engaging in climate action)? | Sustainability is meeting the needs of today while improving the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Earth is a tremendous and beautiful place and it will survive one way or another, with or without us, but I am in this line of work so that future generations will get to enjoy the splendor of biodiversity, the simplicity of clean air and water, and the beauty of nature long after I am gone. |
If you could accomplish one big goal related to climate action, what would it be? | Establishing standards! The term “single source of truth” gets thrown around a lot, but in reality, every organization has a different certification, survey or assessment to evaluate climate impact. By establishing just a few universally used frameworks organizations and individuals can make more meaningful progress towards common climate goals. |
Who inspires you the most? | Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever |
What’s one book that helped inform your perspective on climate action/the climate crisis? | The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan gave me a whole new understanding of our food systems and the impact they have on the environment. |
What words of wisdom or motivation can you share with those who want to engage in climate action? | All are welcome here! Climate action is not exclusive to scientists or policy makers. Climate change will affect everybody, and activists can and should come from all walks of life to ensure that solutions are inclusive and equitable. |
What’s one thing you do to recharge from your work? | Gardening |