Planet-Saving Powerhouses: WSLA Crowns 2026's Bold Sustainability Queens |

Updated: January 12, 2026 23:06

Image Source: PR Newswire

The WSLA Alumnae Group announced 10 winners for the 2026 Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards, honoring global leaders like Cheryl Baldwin and Sridevi Kalavakolanu for their sustainability impact and mentorship. The February 18 ceremony at GreenBiz26 in Phoenix joins over 150 trailblazers driving environmental change.

The WSLA Alumnae Group has announced the 10 winners of the 2026 Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards, recognizing global female leaders driving environmental and social change across diverse sectors. These honorees, selected for their impactful careers and mentorship commitment, will be celebrated on February 18, 2026, at the GreenBiz26 conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This 12th annual program now unites over 150 influential women advancing sustainability worldwide.

Key Highlights

Cheryl Baldwin, Vice President of Sustainability Consulting at Pure Strategies, Inc., author of three books on food industry sustainability, advancing climate, nature, and circularity solutions.
Yasha Chaturvedi, Director of Sustainability at Cortland Investment Management, focusing on investment strategies for sustainable development.
Sheri Hickok, CEO at Climate Impact Partners, leading initiatives in carbon reduction and climate action.
Sridevi Kalavakolanu, Senior Director of Responsible Sourcing at Walmart, enhancing supply chain ethics and sustainability.
Maria Florencia Librizzi, Deputy Director at Earth Insight and adjunct faculty at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, bridging research and policy.
Ximena Ugarte Luiselli, Founder and CEO of ESG México, pioneering ESG standards in Latin America.
Susan McPherson, Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, expert in corporate sustainability communications.
Shanelle Evens Montana, Chief Development Officer at Arevon Energy, Inc., expanding renewable energy projects.
Maria Perez, Sustainability Director at Gensler, integrating green design in architecture.
Heather Rosenberg, Associate Principal at Arup, engineering sustainable infrastructure globally.

These leaders exemplify selfless determination and lasting planetary impact, as noted by WSLA Alumnae Group President Rochelle Routman, who emphasized their role in tackling complex challenges through elevated influence. The awards, hosted by past winners, foster a network for mentorship and innovation, with eligibility requiring 15+ years of experience, including seven in sustainability leadership. The ceremony at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa promises connections among 2,500+ sustainability professionals. Early bird tickets are available via Zeffy until January 17, supporting WSLA’s 501(c)(3) mission.

Sources: CSRWire, PRNewswire, WSLA.global

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