Michael Negussie, President, Didomi

Michael Negussie is a social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young people and driving innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. An immigrant from Ethiopia, Michael’s personal experiences have shaped his commitment to ensuring that no community is burdened by a lack of basic resources, such as clean and safe water. As the President of Didomi, a social enterprise founded by African immigrants who have endured the water crisis firsthand, he helps lead the organization’s mission to combat global water scarcity and eliminate plastic waste by providing premium, custom-designed reusable water bottles that create both environmental and social impact.

A graduate of Pomona College, QuestBridge Fellow, and Fulbright Scholar, Michael brings a global perspective to his work, believing that one individual can be a catalyst for meaningful, systemic change. Through Didomi’s collaboration with the Clinton Global Initiative, Didomi is at the forefront of a campaign to mobilize higher education institutions to transition away from single-use plastics, invest in sustainable water infrastructure, and contribute to life-changing water access projects worldwide.

Ashley Kossakowski, Director of Energy Management & Sustainability, The New School

Ashley Kossakowski is a seasoned energy and sustainability professional with a decade of experience in strategic problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and project management. As the Director of Energy Management & Sustainability at The New School, she leads initiatives that drive energy efficiency, sustainable operations, and climate action.

With a passion for environmental justice and interdisciplinary solutions, Ashley integrates environmental science, research, and economics to develop impactful sustainability strategies. She is committed to advancing equity in sustainability, recognizing that true environmental progress requires addressing systemic challenges. Ashley brings expertise in data visualization, reporting, and effective communication to make complex sustainability concepts accessible and actionable.

Hannah Addair, Sustainability Specialist, Catawba College

Hannah Addair is a Sustainability Specialist at Catawba College, where she focuses on waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and innovative sustainability practices to minimize the campus’s environmental footprint. A 2018 graduate of Catawba, Hannah’s passion for conservation was sparked during her senior year while studying ornithology, leading her to a career dedicated to environmental advocacy and sustainable solutions.

With experience in conservation, advocacy, and community engagement through her work with the local Audubon Chapter, Hannah brings a deep understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities. Her work at Catawba is driven by a commitment to finding creative, actionable solutions to reduce waste, improve recycling efforts, and promote environmental stewardship across campus.

Mitchell Thomashowe, Chair of the Environmental Studies Program at Antioch University (1976–2006), President of Unity College (2006–2011), Antioch University and Unity College 

Mitchell S. Thomashow is a renowned writer, educator, and environmentalist dedicated to advancing sustainability and environmental learning. With a career spanning decades, he has been instrumental in shaping environmental studies and sustainability programs across higher education.

As the former Chair of the Environmental Studies Program at Antioch University (1976–2006) and President of Unity College (2006–2011), Mitchell has played a pivotal role in integrating sustainability into academic institutions. He later directed the Presidential Fellows Program at Second Nature (2011–2015), supporting post-secondary institutions in sustainability education.

Beyond academia, Mitchell has worked as a consultant for universities, helping to develop sustainability curricula and programs. He is also a co-founder of Whole Terrain: The Journal of Reflective Environmentalism and Hawk and Handsaw: The Journal of Creative Sustainability, contributing thought leadership to the field.