Cheap, trendy clothes that consumers demand then discard after a few wears make the fashion industry the second largest polluter in the world due to the volume of fresh water used during its textile dyeing process and its enormous amount of textile waste. In addition, fast fashion is infamously known for poor working conditions for poverty wages. This panel will dive into critical issues in the fashion supply chain such as transparency, sourcing, waste and hazardous practices. We will explore the large toll fast fashion has taken on the environment and ways in which these practices can be improved. Finally we will look behind our clothes to get a better understanding of the conditions endured to meet our large demands.

Panelists will provide insight into how their companies or organization are navigating these issues in the clothing industry and will touch upon our role, as customers, in perpetuating the hyper-consumerism which has allowed fast fashion to flourish. Student host: Global Network club.

Small businesses employ nearly 60% of the private workforce and create nearly 70% of new jobs. The economy relies on small businesses, but they’re in trouble. Only 50% of small businesses make it to their 5th year of operations. Many small business owners struggle with high staff turnover and operational issues, and many do not capitalize on digital tools to grow their business. These inequities are exasperated in marginalized communities facing the compounded effects of systemic inequality and racism.

This panel will focus on tangible steps you can take to support the small businesses most in need while also building the local community. Join us for a live panel discussion about how we can engage in community organizing and community building in order to help with economic revitalization. Student host: Consult Your Community club.

Modern social entrepreneurship is transforming the way we do business, using market-based solutions to address social issues in innovative ways. Bringing a wealth of perspectives and experience, panelists will cover topics such as human-centered design, scaling sustainably, access to capital, and more. They will also share their founding stories and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

If you are interested in how to make a positive impact through social innovation, join us for this panel of accomplished and inspiring social entrepreneurs. Student host: Social Enterprise at Cornell club.

As climate change accelerates and disasters like the pandemic, drought, and hurricanes become more prevalent, global agricultural and food systems must adapt to survive, working towards resiliency and sustainability. This panel will focus on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) a relatively new, high-tech sector of agriculture with a bright future and its role in the evolution of agriculture.

A distinguished panel representing multiple aspects of the CEA ecosystem, including greenhouse production, vertical farming, urban agriculture, CEA consulting, and controlled environment fruit production, will explore how their technology helps create a more robust and resilient food system. Student host: Cornell Sustainability Consulting club.

Justice for our planet and justice for all people are two profound conversations that are happening simultaneously. Panelists will explore the intersection of social justice, the environment, and resilience in business decisions. They will share valuable insights into how businesses can take responsibility for their impact on communities, especially among low-income and minority communities. They will explore how businesses can innovate to not only profit, but better serve communities.  

What is the next frontier for businesses in their approach to sustainability and social justice? Join us as we dive into these critical issues facing businesses today. Student host: Sustainable Global Enterprise club.

Are you working and trying to figure out how to pivot so you can have more impact in your job? Are you wrapping up your studies and wondering how to pursue a career with social or environmental impact? There is no single definition of a “sustainability” career nor is there a single path to follow. We will explore various pathways to finding mission-driven careers beyond non-profits, what those jobs look like, and some practical career advice.

Panelists will bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the conversation. Student host: Social Enterprise Group.

The Cornell Impact Investing Competition is an online pitch competition that allows undergraduate Cornell students in teams of 2-4 people, to identify, research, and recommend an existing early stage company that addresses a social or environmental problem for a hypothetical investment of up to one million dollars. Come listen to the finalists as they make their final pitch to the judges. 

While waiting for the results, hear from Sarah Howe (BS ’07), Senior Portfolio Manager, Open Road Alliance as she talks about her journey in impact investing. Student host: Impact Investing at Cornell.