‍Name: Emma Nelson

Title: Associate Strategist 

Current residence: San Diego

Hometown: Omaha

Fun fact: I’m extremely talented at darts!

‍Tell us about your background. How did you end up at tPX?‍

I graduated in May 2024 from Arizona State University with a Master’s in Sustainability Solutions, following my Bachelor’s in Sustainability. Throughout my academic journey, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of sustainability projects, collaborating with diverse environmental teams. This experience gave me a solid foundation and helped me identify where I could make the most meaningful impact. 

One of my most formative roles was at Verdis Group, a small consulting firm in Omaha, Nebraska, where I developed a passion for consulting in the sustainability field. After graduation, I relocated to San Diego. I had first heard about tPX earlier in my career through my network, but I then came across the company again through B Local, a local B Corp networking group in San Diego. This solidified my belief that tPX was the right fit for me. The firm’s focus on truly “walking the walk” with sustainability, along with its commitment to people and the planet, perfectly aligned with my professional values, creating an ideal environment for me to continue pursuing my passions and contribute meaningfully to the field.

‍What’s your favorite part of your job?

Being surrounded by such creative and thoughtful people coming from all different backgrounds with such passion and drive to do purposeful and meaningful work. 

thinkPARALLAX’s purpose is to inspire fresh perspectives on sustainable business transformation. What perspective do you bring to tPX, our clients, and/or our industry?

I bring a holistic perspective, where I recognize the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints and experiences. I believe that by putting myself in others’ shoes, I can better understand how different backgrounds shape perspectives and inform decision-making. This approach helps me see the interconnectedness of all things and allows me to create more innovative and meaningful transformations for businesses. By understanding where people come from and what drives them, I can help organizations make sustainable changes that are not only creative but also deeply aligned with their values and goals.

‍What’s a project you’ve worked on (at tPX or a previous role) that you really enjoyed or that felt meaningful?

One project I found especially meaningful was conducting a materiality assessment for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s cycling events. Being part of such a special organization that plays a significant role in the lives of those impacted by cancer felt incredibly rewarding. I was able to contribute by helping make their cycling events more sustainable and efficient, ensuring they run smoothly while also supporting the mission of the organization. It was a project that combined my passion for sustainability with a cause that truly matters, and it felt great to know my work helped make a difference in such an important initiative.

‍What causes are you most interested in?‍

I’m currently most interested in causes related to circularity, specifically within the areas of food systems, plastics, clothing materials, and construction. I see a lot of opportunity in these sectors to create more regenerative systems that can significantly reduce waste and our overall carbon footprint. By fostering circularity in these areas, we can not only minimize environmental impact but also unlock solutions that support long-term sustainability.

‍What brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I love discovering new local restaurants and shops, as well as exploring new countries and cultures. I also love being in the ocean, and practicing different types of yoga and meditation! 

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Read more: Meet Niam O'Mara, Senior Director of Sustainability Strategy at thinkPARALLAX

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