Webinar: Climate Optimism: Inspiring Action for a Sustainable Future

About the event

Join us for a panel discussion on how determined optimism can drive tangible progress in sustainability. If you've found yourself overwhelmed by the scale of change needed, then take an hour to be encouraged by the stories of two determined women. 

Melissa Lee, Founder of The GREEN Program, will discuss how her organization is equipping students and professionals with hands-on, global experiences to address sustainability challenges. Sarah Payne, Director of Impact at the UnTours Foundation, will share her expertise in leveraging mission-driven investments to fund innovative solutions to social and environmental issues.

This panel will offer case studies, practical strategies, and insights into how collaboration and resilience can lead to measurable outcomes. Whether you're deeply involved in sustainability work or just starting out, you’ll leave with renewed inspiration to make an impact.

Meet your panelists

Melissa Lee, Founder of The GREEN Program (TGP)

Melissa Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of The GREEN Program (TGP), an award-winning experiential education program focused on our world's most pressing issues in sustainable development. She has been recognized for her work with TGP by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Philadelphia magazine's Best of Philly®, and Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Education. Melissa has served as a U.S. Global Schools Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and has been named the Lattman Visiting Scholar of Science & Society at Pennsylvania State University, and a Heinz Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh.

As a passionate advocate for sustainable workforce development, Melissa and her team have integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global experiential education in higher education curricula around the world. Under her leadership, TGP has partnered with leading universities, corporations, non-profits, and intergovernmental institutions to create a global, socially conscious public benefit company. TGP now represents university students and professionals from 470 universities and 70 countries around the world who are employed by top organizations such as General Electric, SpaceX, National Geographic, Second Nature, NASA, The Environmental Defense Fund, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and more. Melissa's expertise in international sustainable development, technical course development, entrepreneurship, tourism, experience design, and leadership, contributes valuable insights to the industry.

Over the span of the past 15 years, Melissa has guided the entrepreneurial journeys of several individuals and organizations. Through her work with The GREEN Program, she has had the honor of coaching and overseeing the development of numerous entrepreneurial projects focused on providing real-world solutions for sustainability challenges. In addition, she has offered mentorship and coaching to a diverse range of individuals, including U.S. Veterans, Fortune 500 executives, ambitious young talents from the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and many more.

Melissa is currently expanding TGP's professional development programs to include multi-generational approaches to sustainability education and workforce development. As a first-generation born Chinese-American, Melissa is enthusiastic about a just and equitable future consisting of responsible travel, innovative models of education, business as a force for good, and protecting our planet for future generations.

Sarah Payne, Director of Impact at the UnTours Foundation

Sarah Payne is the Director of Impact at the UnTours Foundation, where she leads the management of the foundation's investment portfolio and supports operations across the organization. Sarah has an interdisciplinary background in business and economic development, and has spent her career consulting with businesses to improve their social and environmental impact. An entrepreneur herself, Sarah believes passionately in using business as a force for good to create a more just, equitable, and regenerative world. She has also worked with a variety of nonprofits both in the United States and abroad to advance social change and alleviate poverty. Ever adventurous, Sarah loves to travel and enjoy the great outdoors. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in World History from Messiah University and a Master of Business Administration in Economic Development from Eastern University.

This event addresses the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Continuing education requirements

ISSP credential holders will earn 0.5 CEUs for attending this webinar.

Recording

The webinar recording and related materials are an ISSP member benefit and will be available to ISSP members after the webinar.