Board and Advisory Team

Board Chairwoman

Elaine is an entrepreneurial business builder and connector with 30+ years of experience in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, technology, marketing and business growth opportunities. She has spent her career as an executive at 1800flowers.com, iVillage, ibaby.com, Amazon, as a director on Moosejaw, Bluenile, Smart & Final, National Retail Federation, Destination XL boards, and as a trusted advisor to hundreds of companies, start-ups to enterprise, private to public, at all stages. Elaine is an active member of Extraordinary Women on Boards, grounded in today’s market challenges, committed to improving our future, and passionate about driving profitable outcomes while doing good for people and planet.

“My first exposure to WAC was at the 2023 NYC Climate Advisory meeting. I was so impressed with the mission (to create a joyful and safe inclusive community), the passion and dedication of all the women I was fortunate to meet, and the HUGE opportunity to activate and engage with others to accelerate climate solutions. I am looking forward to many more gatherings (virtual and IRL) and the invaluable learnings from the wisdom of the crowd. ”

Board Member

Michelle is the founder of Women and Climate, a non-profit organization that inspires climate action by creating a joyful and safe space. She launched her career in Silicon Valley where she worked for some of the biggest names in tech including Salesforce. A proponent for accelerating climate action, Michelle aims to activate more women to start their climate journey and provide a platform for those already working on climate solutions. She created the Women and Climate Speaker Database which now represents over 600 climate professionals and is used by small and large events alike. Michelle is a TEDx, SXSW, Bloomberg, and COP28 speaker and is also a United Nations content contributor.

“Serving the members of our community and helping them thrive is something I take joy in every day.”

Board Member

Zohra is the Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer at Alight, a leading humanitarian organization serving people displaced by climate, conflict, and other forced circumstances. Alight works in more than 20 countries and serves 4 million individuals annually. Zohra guides how the organization shows up through its brand, marketing/communications strategies, and partnerships with like-minded foundations, corporations, and other do-gooders who want to make the world a better place for and with the displaced. Zohra’s two decades of experience in the social sector reflect her passion for humanity, and the genuine belief that harmonized purpose and investments can indeed produce goodness.

Board Member

We cannot overcome our environmental challenges with outdated mindsets; embracing new, inclusive perspectives, particularly from women, is vital. Women & Climate stands out by facilitating crucial dialogues, showcasing women's distinctive contributions and innovations in the climate space. In parallel by addressing the pressing issue of women's underrepresentation, the organization not only fosters collaboration among its members but also broadens engagement with an extensive range of stakeholders. Through this approach, Women & Climate becomes instrumental in formulating and advocating effective, inclusive strategies, thus highlighting the essential role of varied insights in realizing sustainable solutions and ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

"We cannot overcome our environmental challenges with outdated mindsets; embracing new, inclusive perspectives, particularly from women, is vital. Women & Climate stands out by facilitating crucial dialogues, showcasing women's distinctive contributions and innovations in the climate space. In parallel by addressing the pressing issue of women's underrepresentation, the organization not only fosters collaboration among its members but also broadens engagement with an extensive range of stakeholders. Through this approach, Women & Climate becomes instrumental in formulating and advocating effective, inclusive strategies, thus highlighting the essential role of varied insights in realizing sustainable solutions and ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement."

Board Member

Ellen is the managing director of Acre’s American business. Acre is a recruitment and executive search firm focused on sustainability. This spans Financial Services, Clean Technology, NGOs, Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy. Acre aims to support organisations in creating solutions that help drive systemic change through having the right talent.
Before this, Ellen’s career was predominantly at NGOs and includes roles such as deputy CEO at The Challenge, a charity who supported young adults in the UK. She also chaired the board of Invisible Flock, a global arts organisation and NGO focused on climate change, communities, and the natural world.

“I think giving women a community to talk about climate change and the very real impact it is having is a fantastic element of WAC. It allows people to share ideas, learn from each other and to discuss the anxiety many of us feel about the future. It is also a place for hope and to celebrate the areas progress is being made, which is something I both appreciate and think is crucial to any real impact.”

Executive Producer at Birba
Muscat, Oman

Vivian is an environmentalist who rallies support for ideas and industries that are shaping a better world; namely energy, clean technologies and sustainability. Advancing transformative ideas, through events, media and marketing, all in the pursuit of a greener and more equitable future.

"Women and Climate is a driving force rallying the call for climate action loud and wide, this is a movement making a real impact!

CEO and Co-Founder at Pantys
São Paulo, Brazil

Emily Ewell is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pantys, the leading fashion femtech brand innovating in health and sustainability for menstruation, maternity and incontinence. Passionate about health, sustainability, inclusion and innovation, Emily is a global thought leader with multiple patents and more than 20 years of experience working across private, public and nonprofit sectors in the US, Europe and Latin America. Her background is chemical engineering with a dual MBA/MPH (Masters in Public Health). Today Emily is recognized as one of Bloomberg's 500 Most Influential People in Latin America and a UN ImPact Leader representing the SDG #12 in Brazil.

"Intertwining women's rights with climate action is essential for addressing the global climate crisis holistically. Women play a significant role in resource management, contributing to climate resilience at a local and global level. Incorporating gender perspectives in climate is key for developing sustainable climate solutions, policies and outcomes."

Director at Peace Boat US
Brooklyn, New York, USA

Emilie McGlone has been working with Peace Boat since 2004 and currently is the United Nations liaison and Director of the New York-based office of Peace Boat US, a non-profit organization working to promote peace, sustainable development and respect for the environment through educational programs organized onboard the Peace Boat, a chartered passenger ship that travels the world on peace voyages. Peace Boat holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and works in partnership with UN representatives, Nobel Peace Laureates and community leaders from around the world to create opportunities for international cooperation focused on environmental sustainability, cultural awareness and peace education. Emilie works to foster youth education and develops specific programs to learn about important global issues onboard the Peace Boat. Peace Boat has recently launched a new initiative to build an Ecoship to sail around the world, showcasing green technology and design, while inspiring positive change to radically reduce our carbon footprint. Peace Boat is a committed campaigner for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, sailing with the SDGs Logo on the hull of the ship. Peace Boat's Ecoship Project will build the world’s most sustainable passenger ship. A flagship for the SDGs, Ecoship seeks to address ocean acidification with reduced carbon emissions and significantly reduce marine pollution.

"Women and Climate is an incredible initiative that brings together women from diverse fields to work together towards sustainability, climate action and furthering the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This kind of network is imperative to female leaders across the globe."