Sarah Risom

Background

About Sarah Risom

With over a decade of experience in sustainability, I’ve had the opportunity to develop and lead impactful programs across diverse sectors—from corporate and consulting roles to government and non profits. My journey in sustainability started early: at 15, I chose to leave my sports teams and took a job at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, immersing myself in the work of protecting our natural world. That hands-on experience laid the foundation for what has become a lifelong dedication.As the first sustainability hire at e.l.f. Beauty, I played a key role in building the company’s sustainability program. Working under our VP of Sustainability, I oversee initiatives in core areas like sustainable packaging, water conservation, emissions reduction, and environmental communications, driving forward the company’s sustainability targets.My approach blends a deep commitment to sustainability with a pragmatic understanding of business dynamics—a perspective I refined through an MBA in Sustainable Management. This foundation has been invaluable in my current role, where aligning environmental goals with strategic business objectives requires both data-driven insight and practical solutions.Previously, I served as the Sustainability Lead at NASA Ames Research Center, where I developed and implemented large-scale sustainability initiatives focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance. These experiences, along with my consulting work at PwC, have shaped my strategic approach, centering on measurable impact and long-term sustainability.I am passionate about building on these experiences to continue making a positive, lasting impact on both the environment and the communities we serve.