iSustain Announces Emma Strieter as the First Recipient of Groundbreaking Sustainability Endowment

iSustain is thrilled to introduce Emma Strieter as the inaugural recipient of the Sustainability Endowment at The University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business. This pioneering endowment, established with iSustain’s support, will provide vital funding for graduate students dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment through their studies and careers. As the first awardee, Emma’s passion for sustainability, combined with her drive to integrate it within business practices, made her a standout choice.

Supporting the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders

The iSustain Sustainability Endowment was created to address a significant gap in financial support for graduate students, particularly those who are committed to promoting sustainability. With iSustain’s $200,000 contribution matched by the Haslam College of Business, the endowment totals $400,000. 

Each year, a portion of the endowment’s earnings will provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate a passion for protecting the natural environment, both personally and professionally. As the first scholarship within the Haslam College of Business to prioritize sustainability, this initiative sets a new standard for funding and encourages future business leaders to pursue careers that prioritize environmental stewardship

Emma Strieter: A Passion for Sustainability and Positive Impact

Originally from Plymouth, Michigan, Emma Strieter is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in supply chain management at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Emma’s journey to sustainability started during her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, where she majored in Biological Sciences and Spanish. Her passion for environmental health became evident through her senior thesis on the impact of urea on Lake Murray. She studied how runoff from pesticides was leading to harmful algae growth, disrupting the ecosystem—a realization that sparked her interest in finding business solutions to environmental problems. 

With a strong foundation in biology, Emma added a business minor to her studies, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and business strategy. This interdisciplinary approach laid the groundwork for her current focus on sustainable sourcing and supply chain management. She further honed her expertise through internships at GEP and Vecteris, where she worked on sourcing strategies and market research, solidifying her commitment to integrating sustainability into business operations.

When asked about her motivation, Emma shared, “I’m driven by the opportunity to make a real difference. My goal is to work with organizations that prioritize sustainability and environmental impact, helping to create a better world for future generations. For me, it’s about finding a role where I can blend my passion for the environment with strategic business solutions.”

A Well-Deserved Honor

Winning the iSustain Sustainability Endowment has been a significant milestone for Emma. She expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “I’m very honored to be the first recipient of this endowment. The funds came at just the right time, and meeting with Mark and Dawn at iSustain showed me that it’s possible to have a career that makes a tangible difference. iSustain’s dedication to sustainability is inspiring, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.”

Beyond her studies, Emma is the president of the Tennessee Organization of MBAs (TOMBA), organizing social and outreach events, and is actively involved in the Women’s Organization of MBAs. She’s also an avid reader, loves spending time with friends and family, and is never without her rescue dog, Billy, who has been her companion throughout her academic journey.

Emma is set to graduate in December, and she’s currently exploring career opportunities that will allow her to blend her background in biology with her expertise in business administration. Whether in sustainable sourcing or healthcare improvements, her goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable business practices.

Looking to the Future

Mark Huber, Vice President of Business Development at iSustain and a University of Tennessee alumnus, emphasized the impact of the endowment: “The establishment of this endowment is about creating the sustainability leaders of tomorrow. By supporting students like Emma, we’re ensuring that the business leaders of the future are not only well-trained but also deeply committed to preserving our planet’s resources.”

iSustain is proud to support bright, passionate individuals like Emma who are dedicated to making a difference. Congratulations, Emma, on this well-deserved achievement!

To learn more about Emma or to connect with her, visit her profile on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-strieter/