Hello! I'm McKenna.
I am a skilled sustainability professional with expertise in energy management, sustainable business practices, and climate change mitigation. I recently completed a dual degree program where I earned an International Masters in Sustainable Business and Innovation and Masters in International Business Management, which has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of environmental impact assessment, sustainability strategy development, and data-driven solutions.
With a strong background in laboratory and text based research, combined with consulting exposure, I excel in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I actively contribute to expanding sustainability initiatives, implementing energy efficiency strategies, and developing comprehensive Climate Action Roadmaps. I am dedicated to driving positive change and making a lasting impact through my expertise and passion for sustainability.
McKenna Nordbeck
Sustainability | Carbon Realizations | Climate Action Planning
Master of Science in Sustainable Business & Innovation
Master in Business Management
Bachelor of Science in Genetics & Genomics with minors in Sustainability and Global Health
Phone:
Email:
7154237991
June 2022 - December 2022
Climate Change Intern
Kaiser Permanente
Prioritized climate change and Net Zero goals in a variety of high-level corporate sustainability projects including CDP reporting, climate action planning, internal sustainability gap assessments, and co-authoring the company's first ever ESG report. Gained exposure to carbon accounting, photovoltaic and microgrid policy, carbon offsetting, and sustainable procurement.
September 2021 - August 2022
Wisconsin Environmental Initiative
Sustainability Intern
Organized and assessed Green Build Certification data along with assisting in Wisconsin Environmental Initiative projects such as Main Street Green, which aids local businesses in realizing and addressing their climate impacts.
April 2021 - May 2022
Quality Control Student
Waisman Biomanufacturing
Gained quality control cGMP training and experience in the biopharmaceutical development industry for phase I/II clinical trials while exemplifying strong leadership qualities through inclusive communication and training of others.
RECENT EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
October 2023
Master's Degree
Attained an international master's degree in Sustainable Business & Innovation with a concentration in circular economy and ecodesign at Eada Business School Barcelona along with a Master in Business Management with a specialty in International Management at UVic.
Built a comprehensive understanding of international policy and sustainable business practices, including environmental impact assessment, sustainable innovation, and strategic implementation. Developed expertise in circular economy principles and ecodesign methodologies for creating closed-loop systems and promoting resource efficiency across the globe.
Also completed a thesis project that involved consultation with a Spanish company wherein comprehensive research and conclusions were made in the areas of international climate policy, renewable energy, climate action planning, sustainability reporting, sustainability frameworks (including GHG Protocol, CDP, Ecovadis, GRI, & CSRD), sustainability strategy, and budgeting.
May 2022
Bachelor's Degree
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomics and minors in Sustainability and Global Health. Pursued comprehensive coursework in sustainability and encompassing topics such as environmental conservation, sustainable development, renewable energy, and resource management. Additionally, developed a deep understanding of the principles and mechanisms underlying physical and biologic sciences, genetic inheritance, and genetic engineering techniques.
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May 2018
Lincoln High School - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
High School Diploma
Graduated in the top 1% of the 2018 class and earned distinctions in academics and leadership. Studies emphasized biological and health sciences.
April 2017
Certified Nursing Assistant
MidState Technical College - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Earned certificate of Nursing Assistant and completed courses in Medical Terminology and Speech.
Industry and Research Experiences
Tap each experience for more information
SKILLS & CERTIFICATIONS
Microsoft Excel - Proficient
Microsoft Word - Advanced
Power Point - Advanced
Adobe - Proficient
Project Management - Proficient
Critical Analysis - Advanced
EXPERTISE
Sustainability
Sustainability is truly at the core of all of my crafts. It is an aspect of me that is emblazoned in both my professional work and personal life. From corporate sustainability, to volunteer work with local business and organizations, my experience in this area is wide and uniquely varied. I have most recently developed this expertise through Carbon Disclosure Project reporting and completion of corporate sustainability gap assessments.
Climate Action
Climate action advocacy is what originally sparked my passion for environmental and sustainability work. Through grassroots projects with organizations striving toward environmental remediation and green legislation, I was able to build foundations in the field. I built upon this by pursuing minors in Sustainability and Global Health and have most recently been constructing a corporate level climate action plan for multibillion dollar company.
Research
While my working passion lies in the aforementioned areas, my original bread and butter was science and research. With a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomics, my critical analysis and research skills were heightened and honed over those four years of work. Outside of my academic courses, I have participated in several lab and text based research experiences, specifically in antimicrobial and climate action research initiatives.