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BU Climate Innovation Challenge Finale
March 7 @ 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Prepare to be inspired by a range of ideas by BU students and alumni that tackle pressing issues such as mitigating extreme weather effects, promoting climate justice, and managing sea level rise. The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of winners, who will share a $15,000 prize, the largest prize pool of any previous Changemaker Challenge.
In addition to celebrating their achievements, the event offers an excellent opportunity for networking with experts in sustainability and innovation. Attendees will get a glimpse of how these ideas have evolved with expert feedback and coaching, highlighting a journey of growth and learning.
It’s more than just a competition; it’s a gathering of diverse thoughts and backgrounds from all 17 BU schools and colleges, all coming together with a shared vision of building a brighter, more resilient Boston. Join us at Boston University for an evening of innovation, impact, and community.
Meet the Moderator:
Justin Dynia is a community organizer who supports advocating for climate justice (The Boston Climate Action Network) and refugee entrepreneurship (DREAM Venture Labs) in the Greater Boston Area. Outside of spending time in grassroots efforts, fighting to empower his local community and climate, Justin is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree, in Latin American Studies, at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at BU.
Justin has moderated similar events in the past at Innovate@BU, and we are excited to have him back for the Climate Innovation Challenge Finale!
Meet the Judges:
Lisa Tornatore(CAS’02) partners with colleagues across BU to advance sustainable procurement policies and practices, electric vehicle infrastructure, green buildings, sustainable dining, and engagement opportunities. She has played a key role in the launch of programs such as the Sustainability Innovation Seed Grant. She also serves as an advisor to Earth House and an affiliated staff for BU URBAN.
Hessann Farooqi (CAS’22) is the Executive Director at Boston Climate Action Network and leverages his experience organizing campaigns for US President, US Senate, US House, and Boston Mayor, as well as serving in a US Senate office, to create opportunities for all people in the City of Boston to live in healthy communities that are resilient to climate change.
Miriam Posner Harris, Executive Vice President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM), oversees brand growth and strategic partnerships and manages its Corporate Council, linking major businesses to environmental sustainability. She has also served as the Director of Energy & Environmental Policy at A Better City in Boston and Senior Policy Analyst at the U.S. Department of Energy.
