Favorite Parts of Being an Equitable Decarbonization Advocate at NRDC
Olivia's favorite aspects of her current role as an Equitable Decarbonization Advocate include working to "improve the place that [she] live[s] in" Los Angeles, a significant change from prior roles where geographical connection was lacking. The challenging yet rewarding work of connecting disparate social issues to create effective policy, described as "a puzzle," is another key source of job satisfaction.
Public Policy, Environmental Advocacy, Problem-Solving, Community Engagement, Social Impact
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Olivia Walker
Equitable Decarbonization Advocate
Natural Resources Defense Council
Yale University, 2016
UCLA FEMBA
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Climate, Environment and Sustainability
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Working to improve one's local community
2. Connecting various social issues to find comprehensive solutions
3. Enjoying the challenging puzzle of fitting various aspects of policy together
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
My current role is very focused on public policy in Los Angeles. I live in Los Angeles, so the most rewarding part of the job for me is being able to work to improve the place where I live.
I say that because in my prior roles, I often worked in cities where I had no connection. I was a subject matter expert, but I wasn't connected to the geography. Being able to work to improve where you live is a wonderful feeling.
I also love the challenge of connecting so many different social issues and trying to find a solution that addresses all of them. It's difficult, but if you don't do that, you're making bad policy. It's critical to the role, and I really like the challenge it presents.
It's like a puzzle. There's a way everything can fit together, you just have to figure out how. You have to work with the right people and have the right conversations to make it all fit. Those are my two favorite things.