It has been an extraordinary five years since I launched Women in Circularity – a journey that began in March 2021, in honor of International Women’s Day, with the simple yet powerful intention of shining a light on women who are accelerating the circular economy. What started as a series of profiles has grown into a vibrant community, a series of online and live conversations and a book on the horizon that captures the insights of a series of changemakers.
Honoring Stories, Building Community
From the start, Women in Circularity sought to elevate voices across every corner of the circular economy – from women in global corporations, small women-owned firms, nonprofits and government agencies, to innovators in startups and grassroots initiatives. These aren’t stories of perfection, they are stories of ingenuity, persistence and resilience. Each profile has reminded me how diverse the pathways into this work are, and how much creativity, commitment and leadership women bring to the circular economy every day.
Recently, I was honored and energized when the impact of Women in Circularity was recognized by Christine Nikander, placing me number three on her global Top 100 People & Organizations in Circularity to Follow. This recognition reflects not just my work, but the collective effort of every woman featured, every event participant, and every member of this growing community. It is a testament to how much influence sharing stories and creating connections can have on shaping the field.
Live Events: Where Conversations Deepen
Over the past five years, the heart of Women in Circularity has been in our live events. While profiles and online engagements are powerful, real-world gatherings are where connections deepen, ideas spark and momentum builds. They are the reason I love doing what I do.
I have had the privilege of bringing Women in Circularity to stages at the Resource Recycling Conference, Plastics Recycling Conference, National Recycling Congress and the NYSAR3 Annual Conference. Looking ahead, there will be a plenary panel at next month’s Zero Waste Forum and a roundtable discussion at the E-Scrap Conference in New Orleans in October. These live sessions reveal more than achievements. They illuminate challenges such as structural barriers and resource gaps. These are also spaces where mentorship thrives, inspiration spreads and collaborative solutions take shape. Watching leaders support, challenge and uplift each other in these moments is truly what makes this work meaningful.
Looking Ahead
As Women in Circularity enters its sixth calendar year, I’m thrilled to mention an upcoming book, Women in Circularity: Stories of Innovation and Resilience in the Circular Economy. This is more than a collection of stories. It’s a roadmap for action, drawing together lessons, frameworks and stories from across sectors: from policy, advocacy, sustainable materials management, equity and community-led circular initiatives.
Readers will find narratives that blend strategy and heart: how leadership – from local to global – shapes policy, how education and behavior change can catalyze impact and how business scaling, design innovation and social change interconnect. Chapters explore career transformations, navigating tension and scaling impact. My hope is that the book not only recognizes achievements but fuels what’s possible next in circularity.
Gratitude & Next Steps
I am deeply grateful to every woman who trusted me to tell her story, every event organizer who welcomed Women in Circularity onto their stage and every reader drawn to this movement by curiosity or conviction and to every colleague and partner, including the wonderful team at Resource Recycling, who amplify the stories entrusted to me.
As the world accelerates toward circular solutions, Women in Circularity will continue to profile, convene, learn and publish. I can’t wait for you to connect with us online and at upcoming events, read the book and co-create a future where women’s voices are center stage in circular economy transformation.
If you’d like to learn more about my journey in the circular economy, you can read my Women in Circularity interview by Stephanie Barger, who was our very first profile. You can also explore all of the inspiring stories from women driving the circular economy on the Women in Circularity website.
