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Program emphasizes transformative change and real-world practice for emerging leaders

��announces that the Director of Veterans Affairs Operations Andrea Siegrist-Baez has been selected for the Arizona Forward Emerging Sustainability Leaders Class of 2023. The eight-month program allows participants the opportunity to cultivate a deep understanding of the social, environmental, ethical and economic sustainability challenges facing Arizona. Participants focus on topics like understanding sustainability, climate change, renewable and non-renewable energy, water resources, clean mobility, characteristics of resilient, healthy communities, and forest health.

“Andrea’s proven leadership ability and dedication to environmental sustainability make her a natural fit for the program,” stated Hinrich Eylers, Ph.D., P.E., vice provost, College of Doctoral Studies. “She is committed to impacting the environment in a positive manner, and her capacity to identify and implement improvements, and drive positive change, is evident throughout her work.”

The leadership program is run by , a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental and sustainability initiatives. Each year, the Arizona Forward Emerging Sustainability Leaders program seeks outstanding professionals ready to learn and apply new skills to advance environmental sustainability within their communities. The program, established in 2018, is geared toward professionals with a commitment to sustainability, the capacity to integrate sustainability into their organizations and communities and an interest in being a long-term influencer in Arizona’s sustainability initiatives.

“Being selected for the Emerging Sustainability Leaders program is exciting because it affords me the opportunity to explore and implement creative ideas with the potential for transformative, positive change,” states Siegrist-Baez. “In order to create real change for a sustainable future, we must find ways to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of our society.”

Siegrist-Baez holds a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Studies from Alaska Pacific University, an undergraduate Project Management certificate, an MBA in Human Resource Management, and a MAED in Adult Education and Distance Learning from the ��������ʿ�����¼. Outside of work, she is a volunteer leader for the Sierra Club. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, rowing, adventures and traveling with her husband, and spending time with their two pups.

Siegrist-Baez has been employed by the ��������ʿ�����¼ since 2001.

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