Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 3rd Chief AI Officer Summit in Washington, D.C., where AI thought leaders and innovators gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. The conversations were insightful, and I walked away with three major takeaways that resonated deeply with me. These insights address some of the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing AI today—particularly around trust, workforce empowerment, and the evolving role of AI in real-time decision-making.

As we observe Earth Month, my story is a testament to the impact of individual actions. It's a call to embrace innovation, from heat pumps to smart thermostats and electric vehicles, recognizing that the path to sustainability is one of collective effort and shared responsibility. This narrative is not just about sharing my journey but about inspiring others to reflect on their choices and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and comfortable world.

Sunday unfolded into an unexpectedly reflective journey at the Navy Memorial Visitor Center, where the DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) was in full swing.

Reflecting on my transformative journey with the Urban Design Program and the impactful project in Kumasi, Ghana, this experience marks a pivotal point in both my professional development and personal commitment to sustainable urban design. Addressing urban poverty through innovative waste management and sanitation, our work aimed to foster equitable and sustainable environments, while empowering local communities.

In an era defined by transformative policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the landscape of infrastructure and construction stands on the cusp of a major shift.

Reflecting upon my six-year tenure at Clark Construction, I've witnessed seismic shifts in our industry. As Director of Sustainability, my mission was propelled by an indomitable will to transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future—both an environmental imperative and a financial opportunity.

As the Biden Administration starts to take action to address the climate change crisis, I get excited thinking about how “green building” will be a more prosperous industry because of its future workforce. Let me tell you why.

Can asphalt be sustainable? Well, after talking with Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir from ReSource International about her grant-winning research into the durability and performance of plastics in asphalt, I was inspired to think that yes, asphalt can be “green,” too.

It’s been a vital time to think holistically about the many ways in which improving the efficiency of construction materials is a win-win for all construction project stakeholders.

Sustainability research conducted by Paul Gallardo from Cardiff University under my mentorship during his internship semester at Clark Construction in the Fall of 2019.

Sustainability research conducted by Rob Longland from the University of Lethbridge under my mentorship during his internship semester at Clark Construction in the Spring of 2020.

As President-Elect Biden establishes his climate leadership team with a focus on environmental justice, I fondly remembered my past work at the Clinton Global Initiative, where I oversaw the development of the City of Birmingham’s six-point commitment to action for ongoing community revitalization and the creation of hundreds of jobs in North Birmingham.