Growing up in Arizona, where I've learned sustainability is paramount due to the arid climate, and through my internship at Starbucks, I've witnessed a movement for businesses to prioritize sustainable practices. The businesses and nonprofits I've participated with have been successful by prioritizing resource conservation (Salt River Project), investing in renewable energy (The Arizona State University Clean Energy Manufacturing committee), and prioritizing reusable products and efficient customer experiences (Starbucks Innovation lab, where I work, on ASU campus). These measures have a strong track record of creating success, and I'd like to share with you what I've seen and learned! Firstly, resource conservation on a large scale is a priority sustainability practice. The Salt River Project (SRP) in Arizona shows this through water conservation efforts. They do this through innovative techniques like promoting efficient irrigation methods and offering incentives to the public for water conservation. For instance, SRP implements programs like the Water Efficiency Incentive Program, which provides rebates for businesses and residents (like my family) who invest in water-saving technologies like drip irrigation and low-flow fixtures. These initiatives have helped reduce water consumption at a reasonable tradeoff (i.e. our standard of living), preserving water resources for families like mine and companies at scale. My college (Arizona State University, ASU) started the Clean Energy Manufacturing Committee, a development launched last semester, to show the importance of investing in renewable energy by facilitating R&D in clean energy technologies. As a committee member since last semester, I've worked on teams to support collaborations between ASU researchers and local businesses to develop cutting-edge solar energy solutions tailored to Arizona's unique climate conditions (e.g. my project was on a mechanical tree). These efforts have led to the development of innovative solar panels and energy storage systems that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve resource efficiency. Lastly, at the Starbucks Innovation Lab I interned on my campus, developing sustainable packaging and sourcing ethically produced ingredients at 9 locations are underway. I was put on a team that collaborated with local suppliers to source coffee beans grown using organic farming, supported by fair trade regulations so that Starbucks in AZ can cut costs from spending on imported beans from Costa Rica, our main supplier. Additionally, the lab has piloted programs to promote reusable cups and reduce single-use plastics in stores, which was my main project. Over the last 9 months, we've received positive feedback from vendors AND customers as we strive to create a cleaner, affordable, and tangibly sustainable experience for either party. My time with Starbucks and the committee has proved to me that there is a strong chance that eco-friendly business practices can ensure that 'everyone wins'. We aren't able to get to this point unless smart resource use, innovative energy commitments, and candid vendor-customer experiences are prioritized by businesses. Be it in the retail or finance sector, I'm confident soon that sustainability will continue to be a powerful theme (alongside AI) in the professional landscape.

Hello! My name is Marcello, a 2nd-generation student from the Philippines born in Washington attending my 2nd year at Arizona State University. Since moving to Arizona in 2007, my Filipino-American identity has influenced my purpose to create abundance for the people I care about. I recognized early on that Arizona wasn't an Asian-centric state. My family didn't have the same generational abundance as many American families, having just made enough to put a happy home together. I recall many of my childhood memories involved me not being able to do something while other kids my age did, and from an early age, I was presented with a narrative of impossibility. As my parents put it, "You just can't". As I've gotten older, I realize that we could not live below our means. I didn't understand that we lived paycheck to paycheck and that we had transitioned from a house to an apartment because a recession had hurt our quality of life. This reality was emotionally challenging to come to terms with, but it was eased by my parent's compassion. My family pulled through the best they could — through divorces (both parents and grandparents), lost loved ones, and infighting between relatives for their assets. It was ugly, but it was still family. With this history behind me, my Filipino-American identity influenced me to pursue a purpose rooted in grace and generosity toward underrepresented people with the goal of reducing barriers to their needs. My rocky childhood challenged me to value integrity, grit, and family, no matter how broken, while living among people who were in better situations with less barriers. Most importantly, my family inspires me to pay it forward as they created this opportunity for me to share my story. I believe taking up this mantle of responsibility to elevate one another is representative of Filipino culture. Earlier today, I left a stern conversation with my father on how to pay for next semester. I am sure others feel the same way. PLEASE SHARE MY STORY to help Filipino-Americans reflect on their own narratives!

As someone who is passionate about the intersection of business and technology, I understand the importance of making environmentally conscious decisions in all aspects of life. As an aspiring business data analyst, I understand that businesses have a huge role to play in sustainable living and decision-making. Therefore, it is my belief to connect professional pursuits and interests to support this responsibility, so here are a few ways I strive to do this. To begin with, one of the significant ways in which I try to live sustainably each day is by reducing my carbon footprint. I try to reduce the amount of waste I produce by reusing, recycling, and composting whenever possible. For instance, as a Content and Media intern at a digital marketing agency, I create standard operating procedures using documentation platforms such as Google docs, Loom, and Tango in the company library. By creating these procedures, I am able to ensure that we were maximizing the use of our resources and reducing waste. Furthermore, I have realized the importance of reducing my use of single-use plastics. This awareness has increased my interest in electronic commerce and user experience. In my role as a customer care representative at a pizza restaurant, I encouraged customers to use reusable containers instead of single-use containers, and I noticed a significant decrease in waste generated by the restaurant. As a consultant for the TAMID Group at ASU, I have been studying and applying the fundamentals of corporate consulting to perform professional work on behalf of the organization. I have contributed to an engagement called "Fighting Treetop Fire," a laser technology startup currently valued at $100k with a projected VC of $400M. This experience has taught me the importance of research and analysis in decision-making, especially when it comes to environmental concerns. For example, during my research for the project, I came across a report that showed that wildfires have been increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change. This finding inspired me to advocate for sustainable business practices that can help mitigate climate change, such as investing in renewable energy. Moreover, I am interested in Behavioral AI and believe that it can be used to promote sustainable behavior. For instance, AI can be used to analyze patterns of consumption and suggest sustainable alternatives to individuals. In my role as a content creator at The Day Care (T.D.C.) Group, I have been managing multiple priorities such as cultivating the company's vision, mission, identity, and ongoing sales-facing initiatives. Through this role, I have learned the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability within organizations, and I believe that Behavioral AI can play a crucial role in this. Finally, I believe that one of the most significant ways in which individuals can impact the environment is through volunteering. At Feed My Starving Children, St. Theresa's Church, Spring's Church, and Archway Classical Academy all based in Chandler and Mesa, I have been involved in various environmental awareness initiatives, such as clean-up drives, planting trees, and reducing plastic waste. These experiences have given me a sense of fulfillment, and they have helped me understand that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Through my work experiences, interests, and professional pursuits, I am continually learning about the impact of businesses and individuals on the environment. I believe that it is essential for businesses to prioritize sustainability and that individuals can make a significant impact through small daily choices and volunteering. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to contributing to a more sustainable future.

As a business data analytics major, I am excited about the endless possibilities that entrepreneurship offers in terms of applying my skills and knowledge to real-world problems. Being an entrepreneur means having the freedom to create something new, make an impact, and build something that is uniquely yours. What excites me the most is the opportunity to be a trailblazer, to take risks, and to challenge myself in ways that I never thought possible. My passion for entrepreneurship was first sparked when I started working as a sales representative for Vector Marketing back in 2022. I quickly realized that I had a natural ability to communicate with people, identify their needs, and persuade them to take action. This experience made me realize that I have a keen interest in business and sales, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to use these skills to their fullest potential. Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have developed a deep interest in business data analytics, investment management, and management consulting. These fields are all about using data and analytics to drive informed decisions and create value for stakeholders. I am excited about the potential to use data-driven insights to identify market trends, develop innovative strategies, and ultimately create value for clients. In addition to my coursework and professional experiences, my involvement in various extracurricular activities has also contributed to my passion for entrepreneurship. As a TAMID consultant, I have been able to apply the fundamentals of corporate and private consulting to real-world challenges. Through this experience, I have gained valuable experience working with startups and have seen firsthand how innovation and entrepreneurship can change the world. Ultimately, what inspires me to pursue a career in entrepreneurship is the opportunity to make a positive impact on society. I believe that the skills I have developed through my education and work experiences have prepared me to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing businesses today. Whether it's identifying market opportunities, developing new products, or building effective teams, I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful entrepreneur. I am excited about the endless possibilities that entrepreneurship offers and am eager to use my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the business world. I am grateful for the educational and professional experiences that have prepared me for this journey, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead!

Leaving the theatre with my mom in 2014, I remember swinging my hands around the way Donatello did with his staff from the new TMNT movie. I loved his character the most because of his intellect, sensibility, and friendliness, which were traits that resonated with me. Looking back, I chuckle at how a CGI turtle could become my biggest inspiration for my two favorite hobbies. I didn't know then that my youthful admiration for Donatello would lead me to start judo and bojutsu for the first time. I wanted to practice karate or judo like Donny in early 2015 as a way to start the year. Since there weren't any karate places around, I settled on a judo studio called "Jay Pages." Judo focuses on throwing and grappling, which was exciting because I felt like a stuntman. After my first year, I began to compete in tournaments. Time and time again, I would lose more than win in my division. But as the seasons passed, I could feel my endurance improving, my body becoming swifter, and the "kata," or techniques, becoming muscle memory. And it all paid off — my training came to ultimate fruition when I won gold in the 2017 AZBJFF cup. Sadly, I left this hobby in 2019 to focus on track and football. In its place, I finally began bojutsu, or staff training. I started with a PVC pipe in 2019 and was gifted a pinewood staff just last year! With experience and athleticism under me, this hobby was quick to pick up. Whenever I want to pick my brain for inspiration, I go to my backyard and just practice. Figure eights, strikes, uke nagashi — you name it! Maybe one day, I can find a squad to hang out with like the ninja turtles.

My first simple pleasure has to be sending emails - I know it sounds weird! But there's something so pleasing to me about typing a quick question addressed to a teacher or updating my counselor on a college decision. I generally like the idea of waiting for something to happen after I've done my part. Runner up to this is crossing out a whole to-do list at the end of the day. The funny part is that I don't care whether it's an easy or hard one. That feeling of accomplishment after scribbling out those boxes with a pen makes me happy because I feel like my day was full of things to do. Or maybe it's the sigh of relief at the end that makes it enjoyable. Moving forward with the idea of "doing my part," I also really like the feeling of soreness after a workout. Everyone handles body soreness differently, but I must say, I crave it. It signals that I was working hard and that my body will repair itself for the next workout. As my football coach used to say, "Lift heavy, and your body will reward you." It took me so long to realize that reward meant soreness. But my most fun simple pleasure is this mobile game called "Clash of Clans." It's a real-time strategy game where players build bases and attack other players with troops. Rather than the strategy being the most fun, it's waiting for my buildings to finish that's exciting! There are a limited number of building characters in the game that work even if I'm offline. So even if I'm not being productive in school, at least I can come back to upgraded archer towers at the end of the day.

Back in the summer of 2019, I arrived at the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California. I signed up for their Leadership Training course to test myself physically and mentally before beginning my first football season in highschool. At this time, I was a skinny, nonathletic kid who just finished his freshman year. It was difficult not to be nervous. But the only way I was going to improve and grow was to embrace discomfort. The leadership training ground was very difficult, which included morning PT, obstacle courses, leadership classes, and teamwork. There were times when I wanted to quit and say, "no more". But if it were not for my friend Matthew behind me, I probably would have not finished that mile run. Or that time we had to climb a 20-foot rope, I could not have built up the courage without Killian’s support. So here is the first thing that I know about a leader: they cannot do it alone. I personally owe it to people that strengthened me, and I could not have done it without them. Halfway through the program, I was elected Captain of my platoon. It was shocking until I realized that I had picked up those empowering habits shown by my peers, and exercised teamwork and service more than anyone else. During the program, I learned that a leader is compassionate, disciplined, and serves others. Most importantly, I learned that to be a great leader first requires one to be a great follower and teammate. For example, their acts of followership motivated me to serve them equally well. It made me want to do what they did since it had a positive impact on our platoon. It was a truly beautiful experience that ignited a passion I never would have thought was in me: to work in a team, serve others, and aspire to lead. Leaders have a mission, a greater cause towards which they organize and influence others. Communication is essential to their influence and success. This trait can be seen in Abraham Lincoln, MLK Jr., and Greta Thunberg. They are tactful and constructive, inspiring and empowering. Not to mention they are humble too. President Lincoln could have very well responded indignantly to his barrage of vicious letters, criticizing his strategy in the Civil War. But he held his ground because he understood that there was something greater at stake than himself. It makes sense that for any leader, their first and greatest victory will often be that over their own ego. Fast forward to my first year of highschool football as a sophomore – it tested me more than the academy did. But the things I learned at the academy stayed with me, and at our very last game of the season, I was assigned team captain for the game. It was a great game, probably one of the best I've ever had. In the future, with each act of leadership, I am hoping to undertake more responsibility. As a senior next year, I am starting an extracurricular club about self-improvement to benefit my academic community and exercise leadership. After highschool and college, I aspire for a successful career and ultimately be a leader in my chosen field. I think I will pursue architecture and hopefully will land at a company that seeks passionate and enterprising employees. And to the audience – wherever you are or whoever you want to be, find a leader to look up to. Surround yourself with people you can count on, and never be afraid to fight for what you believe in.