In thisepisode of the GreenCollar Careers Podcast, I sit downwith Stacy Savage, founder of Zero Waste Strategies and the self-proclaimed“Texas Trash Talker.”

Stacy’scareer path is a masterclass in transferable skills.

She wentfrom slinging fajitas and margaritas in Austin to knocking on doors acrosslegislative districts in Texas as a grassroots organizer. Over nine years, shelearned how to handle rejection, regulate her emotions, communicate acrosspolitical divides, and qualify conversations quickly…skills that would latershape her work in policy, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Today, sheadvises companies on a “zero waste” strategy and helps them see sustainabilitynot just as compliance, but as competitive advantage.

In thisepisode, we talk about:

·      Howdoor-to-door organizing builds elite communication skills

·      Handlingrejection and staying mission-focused

·      Transitioningfrom nonprofit work to entrepreneurship

·      Building amemorable personal brand

·      Turningadvocacy experience into business value

·      And how tocarve out your niche in the environmental field

If you’re astudent, career changer, or early professional wondering how your currentskills translate into environmental work, this conversation is for you.

Subscribefor more stories from people building meaningful careers in environmental,climate, and sustainability work.

#GreenCareers#SustainabilityCareers #EnvironmentalPodcast #CareerAdvice

Timestamps:

00:00 –Introduction

00:51 –Introducing Stacy Savage

01:29 – The“Texas Trash Talker” Origin Story

03:55 –Growing Up in Southeast Texas Oil & Gas Country

06:00 – FromBiology Major to Bartender

08:50 – GetPaid for Grassroots Organizing

10:30 – 9Years of Door-to-Door Environmental Organizing

12:45 –Organizing Across All Texas Legislative Districts

13:30 –Handling Rejection & Emotional Regulation

15:00 –Sales Skills, Qualification & Finding Supporters

31:24 –Breaking Into Sustainability & Business Skillsets

45:29 –Final Career Advice: Trust the Nudge & Take Action

🔗 Connect with Stacy & Jose!

Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn: /in/stacysavage

🔗Consulting for Women in Waste: 0waste.org/consulting-for-women-in-waste/

Connectwith Jose!
💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq
🔗Substack: /josealmanzar.substack dot com
 Linktree: linktr.ee/jalmanzar

🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷Instagram: @kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷Instagram: @logic9uy_art

About Green CollarCareers
The Green Collar Careers Podcast explores the many paths into environmental andsustainability work, what those careers actually look like, how people getstarted, and how they grow over time.

DISCLAIMER:Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorneyadvertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host,their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host andtheir guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers.By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into anattorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or theirguests.

What does it really take to build a long, meaningful career in the environmental field, especially if your path isn’t linear?In this episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Mair, former President of the Sierra Club and a lifelong public servant whose career spans state government, public health, advocacy, and environmental leadership.Aaron shares how his background in sociology, data, and systems thinking shaped his work, why interdisciplinary skills matter more than job titles, and how coming from a family of struggle - not privilege - impacts how people access opportunity and build careers over time.We talk about:• How Aaron found his way into environmental and public service work• Why non-linear paths can lead to durable, impactful careers• The role of education, data, and systems thinking in environmental leadership• Lessons from decades in state government and nonprofit leadership• Advice for students and early-career professionals looking to break inThis conversation is for anyone interested in environmental careers, sustainability, public service, or advocacy - and for those thinking about how to build a career that doesn’t just start strong, but lasts.________________________________________Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:55 Meet Aaron Mair 01:06 Binghamton roots + early path into public service01:41 Breaking barriers: first Black president of the Sierra Club06:35 Education, systems-thinking, and “learning how to think”09:32 Getting into state service: internships, access, and momentum early on12:23 Public health + data: connecting science, society, and the issues of our time18:25 Taking big risks: suing NYS, integrity, and refusing to “sell out”29:26 “You can’t eat dollars”: capitalism vs. ecology 39:04 A broader awakening: treating Earth as “resources” and why that has to change49:29 History as a teacher: power, oppression, and what it means for today55:38 Final words & closing________________________________________🔗 Connect with Aaron & Jose!Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn! 💼 LinkedIn: /aaron-mair-554508a/Connect with Jose! 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq🔗 Substack: /josealmanzar.substack dot com Linktree: linktr.ee/jalmanzar________________________________________🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art ________________________________________About Green Collar CareersThe Green Collar Careers Podcast explores the many paths into environmental and sustainability work, what those careers actually look like, how people get started, and how they grow over time.________________________________________DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.

Have you ever wondered how to completely reinvent your career - even multiple times - and still buildcredibility in a brand-new field

In this episode of the GreenCollar Careers Podcast, I sit downwith PabloSegarra, Esq.  whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up in the Bronx, to serving as an NYPD officer, to building his own law firm, pivoting into Web3 and blockchain, and now working as an intellectual property attorney, Pablo shares the mindset, strategies, and lessons that helped him thrive in every career pivot.

We cover:

·       The moment he left the NYPD after a life-changing injury

·       Why hedecided to go to law school and start from scratch

·       How he built credibility quickly withSideHustle.Law and in Web3

·       His strategies for overcoming doubt and imposter syndrome

·       Advice for young professionals breaking into new fields

·       Guidance forexperienced professionals considering a major career pivot

·       Life in the Dominican Republic and more

This conversation is packed with actionable advice, mindset shifts, and practical steps for anyone looking to reinvent themselves or enter a new career path.

🎧 Listen, learn, and get inspired to take your next leap - no matter how big or scary.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction

01:12 – Meet PabloSegarra: A Career That Isn’t Linear

06:40 – Reinventing Yourself Without Burning Everything Down

12:05 – From NYPD to Law School to Entrepreneurship

18:30 – Building a Law Practice for Solopreneurs

24:10 – Web3, Blockchain, and Staying Curious in Your Career

31:45 – Designing a Career Around Life (Not the Other Way Around)

38:20 – How Pablo Thinks About Risk, Fear, and Big Moves

46:10 – Advice to Your Younger Self (Career & Life Wisdom)

55:35 – If It Keeps You Up at Night, You Care About It

57:50 – Final Reflections and Where to Find Pablo

🔗 Connect with Pablo & Jose!

Connect with Pablo on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn: /pablo-segarra-esq/

Connect with Jose!
💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq
📷 Instagram:@jose_environmental_attorney
🔗Linktree: linktr.ee/jalmanzar

🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷Instagram: @kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷Instagram: @logic9uy_art

📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.

“And I ’m like, wait a second...there’s something here. This guy really loves what he’s talking about. I had to call him. I found a topic, a space, that I thought I could fit in. That was the catalyzing moment.”

Have you ever had a moment like that? Where something suddenly clicks, and you realize there might be a different path for you?

On this episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I’m joined by Ivonne Norman, an environmental attorney and Legal Network Manager at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School.

Ivonne built a long, successful legal career - the kind that, from the outside, looks solid and stable. But over time, she began asking quiet questions about alignment, purpose, and what she actually wanted her work to look like moving forward.

We talk honestly about what it feels like when those questions start surfacing, how easy it is to ignore them, and what happens when you finally don’t.

Ivonne also shares how she eventually found her way into environmental and climate work - without a formal background or a clear roadmap - and what helped her take those first steps before she felt ready.

If you’re someone who feels pulled toward environmental or climate work but isn’t sure where you fit - or how to make the jump without blowing up your whole career - I think you’ll really connect with this conversation.

00:00 - Introduction
01:14 - Ivonne's Background
03:58 - Early Legal Career and Civil Litigation
05:57 - Experiencing Burnout
09:49 - Reflecting on Original Motivation for Becoming an Attorney
12:48 - Initial Steps into Environmental Law
16:37 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
21:07 - Importance of Networking & Involvement
23:33 - Transitioning into Environmental Law
27:12 - Strategic Networking and Collaboration
36:07 - Narrowing Down Career Focus
40:28 - Applying for Jobs in the Environmental Sector
42:26 - Securing Role at Columbia Law's Sabin Center
47:16 - Lessons Learned and What Ivonne Would Do Differently
56:10 - Advice for Pivoting into Environmental Careers
58:48 - Closing Remarks and Inspiration

===============================

🔗 Connect with Jose & Ivonne

Connect with Ivonne on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn: /ivonne-norman-esq/

Connect with Jose!
💼 LinkedIn:/jose-almanzar-esq
📷 Instagram:@jose_environmental_attorney
🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/jalmanzar

🎵 Music Credit -Kwae: 📷 Instagram:@kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram:@logic9uy_art

📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.

How do you break into clean energy and climate careers—and build real,lasting impact?
In this episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I’m joined by KeithKinch, climate innovation leader, entrepreneur, and co-founder of BlocPower,to talk about careers in clean energy, climate tech, and sustainability.

Keith helped grow BlocPower from a Brooklyn-based startup into anationally recognized leader in building electrification and climate solutions.He now serves as a Strategic Advisor at Legacy Suite and a Founderin Residence at Browning the Green Space, where he supports foundersand professionals building equitable pathways into the clean energy economy.

We discuss how Keith’s upbringing in Brooklyn as the child of immigrantsshaped his perspective on community, energy, and opportunity, and how momentslike Superstorm Sandy became a turning point in his climate journey.Keith also shares what it really takes to scale a climate tech company, lessonslearned from more than a decade in the space, and why confidence, transferableskills, and relationship-building matter more than having a “perfect”environmental background.

This conversation is especially valuable for students, careerchangers, and professionals looking to break into clean energy, climatetech, or sustainability careers - and for anyone trying to stay hopeful whiledoing meaningful climate work.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction & Mission of the Green Collar Careers Podcast
01:30 Climate Innovation, Brooklyn, & Building Electrification
01:56 What Is Browning the Green Space?
04:27 Growing Up in Brooklyn & Being a Child of Immigrants
06:05 Neighborhood Change, Community, & the Built Environment
07:20 Early Awareness of Energy Inefficiency
08:54 Superstorm Sandy as a Turning Point
09:46 The Origin Story of BlocPower
12:22 Scaling Impact & Real-World Health Outcomes
15:55 Confidence, Leadership, & Taking the Leap
16:17 Advice for Breaking Into Green & Energy Careers
18:54 Networking, Outreach, & Learning From Others
20:12 Doing the Work You’re Good At (Even When It’s Hard)
21:10 What Is Legacy Suite and Keith’s Role
23:30 Climate Change, the Caribbean, & Emotional Weight of the Work
24:51 Hope, Innovation, & Adapting Human Behavior
26:30 Final Reflections on Impact & Legacy

🔗 Connect with Jose & Keith

Connectwith Keith on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn:/keith-kinch-amazing/

Connectwith Jose!
💼 LinkedIn:/jose-almanzar-esq
📷Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney
🔗Linktree: linktr.ee/jalmanzar

🎵 MusicCredit - Kwae: 📷Instagram: @kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram:@logic9uy_art

📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing inthis podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorneyadvertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host,their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host andtheir guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers.By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into anattorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or theirguests.

Feeling drained by the job hunt? You're not alone—and thisepisode is for you.
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Lauren Celano, careerstrategist and CEO of Propel Careers, to explore the realities of job search burnout. We talk abouthow to recognize the signs, strategies to stay mentally and emotionallyresilient, and how to avoid the trap of endlessly applying to online postings.

Lauren shares practical ways to uncover “hidden”opportunities and how to build meaningful career momentum, even when the searchfeels stagnant. Whether you’re early in your environmental or science career ormaking a mid-career pivot, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionableadvice.

🎧 You’ll learn:

·       How to spot early signs ofburnout (and what to do about it)

·       Tips to stay grounded andhopeful during long searches

·       Smart strategies to tap intothe hidden job market

·       How relationship-building canunlock your next opportunity

💡 This episode is amust-listen for job seekers who want to feel empowered, not exhausted.

Connectwith Lauren on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn:in/laurencelano/

Connectwith Jose!
💼 LinkedIn:/jose-almanzar-esq
📷Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney

🎵 MusicCredit - Kwae: 📷Instagram: @kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram:@logic9uy_art

📢DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast isnot attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by thepodcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by thepodcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions oftheir employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not enteringinto an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host ortheir guests.

In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Pete Rose, Director of Stakeholder Relations at Hydro-Quebec, North America's largest producer of renewable energy. Pete shares his incredible journey, from working at UNICEF and the Government of Quebec to working for a global leader in the renewable energy sector.

We dive into:✅ Pete’s path into the renewable energy industry✅ The concept that every job can be a green job with the right mindset✅ His surprising love for Saturday Night Live (SNL) 🌐✅ Valuable insights for anyone pursuing a sustainability career

Pete’s story is a testament to how diverse experiences can lead to a fulfilling career in sustainability. Whether you’re passionate about renewable energy, career growth, or just curious about green careers, this conversation is packed with inspiration.

🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Green Collar Careers content!

#GreenCollarCareers #SustainabilityCareers #RenewableEnergy #CareerJourney #HydroQuebec #StakeholderRelations #GreenJobs #SustainableCareers #EnvironmentalLaw #ClimateChangeCareers #ClimateChange #GreenJobs

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

01:09 – The Pete Rose Name

03:13 – Pete’s Career Background 

07:05 – Champlain-Hudson Power Express Project

10:18 – What Does Hydro-Québec Do?

13:04 – What Does Pete Do For H-Q?

15:14 – Pete’s Educational & Experience Background

21:10 – $40M “Green Economy Fund”

29:10 – Anything Can Be A Green Job

35:54 – Advice for Young Professionals

45:25 – Advice for Experienced Professionals

48:46 – Resources

53:14 – Pete the Movie & SNL Buff??

49:00 – Final Words

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn!

 💼 LinkedIn: in/peter-rose-003b8/

Connect with Jose!

 📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney

 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq

🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art

📢 DISCLAIMER:

 Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.

In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Dusten Hendrickson, real estate developer and founder of Mailbox Money Real Estate and Private Equity, for an inspiring conversation about sustainable building, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Dusten shares his incredible journey from working as a roofer to becoming a business owner, offering valuable insights on self-awareness, learning from failure, and creating market-affordable, sustainably designed homes. 

Whether you’re considering a career pivot or passionate about sustainability in real estate, this conversation is packed with wisdom and motivation!

✨ In this episode, we explore:

✅ How self-awareness shapes career paths

✅ Learning through trial, error, and failure

✅ Integrating sustainability into real estate development

#GreenCollarCareers #Sustainability #RealEstateDevelopment #CareerJourney #Entrepreneurship #GreenBuilding #AffordableHousing #SustainabilityCareers

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction

4:10 - Business Background

9:26 - Building Efficiency Measures

13:03 - Energy Efficiency Measures

20:21 - Early Childhood

23:08 - Educational + Professional Background

28:27 - Advice to Younger Self

33:10 - Opportunities in Green Real Estate

36:05 - Advice to Experienced Professionals

39:53 - Learning From Mistakes & Failure

41:23 - Final Words of Advice

42:33 - Parenting Discussion

Connect with Dusten on LinkedIn!

 💼 LinkedIn: /dusten-hendrickson/

Connect with Jose!

 📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney

 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq

🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic

 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art

📢 DISCLAIMER:

 Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.

Power Up with Mentors- : Discussion with Marisa Blackshire of Bloom Energy | Green Collar Careers Podcast

In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Marisa Blackshire, Vice President of Environment & Regulatory Law at Bloom Energy, for an insightful and uplifting conversation about mentorship, career flexibility, and diversity in environmental law.

Marisa shares her incredible journey from aspiring professional to industry leader, offering invaluable advice on navigating career transitions, embracing opportunities, and the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of environmental professionals. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned expert, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration!

✨ In this episode, we explore: ✅ The importance of mentorship and paying it forward ✅ Why being flexible in your job search opens unexpected doors ✅ Career advice for young and experienced professionals alike

#GreenCollarCareers #EnvironmentalLaw #Sustainability #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #DiversityInLaw #Podcast #GreenCareers #SustainabilityCareers

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Marisa’s Childhood04:02 - Early Legal & Environmental Interests05:30 - Early Career & Education10:52 - Law School Interests12:57 - Mentorship Programs20:51 - Seeking a Mentor22:38 - Mentee Etiquette26:22 - Advice for Young Professionals29:28 - Advice for Experienced Professionals34:12 - Marisa’s Role at Bloom Energy40:53 - Diversity in Environmental Law43:01 - Final Words

Connect with Marisa on LinkedIn! 💼 LinkedIn: /marisa-blackshire-esq

Connect with Jose! 📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq

🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art

📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.

In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Mary Gerding, Managing Director of Environmental Risk at Hylant. We dive into her journey into environmental insurance, what it’s like to navigate risk assessments in the environmental space, and how the industry plays a crucial role in the cleanup of contaminated sites.

Mary shares valuable insights into the skills needed to succeed in this field, the challenges of environmental risk management, and how aspiring professionals can break into the industry. Whether you're considering a career in environmental insurance, looking for inspiration, or just interested in how risk management influences the environmental space, this conversation offers a unique and informative perspective.

🎧 Join me as we explore the intersection of environmental risk, insurance and green careers!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:04:56 - Environmental Insurance 101

00:06:15 - Professional Background & Journey: Admin to Expert 

00:15:30 - Breaking into the Environmental Industry

00:25:44 - Advice for Seasoned Professionals 

00:28:59 - Final Thoughts & A Special Movie Recommendation

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn

 💼 LinkedIn: /mary-gerding-8a6b4440/

Connect with Jose!

📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq

🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art 

📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.