On this latest episode of Sustainably Speaking, we discuss the emerging generation of thinkers and doers, Generation Z, a group notoriously passionate about building a bright and sustainable future for humanity and the Earth. 

Host Mia Quinn and Gen-Z co-host Carly Zaccaria, sustainability coordinator at the American Chemistry Council talk with noted leader in sustainability Gulay Serhatkulu, senior vice president of performance materials for the North American division of BASF Corporation and mother of an 18-year-old future engineer. 

Tune in to hear this discussion on how Gen-Z’s heightened environmental awareness and demand for positive change is driving a societal and corporate shift toward a more purpose-driven, sustainable culture. 

On This Episode:

Gulay Serhatkulu, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Performance Materials North America, BASF Corporation 

Gulay Serhatkulu is Senior Vice President responsible for the Performance Materials business for BASF Corporation in North America. This business encompasses the entire materials know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof and is globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods.

Gulay joined BASF in 2006 as a technical service representative.  She has held a variety of roles with increasing responsibility within BASF including product management, marketing, sales, strategy and most recently procurement.  Prior to BASF, she earned two postdoctoral appointments at the University of Nottingham, UK and Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan respectively.

Gulay earned and/or did her studies for a PhD, MSc, and a BSc degree from the University of Akron, OH and Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey in the fields of polymer science and engineering, and chemical engineering. Gulay was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She is married and has one son.         

Mia Quin, Senior Director, Plastics Outreach & Public Affairs at American Chemistry Council

Mia Quinn leads efforts to communicate the plastics industry’s major sustainability initiatives. She works to bring together experts to share insights in key areas of sustainability, including public policy, product design, recycling, and infrastructure. 

She is passionate about collaboration, clear communications, and engaging audiences to learn more about and advocate for innovation and modern solutions for our communities and our country.  

Mia has a degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado and is a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two sons.

Carly Zaccaria, Sustainability Coordinator at the American Chemistry Council

Carly Zaccaria recently joined ACC as a sustainability coordinator for the Plastics Division. A Pittsburgh native, she has spent the last 6 years in North Carolina where she received her B.S.B.A in International Business from Elon University and her M.S. in Management from the Duke University Fuqua School of Business. Carly found her passion for sustainability when she interned at the Environmental Defense Fund on the Energy Efficiency Team. Carly looks forward to having a long and fulfilling career ahead of her in sustainability.