Melanie Nakagawa

Melanie Nakagawa is one of the most important people of our generation trying to combat climate change, she has held some of the most prestigious positions in the world and has advised none other than the president of the United States on such issues. Her contribution to the current climate change and sustainability policies worldwide undeniable, she is currently the Chief Sustainability Officer for Microsoft. As a speaker, Melanie is able to advise on climate strategy: including aligning investment, technology and policy to address climate change, environmental sustainability, and impact investing.

Before starting her prominent career in sustainability and climate change, Melanie earned a BA from Brown University, an MA in International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service, and finally, a JD from the American University Washington College of Law. Originally beginning her career in Law as an attorney at the Natural Resources Defence Council, Melanie soon followed her passion and worked as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the US Government. In 2013 she then became a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff under John Kerry; as well as leading a number of portfolios on climate change, environment, energy and environmental conversation, she also provided guidance on some of the climate change and key environmental issues.

Having committed herself to working towards a more sustainable future, in 2015 Melanie then became the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Transformation where she also helped other countries in their efforts to address their sustainability and energy commitments. She would then also hold the positions of the Non-Resident Fellow for Centre on Global Energy Policy, the Director of Climate Strategy for Princeville Capital, and under Joe Biden’s Office, Melanie was named as the Specialist Assistant to the President of the United States and Senior Director for Climate and Energy. During this role she would help the U.S return to the Paris Agreement.

With quite the resumé to her name, Melanie’s expertise within the environmental sustainability field is undeniable. To add to this already impressive list, it was announced in January 2023 Melanie would become the Corporate Vice President and Chief Sustainability Expert for Microsoft. With nearly two decades of experience within her field, Melanie’s second-to-none knowledge will be vital in helping Microsoft achieve their vision of becoming carbon negative by 2030. If you are looking for an expert in sustainability, climate change and investment strategy, look no further than Melanie Nakagawa to hire at your next event.