Weslynne Ashton

Weslynne Ashton is a Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a leading voice on sustainable systems and the circular economy. A sustainable systems scientist, Weslynne explores how socially and environmentally responsible strategies are adopted in practice. With her expertise sitting at the intersection of business, innovation, science and social impact, Weslynne is now a popular keynote speaker who expertly translates complex sustainability challenges into clear, practical strategies. 

Following her graduation with an SB in Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Weslynne began her decorated career working as an Environmental Scientist for Gradient Corporation and a General Manager of Technology Experts Caribbean Holdings. In 2003, Weslynne began PhD studies, graduating in 2008 with a PhD in Environmental Science from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Upon her graduation, Weslynne began work as an Associate Research Scientist at Yale, in addition to being the Director of the Program on Industrial Ecology in Developing Countries.

In 2010, Weslynne was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology, a role in which she taught studies in environmental management and sustainability. In 2018, she spent a one-year sabbatical with a Jefferson Science Fellowship at USAID, before returning to the Illinois Institute of Technology as an Associate Professor. Today, Weslynne holds a joint appointment at the Stuart School of Business and the Institute of Design, along with the responsibility of co-directing the Food Systems Action Lab. She has also led Illinois Tech’s Purpose Council and their Civic Engagement Task Force. In recognition of her thought leadership, Weslynne was named as part of the Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2024 as the recipient of the Thinkers50 Radar Award. 

With a decorated career in sustainable systems science, Weslynne is now hired as a leading keynote speaker to share her detailed thought leadership. Bringing clarity and urgency to sustainability, Weslynne helps leaders to see the value in sustainability and the circular economy. In the food industry, Weslynne translates complex sustainability challenges into action, such as explaining the impact of regenerative supply chains. Emphasising equity and justice within sustainability, in particular of urban food systems, Weslynne Ashton is a revered sustainability expert who should not be missed as a keynote speaker at events.