Portland, Oregon, United States
Vien has led on sustainability across the public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors. She advises lawmakers, companies, universities, and foundations on climate strategy, policy, and stakeholder engagement. She has shaped national and international platforms. Vien led Nike's global sustainability engagements. She led the team on internal cross-functional and external partnerships to advance sustainability efforts to drive solutions, including engaging consumers, employees, athletes, industry, and other sectors. She partnerships across consumers, employees, industry, and governments worldwide. She led Tom Steyer's Climate Justice efforts and the climate efforts of the CA Task Force on Business & Jobs Recovery. As CEO of Dream Corps, she built coalitions from Flint activists to Wall Street investors, from celebrity influencers to White House insiders, working at the intersection of climate justice, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunity. Vien developed numerous energy, environmental, and economic policies and programs at the state, federal and local levels. She’s developed strong workforce standards for clean technology sectors, direct investments to diverse cleantech businesses, and create sustainable communities. She co-led the coalition creating the biggest fund in history for frontline communities, which has invested over $9B to communities - a model that has been replicated in other states and nationally. She co-led Charge Ahead, scaling up electric vehicles while ensuring low income communities are not left behind. Vien received numerous congressional, state, regional and local awards for her work. She received a White House Champion of Change award for her work on climate. She was nominated for the UCLA Emerging Environmental “Genius Prize.” Vien was featured in the SF Chronicle one of the “Top Women Leaders.” She has been profiled in Forbes, Shondaland, Parent Magazine, and other major outlets. Both Van Jones’ Beyond the Messy Truth and Steve Philips’ Brown is the New White included profiles of Vien in their NYTimes Bestsellers. She was selected for World 50 Next Women, an exclusive executive program for top global leaders. -- At Harvard, I'm researching how collaborative, cross-sector leadership drives systems change, work that flows directly into my book. I believe the communities most impacted by climate change have the answers. My work is about making sure they also have the power and resources to lead. If you're working at the intersection of climate, equity, and systems change, I'd love to connect.
At Harvard, Vien explores the business case for investing in community climate solutions. Based at the Salata Institute, which is at the intersection of the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Business School, Vien’s work looks at integrating climate risk and sustainability solutions into business resilience, governance, investment, and community outcomes. She collaborates with faculty and multi-disciplinary leaders to develop models for transition finance and place-based investment strategies.
At Eco Equity, we are dedicated to guiding companies, organizations, and governments in advancing sustainable solutions that meet today’s climate challenges. With decades of experience and a proven track record in policy development and strategic advisory, we help you navigate the complexities of environmental change, ensuring that your initiatives not only meet regulatory demands but also set new standards for sustainability. We’re not just advisors; we’re partners in your journey toward sustainability.
Led global team leveraging Nike's brand and influence to drive sustainability targets, developed and executed plans against sustainability pillars, established strategic partnerships to drive our agenda (through June 2024). Led global engagement cross key partner functions, in particular Global and Regional Government and Public Affairs, Purpose Communications, Brand, and Global Community Impact, to deliver sustainability focused positions, platforms and campaign(s) that engage Nike employees, consumers, industry, and other sectors.
Developed and implemented strategy for the Biden/Harris climate surrogates in collaboration with the Climate Engagement Advisory Council (CEAC). My work focused on engaging grassroots leaders, climate justice advocates, elected officials, communities of color, environmental groups, labor, and Native American communities. Partnered with the Biden campaign and PAC team to create digital and online communications strategies to reach voters, particularly climate voters and voters of color in battleground states. Additionally, I helped establish events, build external partnerships, and present the Biden climate platform to diverse groups nationwide.
Played a leading role in the drafting of his Presidential Campaign's Justice-Centered Climate Plan. Developed and implemented strategies to engage diverse and climate-focused voters nationally and in target districts. Served as a surrogate, delivering speeches to diverse audiences across the country. Helped shape the campaign’s communications strategy, crafting talking points, rallying endorsers, and organizing national events to engage key constituents. Developed and implemented strategies to engage diverse and climate-focused voters nationally and in target districts.