Tell us about yourself.
My name is Danielle Jewson. I’m from Binghamton, New York, a place that’s known for its carousels and marinated chicken spiedies. I graduated summa cum laude from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a degree in environmental studies with a concentration in communication and a minor in management. I was also a resident assistant in my time at ESF where I was able to meet amazing people and foster a sense of community for many of the incoming undergraduate students. The culture at ESF was that of stewardship and a desire to improve our world and I hope to carry that forward with me into the MBA program. In my semester off between graduation and starting this program I was a substitute teacher at my former high school. In addition to subbing, I traveled a lot and was able to experience some different perspectives on the world that inspired me and my thinking.
In my search to continue my studies and make the changes I wanted to see in the world, I found this MBA in sustainable business practices. I am passionate about sustainability, and I think that businesses are a great place to implement sustainable changes. As a consumer, I want to purchase from businesses that support the missions I care about, and I want to be the one to implement those changes. As a sustainability consultant, I want to be able to go into a company and help them identify problems and see where changes and improvements can be made.
What are you most looking forward to in the One-Year MBA program?
I’m looking forward to learning how to implement changes and work with others that have different backgrounds so I can experience the synergies that can develop from different world views and perspectives. I’m also looking forward to the exposure of real-world situations and developing problem-solving strategies. I’m hoping to absorb as much as I can from people that know more than I do to be able to offer the best ideas and solutions to problems that arise.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?
I’m excited to start making a difference and work towards solving problems in our world. I’m also looking forward to traveling more and experiencing new and different places, ideas, and cultures.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
The most interesting place I have visited is New Zealand. The natural beauty of the fjords and the mountains, as well as the stunningly blue water, was something out of a dream. It was a perfect place to hike and explore, and the people were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The culture there was like nothing else I had ever experienced. The Indigenous culture was highly acknowledged and engrained in their beliefs and day-to-day lives. Their efforts to maintain and preserve their native species were also unique and built upon their love for their home. Their stewardship was impressive, and you could tell that they cared about their world.
What is the best way to start the day?
In my opinion, the best way to start the day is to sleep in! After getting a little bit of extra sleep, I would ideally go to a local coffee shop and get a caramel latte that I can carry with me on a walk in a park. This gets me moving, and out in nature, both of which I find to be very relaxing before I have to return to reality.
Where would you spend all of your time if you could?
I would spend my time in nature. Maybe it would be in Ithaca, New York because of all the waterfalls and the lake nearby. It’s a college town with a lot going on, so it doesn’t get stale. They have lots of art and creativity that are passionately displayed all around the city. Additionally, the people there are very active in their community and care for their neighbors, their environment, and their world. I’ve never been disappointed with a hike around the Gorges because you get to experience the falls from all angles and listen to their soothing sounds. The food in the area also never disappoints! Ideally, my time would be spent exploring with the people I love, whether it be, a new coffee shop, a new trail, or a new continent. Experiencing new things and making new memories is worthwhile and I find it to be enriching and fulfilling.
One-Year MBA 