Currently
...I am probably petting one of my cats.
Hi there, it's nice to meet you.
I'm Samantha.
A long and winding road–and a few random puffs of wind–have gotten me to where I am today. I have lived in three countries and seven cities since 2013. Nearly nine years of full-time experience in different environments have enabled me to make a positive impact through my work, no matter the location or sector. I work best in creative, dynamic spaces, and have analytical, entrepreneurial, and strategic management experience.
Although I'm not a "car guy," I have a particular affinity for the transportation sector and improving its sustainability. My favorite 2022 work experience was being invited to present at the United Nations-sponsored Global Methane, Climate and Clean Air Forum. I spoke at the Heavy-duty Engines session about a recently developed eco-driving program for Latin America.
Now, if you're still interested, I encourage you to explore my website below, where I have crafted excerpts of my experience and skills in tiny, bite-sized pieces. Enjoy!
Decarbonization Strategy and Program Manager
CHEP
Present
I lead the U.S. decarbonization efforts for CHEP, a pallet pooling company, by collaborating with transport carriers and customers to implement low- and zero-emission vehicles and other strategic solutions to reduce carbon emissions. My team works closely with the global decarbonization team to streamline reporting and comply with global reporting requirements to reduce our scope 3 emissions.
Project Manager, Sustainable Communities and Transportation, Southface Institute and Clean Cities Georgia, Atlanta, GA
2023
I served as Project Manager for two partner non-profit organizations, the Sustainable Communities and Transportation team at Southface Institute (1), which houses Clean Cities Georgia (2). My work revolved around the promotion of electric and other alternative fuel vehicles and their respective infrastructure across Georgia, with heightened attention paid to increasing access to these services for disadvantaged communities. My portfolio included projects with EMPOWER workplace charging, Drive Electric Georgia, and the Dekalb County Clean Energy and Transportation Plan, among others.
Associate, The International Council on Clean Transportation, Washington, DC
2019-23
Latin America Associate Researcher (2022-23)
In this role, I served as ICCT's Chile representative, working with the Ministry of Energy to assist with our bilateral working agreement. I wrote technical research papers in English and Spanish, and I contributed ideas for ICCT's Latin America strategy. I also co-managed EPA's SmartDriver en español driving program and the TUMI e-bus mission.
Communications Associate (2019-21)
I coordinated the Latin America publications and translation processes, and edited trilingual publications and blog posts. I was the content editor for transportpolicy.net and led the Website Team in our main website overhaul to WordPress. I managed interns; helping them in their journeys gave me great pleasure. I also spearheaded the creation and streamlining of comms internal policies and procedures for 50+ new hires over two years.
I have most enjoyed my ICCT work with Chile and ZEBRA because it hones in on my original inspiration: public transportation in Latin America! I rode on one of Chile's first electric bus models before I left in 2019 and the fleet exploded (no, not literally–we'll leave the protests and buses-on-fire story for another time).
Academic and Student Services Coordinator,
Stanford University, Santiago, Chile
2017-19
For nearly three years I enjoyed the stability of helping younger versions of myself make their study-abroad expectations a reality, coordinating their favorite trips and language-exchange events, and planning their painfully rigorous academic courses with some of the top politicians and academics in Chile. Balancing problem-solving for students, the dynamic academic environment, and student expectations versus campus requirements made this a very fun and fulfilling gig. As I reflected on my experience there, I had three main takeaways:
- I am thankful for the hundreds of students I worked with and (hopefully) impacted in some way.
- I am humbled to have worked alongside some of the best (and worst) names in Chilean political history. Thank you, political advocacy class, for teaching me that not all that is different is evil.
- I can happily give tips to anyone wanting to live or travel in South America!
Education
Worthwhile projects for those who need to be in two places at once (read: Can I borrow your time-turner, Hermione?)
M.A., Public Policy and Administration
Northwestern University
2019
I obtained this degree remotely while working for Stanford. I specialized in Global Policy with major projects in:
- Metro networks of Santiago de Chile and their impacts on peripheral low-income populations
B.A., Language and International Trade
Clemson University
2014
The alma mater I pull for on College Football Saturdays, Clemson gifted me with comprehensive Spanish instruction and an opportunity to study a semester abroad in Alicante, Spain. I received an Honors College diploma and Cum Laude Honors, and I wear my Clemson ring with pride... even though they lost to the University of South Carolina in football all four of my years there :')
Welcome to my world: Select jobs, courses, and projects
I have never not been a multi-tasker...
Electromobility and the Energy Transition
2022–23
Electromovilidad y transición energética
I am currently taking a year-long diploma course at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile that covers the green energy transition with respect to green hydrogen, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and the economic impact of these changes
2018–present
Project Planning and Management
2022
Online course through the University of Virginia taken as part of my PMP certificate training (in progress)
ESG Specialization
2022
This Environment, Social & Governance program helped me understand sustainability from the private sector lens, and informs my decisions in ICCT's Equity cluster and in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives
Basic Manuscript Editing
2020
This copyediting course at The University of Chicago helped with my development of a Spanish editorial style guide for ICCT
Trends in Green Tech and Energy
2020
I was invited to moderate the Pacific Council's webcast on the latest trends in renewable energy, energy storage, and electrification. More information and video of the webcast here
National Immigration Forum
2019–20
Participated in 2019 moderations and assisted the digital event transition in 2020 with South Carolina forum staff, bringing people together to discuss immigration and its community implications
2019–20
Served as Spain Country Manager, writing monthly columns in English and Spanish. With my brief experience living in Spain (2013), I was able to work on a UN-inspired initiative with the top 20 GHG emitting countries. Conversations with Greenpeace Spain and the Ministry of Ecological Transition of Spain
2018
Public Policy Center
2016–18
Contributed to the Sociedad en Acción book, a joint project with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile's Center for Public Policy and Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies
Impact Evaluation of Public Programs and Policy
2016
Evaluación de Impacto de Programas y Políticas Públicas
Program designed and led by MIT's Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. I learned about hands-on program creation and how statistical evaluation enables change through policy and government cooperation. Final project about Chilean artisanal startups: Full Spanish version; abbreviated English version
Sammy's English
2015–18
Designed personalized Business English classes to Santiago professionals through the (now defunct) website, Sammy's English. Also served as a translator for the electrical engineering company Sistec Limitada, among other clients
Public Health Clinic Migrant Program
2013–14
Encouraged and provided healthcare access to migrant farmworkers; interpreted patients’ verbal and written health information from Spanish to English for medical providers in South Carolina and the Migrant Clinician’s Network.
This first glimpse into the public sector continues to enlighten me today. I remember these clients' names, their stories, and how although they had nothing to give, they ended up giving me so much more than I could have ever imagined.
