Anna Steffens
About Anna Steffens
Anna Steffens serves as the Associate Director of Sustainability at Apeel Sciences, where she leads initiatives focused on sustainable practices and corporate responsibility. With over 15 years of experience in the field, she has successfully managed projects such as a food recovery program and secured grants for agricultural innovation in Kenya.
Work at Apeel
Anna Steffens serves as the Associate Director of Sustainability at Apeel Sciences, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she leads initiatives focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility. She has been instrumental in publishing Corporate Responsibility reports, which detail the company's sustainability efforts and achievements. Additionally, Anna is a member of Apeel's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, contributing to the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Previous Experience in Corporate Responsibility
Before joining Apeel, Anna Steffens worked at ALDI USA as the Senior Corporate Responsibility Manager from 2012 to 2020. During her tenure, she achieved significant sustainable product goals, including the implementation of 100% sustainable palm oil and seafood. Prior to ALDI, she held the position of Senior Associate in Advisory Services at AccountAbility from 2010 to 2012, where she focused on corporate responsibility strategies. Her career also includes experience as a Client Executive at Burson-Marsteller from 2007 to 2010.
Education and Expertise
Anna Steffens studied at Northwestern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from 2004 to 2005. She also participated in a study abroad program at Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen from 2005 to 2006. With over 15 years of experience in corporate responsibility and sustainability, Anna has developed expertise in managing social conditions and human rights monitoring programs in over 700 factories.
Achievements in Sustainability Initiatives
Anna Steffens has successfully secured a grant from the World Food Programme's Innovation Accelerator, leading a pilot project in Kenya that focused on smallholder avocado farmers. She launched a food recovery program that significantly increased donations from 6 million pounds to 25 million pounds. Additionally, she developed a community strategy that included managing $3 million in annual giving and establishing an employee assistance fund.
Language Skills and Personal Interests
Anna Steffens is fluent in German, a skill she has maintained since her study abroad experience in Germany. Outside of her professional work, she has over 30 years of experience as a harpist, which she pursues as a side hustle through her website, harpbyanna.com.