Steven Carlson
About Steven Carlson
Steven Carlson serves as the Head of Design and Development, currently advising and mentoring at Youth Climate Leaders and working with various organizations focused on sustainable development and the Amazon rainforest. He has a diverse background in environmental initiatives, partnerships, and education, with extensive experience in both the United States and Brazil.
Current Roles in Climate and Environmental Organizations
Steven Carlson currently holds multiple positions in organizations focused on climate and environmental sustainability. He serves as an Advisor & Mentor at Youth Climate Leaders (YCL) since 2023, working remotely from Brazil. Additionally, he is an Affiliate at JumpScale and a Team Lead for Water Corps at Water Innovation Advisors, both roles initiated in 2023 and based in the United States. Carlson also contributes as an Advisor at One Better World Collective since 2020 and is involved with the Amazon Bioeconomy Chamber as a member of the Executive Development Committee, also since 2023.
Experience in Climate Programs and Special Projects
Carlson has a significant background in climate programs, having previously worked at Youth Climate Leaders as the Climate Programs & Special Projects Lead from 2019 to 2023. During this time, he focused on initiatives that promote youth engagement in climate action. His experience also includes roles in various organizations where he developed partnerships and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable practices and environmental education.
Educational Background and Specializations
Steven Carlson has a diverse educational background. He studied Political Science at Western Michigan University and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Communication and Portuguese & Brazilian Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Management of Socio-environmental Business at USP - Universidade de São Paulo. Additionally, he has pursued studies in International and Intercultural Communication at the College of Lake County.
Founding Team Member and Leadership Roles
Carlson has played a pivotal role in establishing a 'Pan-Amazonian' presence in the U.S. to support the bioeconomy of the Amazon rainforest. He was a founding team member and U.S. Director at campus b from 2013 to 2015 and later served as Chief Strategy Officer from 2018 to 2019. His leadership roles have involved working with a range of stakeholders, including businesses and investors, to promote sustainable development initiatives.
Volunteer and Internship Experience
Throughout his career, Carlson has engaged in various volunteer and internship roles that have contributed to his professional development. He volunteered at Clean Energy Trust in 2015 and held internships at the Michigan House of Representatives and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. These experiences have provided him with insights into public policy, community engagement, and organizational development.