Chika Acholonu
About Chika Acholonu
Chika Acholonu serves as the Associate Director of ESG at Verdani Partners, where she has held various roles since 2018. She has a background in sustainability, having worked with multiple organizations to improve ESG scores and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Current Role at Verdani Partners
Chika Acholonu currently serves as the Associate Director of ESG at Verdani Partners, a position held since 2021. In this role, Acholonu focuses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, leveraging expertise in sustainability to drive impactful strategies. Acholonu has also served as the account manager for two publicly traded clients, emphasizing ESG reporting and climate risk assessment. This position builds on previous roles within the organization, showcasing a progression in responsibilities and leadership in sustainability efforts.
Previous Experience at Verdani Partners
Chika Acholonu has held multiple positions at Verdani Partners, including Sustainability Manager, Sustainability Coordinator, and Associate Sustainability Manager. Acholonu's tenure at Verdani spanned from 2018 to 2021, during which significant contributions were made to sustainability projects. Acholonu chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, aiding in the development of Verdani's DEI program and services. Acholonu also contributed to blog posts discussing SEC climate disclosure rules and served as a content advisor for a white paper on ESG reporting frameworks.
Internships and Early Career
Chika Acholonu began her career with various internships focused on sustainability. Notable positions include a Sustainability Intern role at the City of Issaquah and a Climate Engagement Specialist position at Woodland Park Zoo. Additionally, Acholonu interned at Spectrum Health and the University of Washington Sustainability, where she served as a Green Laboratory Intern and Green Office Coordinator. These early experiences provided a foundation in sustainability practices and engagement.
Education and Qualifications
Chika Acholonu earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the University of Washington, completing her studies from 2011 to 2015. In addition to her degree, Acholonu holds certifications as a LEED Green Associate and a FITWEL Ambassador, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable building practices and health-focused design.
Achievements in ESG and Sustainability
Chika Acholonu has made notable contributions to ESG performance for clients. In 2022, she assisted a client in improving its CDP Climate Change score from a C to a B and enhanced another client's S&P Global ESG score by 14%. Acholonu facilitated an all-staff listening session to gather feedback on DEI perceptions and drafted Verdani's first annual DEI budget, reflecting her leadership in fostering an inclusive workplace.