Ryan Sholin (Cohort 3)
“I was part of Cohort 3 of OPFA and started using what I learned in our company to drive emissions measurement and decarbonization decisions. The OPFA community has been a source of inspiration and information from day one through now. I’m still attending OPFA events and learning from everything the team and community share online.”
Shea Gilman (Cohort 6)
“I joined OPF Academy to bridge the gap between theory and practice. My degree didn’t give me the hands-on skills or network I needed, but OPF did. The OPF community helped me realize that climate work can happen anywhere—even in roles not explicitly labeled “sustainability.” I learned to stop boxing myself in and instead ask: How do I want to feel about my work? That led me to my new job.”
Konrad Schlarbaum (Cohort 6)
“While in between jobs, I noticed gaps in my skills and experience that I wanted to address to support sustainability efforts more effectively. Certifications seemed overwhelming in terms of time and cost, but OPFA offered a practical and hands-on approach that resonated with me. Receiving a scholarship allowed me to participate in this impactful program, where I gained both technical skills and a supportive network of sustainability professionals.”
Gerardo Aguilar (Cohort 5)
“The Academy gave me in depth knowledge of Corporate Sustainability such as CDP, ISO, LCA, and GHG it contained everything I needed to be knowledgeable to get internships and interviews, now I am putting this knowledge and my experiences to use during my interviews to land my first ever Sustainability-Climate role!”
Jared Ward (Cohort 2)
“If you're seeking a career pivot, wanting to build your sustainability acumen, or looking to network with like-minded professionals, OPFA is a great opportunity to do all three”