Elisse Roche

After graduating from Columbia University in 2014 (BA, English and Hispanic Studies), I worked at Google as a Product Marketing Manager in brand and qualitative research, social media marketing, and social and environmental impact. It was in this latter position that I founded Google Cloud's "Data for Good" program that aimed to empower nonprofits and social entrepreneurs to apply big data solutions to real-world challenges. The initiatives included: Data Solutions for Change, a nonprofit grant program; Visualize 2030, a data visualization contest for social entrepreneurs; and Circular Economy 2030, a sustainability contest for social entrepreneurs.

During this time, I not only recognized the importance of building private-public sector partnerships in building a better, more equal, and more sustainable future, but also decided to pursue further graduate study so as to help secure that future. As a joint-degree MBA/ MEM candidate -- and as a Consortium and Forté Fellow -- I intend to focus on inclusive climate adaptation strategies, specifically with respect to conservation and equitable resource management. I am also particularly interested in environmental communication and the way in which knowledge can shift perspective, and accordingly, behavior. This past summer, I joined the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (YPCCC) as a Digital Strategist, where I am now responsible for developing marketing strategies in support of YPCCC’s mission to increase the public’s understanding of climate risks and opportunities.

Looking ahead, I intend to work within the public sector, realizing collaborative, climate-positive initiatives that benefit both people and planet.