2026 Speakers
Chris Enlow
B Consultant | Fractional Sustainability Leaders Collective
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Chris’s approach to sustainability is grounded in action—driven by a sense of duty of care and a belief that values must be operationalized to create lasting change. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Education from the College of Charleston and his Master’s in Recreation Management from Arizona State University, he joined the Peace Corps and served in rural Bulgaria, focusing on environmental education and trail restoration. That experience sparked a lifelong focus on turning good intentions into tangible impact. Following his work in the non-profit sector, Chris helped to establish and build the sustainability program at KEEN—phasing out harmful chemicals, shaping responsible sourcing standards, and aligning business operations with environmental values. Today, he advises companies in his Futurescapes Consulting practice on integrating sustainability into supply chains, compliance systems, and community impact strategies.
Based in Portland, Chris draws inspiration and grounding from Oregon’s wild landscapes—especially time spent surfing and meditating. He has dedicated many years to nonprofit service and currently serves on the boards of Oregon Wild and the Oregon Sustainability Board, bringing both purpose and practice to his governance work.
Dr. Janice Lao
VP Regulations & Compliance | Helen of Troy
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Dr. Janice Lao is an internationally multi-awarded environmental scientist and economist working with businesses to operate in a manner that creates holistic value for all. She has over 20 years experience working in the field of corporate sustainability, and in the past 10 years as head of sustainability for several publicly listed companies based in Asia, Europe, and the United States. She is currently VP- Regulatory, Sustainability & Governance for consumer goods company Helen of Troy. At 30, she developed the initial mathematical and economic modeling that was the basis for international aviation’s carbon-neutral growth strategy. She also originated and led some of the “first in the industry” sustainable financial deals, from green bonds to M&A. Her work has been recognized by Forbes Magazineas one of the world’s most influential female sustainability leaders, Fortune Magazine and others, often as the only Asian, and one of the youngest, in their lists. She graduated from the University of Oxford as a British Chevening scholar and at Prescott College with a PhD in Sustainability Education. She also co-wrote a climate change book “Sparky & Benny’s Big Home Mystery” with her daughter, Esther. Her new children’s book “Penguins Can Fly, Right?”, co-authored with her son, Isaac, is now out.
Laura Kinman
Founder | Coastal Range Collective
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Laura Kinman is the founder of Coastal Range Collective, a sustainable women’s coastal apparel brand rooted in function, longevity, and thoughtful design. She spent over a decade at Patagonia leading women’s lifestyle product, helping bring to life some of the outdoor industry’s most influential sustainability and social initiatives.
In January 2025, Laura launched Coastal Range Collective to explore how industry-leading practices once implemented at global scale can be adapted to a small, independent business. Through her work, she shares lessons on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and redefining impact beyond traditional measures of scale.
More Speakers info are coming soon!
Jake Higdon
Fellow | California Forward
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Jake Higdon is a fellow at California Forward and Center for Public Enterprise. He most recently served as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he worked to implement the Biden-Harris Administration’s industrial strategy, craft Inflation Reduction Act tax guidance, and launch new clean energy manufacturing and infrastructure programs.
Prior to joining DOE, Jake advanced national energy and climate policy in roles at Environmental Defense Fund, Data for Progress, Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, and the Obama White House. He holds an M.P.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill.

