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����̽̽’s (����̽̽) Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program recently hosted Kate Williams, the CEO of 1% for the Planet, as part of the Innovators in Residence series. Her talk highlighted the power of collective impact, her journey into leadership, and how 1% for the Planet continues to inspire businesses worldwide to accelerate environmental giving, helping people and planet thrive. Kate’s visit reinforced her ongoing connection with SI-MBA, where two alumni, Taran Catania (Chief of Staff) and Jenny Kalanges (VP of Impact), now contribute to 1% for the Planet’s mission.

The Impact of 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet, headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, is a global movement that began with a $6 donation to a salmon habitat nonprofit and has since directed over $675 million toward environmental causes. Founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews, the organization certifies businesses that commit 1% of their annual revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Kate explained the organization’s evolution from an idea to a global force, supported by over 5,200 business members across 60+ industries and 100+ countries. These businesses work with 6,800 nonprofit partners to address four impact areas: rights to nature, conservation and restoration, resilient communities, and just economies. This scalable model demonstrates how individual company efforts can aggregate into powerful global change.

From $6 to $675M+

Kate’s reflection on 1% for the Planet’s journey emphasized that progress is not solely about innovation but also effective implementation. “Small actions, repeated again and again and again, are how we change the world,” she said, underscoring the organization’s role in driving impact at scale. Kate’s commitment to “progress, not perfection” resonates with SI-MBA’s emphasis on pragmatic sustainability.

Building a Movement for the Future

Kate’s leadership journey was sparked by a transformative experience leading a wilderness group through emergency evacuation at the age of 18. Ever since, she has been searching for opportunities that align with the thrill and purpose of organizing people around shared challenges and solutions. Marking a decade as the organization’s CEO, under Kate’s leadership, 1% for the Planet has refined its strategic focus to adapt and thrive. The organization continues to expand its footprint, with a growing business development team targeting key markets like the UK and Europe. Recognizing that the model is built for resilience amidst political and economic shifts, Kate stressed the importance of partnerships at the intersection of government, business, and NGOs. “This is not philanthropy,” Yvon Chouinard, co-founder of 1% for the Planet, has said. “This is paying rent for our use of the planet.”

Looking Ahead

Kate’s visit reaffirmed the importance of inspiring businesses to act boldly and transparently. By empowering companies to integrate environmental contributions into their operations, 1% for the Planet creates a ripple effect of positive change. As Kate aptly stated, “For things to take hold and drive change, implementation matters as much as invention.”

Her talk not only illuminated the remarkable achievements of 1% for the Planet but also energized SI-MBA students to consider their role in driving sustainable change. Whether by committing to environmental stewardship or fostering cross-sector solutions, Kate’s message was clear: small, consistent actions can change the world.

About the Author
Emily Listowich is a current SI-MBA student with a background in outdoor recreation advocacy, nonprofit development, and creative storytelling. A proud Vermont transplant, Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree from ����̽̽’s Rubenstein School in 2018, where she focused on Natural Resources and Community Development. Her professional experience includes managing multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, directing national film tours, and co-founding ����̽̽’s , a club dedicated to inclusivity in snowsports. Passionate about mission-driven work and cross-sector collaboration, Emily aspires to build bridges between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds to strengthen Vermont's communities and economy.