Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Maya Bhandari is an accomplished Sustainability Manager with a diverse portfolio of experience in the academic, non-profit, and entrepreneurial sectors. With a strong background in sustainability, finance, and project management, she is dedicated to driving positive environmental and social impact.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Sustainability Manager, University of California Office of the President (2024-07-01 to Present)

• Responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives across the UC system, collaborating with stakeholders to reduce the university's environmental footprint.

• Spearheaded the implementation of a campus-wide renewable energy program, resulting in a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Oversees the management of the UC Green Initiative Fund, allocating grants to student-led sustainability projects.

Sustainability Manager, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (2024-08-01 to Present)

• Manages the laboratory's sustainability strategy, optimizing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource conservation.

• Leads cross-functional teams to identify and implement sustainable practices, contributing to SLAC's recognition as a leader in environmental stewardship.

• Collaborates with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and share best practices in sustainable laboratory operations.

Director of Finance, Indian Students Association, Berkeley (2024-06-01 to Present)

• Oversees the financial management and budgeting for the organization, ensuring responsible and transparent use of funds.

• Develops financial strategies to support the association's cultural, educational, and community outreach initiatives.

• Mentors student leaders in financial planning and resource allocation.

Consulting Analyst, Amperon and AgFunder, Sustainable Entrepreneurship At Berkeley (2024-01-01 to Present)

• Provides analytical and strategic support to early-stage sustainable startups, leveraging expertise in financial modeling, market analysis, and business development.

• Collaborates with founders to identify growth opportunities and optimize operational efficiency.

• Contributes to the curation and evaluation of investment opportunities for the AgFunder venture capital fund.

Voting Committee Member, The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) (2023-08-01 to Present)

• Serves on the committee that evaluates and approves funding for student-led sustainability projects on the UC Berkeley campus.

• Provides expert guidance on the feasibility and impact of proposed initiatives, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources.

• Mentors student applicants in developing comprehensive project proposals and securing funding.

Past Roles

Maya's previous experience includes roles as a Venture Capital and Technology Fellow at Future Heights Ventures, a Business and Technology Strategy Intern at ProVeg International, and various leadership positions in student organizations at UC Berkeley, such as Director of Philanthropy at Delta Sigma Sorority and Finance Coordinator at the Indian Students Association.

Academic Background

Maya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with honors. During her undergraduate studies, she was actively involved in sustainability research and advocacy initiatives, including serving as an Environmental Justice Education Coordinator for the Associated Students of the University of California.

Areas of Expertise

• Sustainability strategy and implementation

• Environmental impact assessment and optimization

• Renewable energy and energy efficiency

• Waste reduction and resource conservation

• Financial management and budgeting

• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration

• Project management and process improvement

• Entrepreneurship and early-stage venture support

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the implementation of a campus-wide renewable energy program at the University of California, resulting in a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Managed the allocation of over $500,000 in grants from the UC Green Initiative Fund to support student-led sustainability projects.

• Contributed to the development and adoption of sustainable best practices in laboratory operations at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

• Provided strategic and analytical support to several early-stage sustainable startups, helping them optimize their operations and secure funding.

Conclusion

Maya Bhandari is a driven and accomplished Sustainability Manager with a proven track record of driving positive environmental and social impact. Her diverse experience, technical expertise, and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset in advancing sustainability initiatives across academic, non-profit, and entrepreneurial sectors. Maya is committed to continuing her professional growth and contributing to a more sustainable future.