Noelle Chantarasap has always been passionate about environmental studies. But it was her experience in Virginia Tech’s Master of Natural Resources program that empowered her to become a true leader in the field.

“I’ve always been passionate about environmental studies, which is why I majored in environmental economics,” Chantarasap said. “Working in oil and gas, I saw the environmental and social impacts firsthand. That led me to focus on sustainability.”

Chantarasap’s journey to sustainability leadership began with a move from Thailand to the United States. She wanted to expand her knowledge of sustainability trends in the U.S., and the College of Natural Resources and Environment offered the ideal opportunity.

Exploring Buenos Aires' sustainability focused urban planning
The 2022 Argentina global issues class in downtown Buenos Aires.
“I learned that leadership is really about working with people and getting the best results through collaboration.”
— Darryl Campbell, recent graduate of the Executive Master of Natural Resources program

“The Master of Natural Resources program at Virginia Tech was perfect for that,” Chantarasap said. “It covered ecosystems, environmental and social sustainability, and even global studies. For example, I traveled to Argentina to learn how they handle water issues, which ties into civil rights. It was all interconnected and it was extremely valuable.”

She wasn’t the only one who found the programs offered in the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability powerful.

Darryl Campbell, a recent graduate of the Executive Master of Natural Resources program, has always had a passion for helping people. But it wasn’t until he enrolled in the program that he discovered how to combine his background in psychology and contracting with his desire to make a positive impact on the world.

“I learned that leadership is really about working with people and getting the best results through collaboration,” Campbell said. “You have to understand where people are coming from and how to communicate with them.”

Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca – the Botanical Gardens of Oaxaca. From left Ben Gager, Darryl Campbell, Kenny Eye
The splendid view while entering Teotihuacán.

Visitors lined up across from each other as they would for ceremonies, then clapped to hear the sound echo throughout the site. This demonstrated why the ancient people built the area and how they felt connected through their ritual. As the sounds echo back and forth, the tour guide described hearing hundreds of people praying and cheering along with the priest and explained that it would align the society for the ceremony.

Visitors line up as they would in a ceremony then clapped to hear the sound echo throughout the site.
The echoes of the ancients – clapping at Teotihuacán. From left Jen Halstead, Ginny Johnson, Bruna Brito, Katy Riley, Yazmeen Rodrigues, Ryan Westpfahl, Brenda van Gelder, Trish Savage, Kaycie Lassiter.

The program also helped Campbell develop valuable skills in systems analysis and perspective-taking, which have been instrumental in his work in contracting and negotiations.

“Systems analysis was something I understood before, but now I have a much deeper understanding of inputs and outputs,” he said. “I’ve also developed true confidence in my abilities. I always thought I was confident, but now it’s real. I know I can make the right decisions. Perspective-taking is another big skill—I’m much better at understanding different viewpoints and asking the right questions to connect with people.”

Campbell is now putting his newfound skills and confidence to work in Southwest Virginia, where he is starting a company to help communities secure funding for sustainability projects.

“My experience is in contracting and negotiations, and I believe there are a lot of opportunities for communities to get grants for projects,” Campbell said. “I want to help with that. There are so many people with big ideas, but they don’t know how to expand beyond their local community or get the funding they need. I want to help them get that funding, whether it’s for a park, a river, or something else.”

“The program helped me learn how to communicate in a way that’s positive and engaging, rather than overwhelming or fear-inducing.”
— Noelle Chantarasap, recent graduate of the Master of Natural Resources program

For Chantarasap, developing valuable skills in climate resiliency and adaptation have been particularly useful in her current role at Clearway Energy Group, one of the largest renewable energy companies in the U.S.

“My climate resiliency and adaptation class was fascinating because most companies focus on mitigating climate impacts, but very few think about how to strengthen their assets and communities to handle those impacts,” Chantarasap said. “In my current role, that perspective has been incredibly useful, especially when looking at how to protect against things like hurricanes and storm surges.”

In addition to technical skills, both programs offered by the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability emphasize leadership and communication – skills that are essential for success.

“In sustainability, you often need to explain complex topics to people who don’t have the same background,” Chantarasap said. “The program helped me learn how to communicate in a way that’s positive and engaging, rather than overwhelming or fear-inducing.”

Chantarasap and Campbell’s experience in the two programs has not only helped their careers but has also given them the confidence and skills to make a difference in the world.

“Through true communication and collaboration, any goal is achievable,” Chantarasap said. “We need to expand our boundaries and work together. Partnerships are key, and it’s important to approach things with positivity and hope for the future.”

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