Welcoming Our New Board Directors and DELs for 2025-2026

Sam joined the DELs because he realizes how important connecting like-minded people and building a local community is for sustained change to happen. Having organizations foster real life connections that can last a lifetime are irreplaceable within the modern social media era. He also believes in the Delta Institute’s core principles of collaborating on sustainable, resilient, and equitable projects. Sam has spent the last 3 years helping companies from many sectors such as oil/gas, pharmaceutical, and airline find ways to digitize and streamline their Health, Safety and Environmental compliance programs. He always looks at every problem like a puzzle and thoroughly enjoys finding innovative solutions to complex issues. Sam holds B.S. degrees in both Environmental Science and Computer Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sam began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.

Chelsey became introduced to Delta Institute in 2024 when she was selected to be placed as a finalist for Delta’s BOOST program for her start-up, Candid Hues, a beauty brand that prioritizes environmental responsibility and social equity. Her passion for meaningful advocacy is rooted in a deep personal legacy, as she is a descendant of Linda Brown, whose role in Brown v. Board of Education helped catalyze national progress toward educational equality. Chelsey also has years of experience in experiential marketing, leading brand initiatives, developing community partnerships, and coordinating mission-driven events in both corporate and nonprofit settings. She holds a Master of Arts in Entrepreneurship from Columbia College Chicago and a Bachelor of Psychology from University of Kansas. Chelsey began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.

Ben is an experienced consultant with a background in renewable energy and electric utilities. Through his work, he has seen the importance of keeping sustainability at the forefront of infrastructure development. Ben joined DELs because he wants to drive meaningful environmental change and build connections across the community. He has a particular interest in sustainable agriculture (his first job was on a farm in Central Massachusetts) and feels we have a collective responsibility for agricultural development. Ben currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. Ben began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.

Jackie is a strategic communications consultant and clean energy specialist. Her experience spans across energy, industrials, financial services, and cybersecurity, with a focus on sustainability and ESG issues. She helps clients with profile raising on global and local stages, developing and executing tailored programs for communications, media relations, and executive positioning, as well as milestones like brand launches and ESG reports. Outside of work, Jackie is an avid climber and painter and can often be found attending live music shows at one of the many venues across Chicago. Jackie began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.

Neha joined the DELs to connect with a passionate community of Chicagoans working at the intersection of sustainability, science communication, and equity. She is excited to contribute to an organization driving impact through collaborative, systems-based solutions. Neha recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Chemistry and minors in Sustainability and Science Communication. She currently works as a Scientist I at Thermo Fisher Scientific and as a Youth Action Team Lead and social media manager with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, where she leads chapter engagement, national lobbying and storytelling efforts. Outside of work, she enjoys art, farmers’ market mornings, running, and creating lifestyle content focused on wellness and climate optimism. Neha began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.

Joevita’s interest in sustainability and the environment peaked during a college course titled Climate Change and Philosophy. Energized by that spark, Joevita embarked on 6 years of environmental classes, internships, and jobs. She now works as an e-procurement consultant at Accenture but is eager to re-engage professionally in the sustainability field. Joevita is drawn to the Delta Institute because of its commitment to tackling climate change solutions in the Midwest. Having grown up in the region, Joevita believes community involvement in these initiatives is invaluable. Joevita holds a B. A in Environmental Geosciences from DePauw University. Her experience includes internships and positions with Climate Central, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars, and the City of South Bend. When out of the office, she enjoys hiking, baking, keeping her plants alive, and ceramics. Joevita began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.

Charlie is an Energy Professional focused on supporting environmental sustainability and grid resiliency through his work in the renewable energy space. He works across the U.S. for Cordelio Power, a renewable energy developer / IPP, supporting grid scale battery storage and wind installations via strategic siting and offtake negotiations. Prior to Cordelio he worked for L.E.K. Consulting managing teams of people focused on solving businesses’ largest strategic questions, particularly focused on the Energy and Environment and Agriculture verticals. Originally from Minnesota, Charlie lives in Chicago where he enjoys running, kayaking, checking out new bookstores, and Cubs games. Outside of the city he enjoys hiking, skiing, and camping whenever he’s able to. He studied Business Analytics and Economics at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 2020. Charlie began volunteering on the DELs in 2025.