Kaity Robbins

Waste Strategy at Whole Foods Market | GreenBiz 30 Under 30

Austin, Texas, United States Contact Info
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About

Resourceful professional with a demonstrated, diverse history of work in waste management and sustainability. Skilled in leadership, strategic planning, program implementation, and data analysis. Passionate about creating change by questioning norms and designing equitable, actionable, data-driven solutions.

Activity

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Experience

  • Whole Foods Market Graphic

    Senior Program Manager for Diversion

    Whole Foods Market

    - Present 2 years 5 months

    Austin, Texas, United States

    In this role, my time is split between strategy, programs, pilots, and data/reporting. Key responsibilities include facilitating cross-functional strategic initiatives with both internal and external stakeholders, developing and launching operational waste programs and employee communications and trainings, overseeing our company-wide food donation program, driving company-wide waste and packaging data collection and reporting efforts inclusive of diversion rate, food waste intensity, packaging…

    In this role, my time is split between strategy, programs, pilots, and data/reporting. Key responsibilities include facilitating cross-functional strategic initiatives with both internal and external stakeholders, developing and launching operational waste programs and employee communications and trainings, overseeing our company-wide food donation program, driving company-wide waste and packaging data collection and reporting efforts inclusive of diversion rate, food waste intensity, packaging footprint, plastic footprint, and establishing partnerships with third parties to accelerate progress towards our waste and packaging goals.

  • Boston University Graphic

    Zero Waste Manager

    Boston University

    - 3 years 2 months

    Greater Boston Area

    As Zero Waste Manager, I was responsible for designing and implementing a Zero Waste strategy university-wide. Using a highly stakeholder-driven approach, I developed a multi-million dollar, 10-year Zero Waste Plan, which included initiatives such as optimization of facilities infrastructure, reuse and recycling program development, and implementation of education, training, and behavior change programs, record-keeping of best practices and data, designing and managing pilot studies…

    As Zero Waste Manager, I was responsible for designing and implementing a Zero Waste strategy university-wide. Using a highly stakeholder-driven approach, I developed a multi-million dollar, 10-year Zero Waste Plan, which included initiatives such as optimization of facilities infrastructure, reuse and recycling program development, and implementation of education, training, and behavior change programs, record-keeping of best practices and data, designing and managing pilot studies, shepherding TRUE Certifications, and managing vendor RFPs and contracts. Notable accomplishments during my time as Zero Waste Manager include a ten-year financial model for Zero Waste, the development of standardized waste signage, implementation of opt-in composting programs at three major residential buildings on campus housing over 4000 students, and the completion of a university-wide Resource Management-style RFP for all waste collection and reporting services.

  • RiverRoad Waste Solutions, Inc. Graphic

    Account Manager

    RiverRoad Waste Solutions, Inc.

    - 1 year 8 months

    New Jersey

    As Account Manager of the Banking and Small Retail vertical, I worked hand in hand with clients and haulers nationwide to ensure maximum diversion was achieved and all waste services are operating at peak efficiency. I managed 17 national accounts and a team of 10 full-time employees.

  • LifeCity L3C Graphic

    Sustainable Business Development Intern

    LifeCity L3C

    - 4 months

    Greater New Orleans Area

    My primary duties were research, development, and organization. I researched community solutions and supported the development of the ValueLouisiana program, which seeks to create a network of support for for-benefit businesses. I assisted on the Fourth Sector Guide, which is a comprehensive report detailing how to support sustainable businesses in any city. I supported the development of the Green Card Program, which connects businesses and individuals who are committed to the long-term health…

    My primary duties were research, development, and organization. I researched community solutions and supported the development of the ValueLouisiana program, which seeks to create a network of support for for-benefit businesses. I assisted on the Fourth Sector Guide, which is a comprehensive report detailing how to support sustainable businesses in any city. I supported the development of the Green Card Program, which connects businesses and individuals who are committed to the long-term health and vitality of New Orleans. Additionally, I maintained office and financial organization.

  • Venue Smart

    Venue Smart

    1 year 4 months

    • Venue Smart Graphic

      Recycling Coordinator

      Venue Smart

      - 2 years 2 months

      I served as the head recycling coordinator at the Traveller's Championship PGA Tour in Cromwell, CT for three years. I managed a team of workers from a local support program for recovering addicts. In 2014, I forged a partnership with a local plastic, aluminum, and glass redemption center to maximize diversion and support local business. Money earned from the redemption process is donated to the annual charity of choice of the Traveller's Championship. I achieved steady increase each year in…

      I served as the head recycling coordinator at the Traveller's Championship PGA Tour in Cromwell, CT for three years. I managed a team of workers from a local support program for recovering addicts. In 2014, I forged a partnership with a local plastic, aluminum, and glass redemption center to maximize diversion and support local business. Money earned from the redemption process is donated to the annual charity of choice of the Traveller's Championship. I achieved steady increase each year in our number of units diverted and the amount money earned through redemption by expanding and improving our collection and sorting efforts and by streamlining the sorting and transportation processes. At peak, we recycled over 57,000 units in a four-day period.

    • Venue Smart Graphic

      Personal Assistant to General Manager

      Venue Smart

      - 4 months

      Branford, CT

      My responsibilities included tracking company expenses, office organization, travel planning, and facilitation of employee communication.

  • Two Owls Sustainability Partners LLC Graphic

    Sustainability Consulting

    Two Owls Sustainability Partners LLC

    - 4 months

    Branford, CT

    I performed waste audits at various Bank of America branch locations and Penske Truck Rental facilities in order to evaluate their waste and recycling programs and habits. This involved sorting and weighing waste materials and compiling this information into formal reports. In addition, I worked on a partnership project with River Road Waste Solutions to evaluate the feasibility of nationwide corrugated cardboard recycling at Dollar Tree and sister stores.

Education

  • Tulane University Graphic

    Tulane University

    Bachelor's degree Environmental Studies

    -

    My degree provided a diverse course of study, including courses on distribution and conservation of living things, landscapes and seascapes through time, problems and potentialities of built environments, and environmental thought, practice, and policy. My double minor in Social Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship and Business Management equip me with business, organization, and leadership skills that encourage out-of-the-box thinking to find creative solutions.

  • University of Melbourne Graphic

    University of Melbourne

    Bachelor of Environments

    -

    Sustainability-related studies in topics such as Sustainable Development, Global Health, Security, and Sustainability, and Environmental Building Systems.

Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • Executive Committee Member

    Zero Waste Campus Council

    - Present 5 years

    Environment

    The Zero Waste Campus Council, a technical council of the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), is dedicated to advocating, creating, and supporting campuses that are moving toward Zero Waste. As an Executive Committee Member, I help lead and expand the network of over 130 members (as of Aug 2021), facilitate monthly virtual networking events, and represent the council at events and conferences throughout the year such as GCSHE (formerly AASHE).

  • Member

    Brookline Solid Waste Advisory Committee

    - Present 4 years 7 months

    Environment

    I am a member of the Town Of Brookline's Solid Waste Advisory Committee to support and advise on the Town's waste diversion and reduction programs as part of their Zero Waste framework.

  • Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Graphic

    Member, Volunteer

    Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity

    - 1 year 5 months

    Participated in a variety of volunteer activities such as weekly bingo at Unity, an elderly rehabilitation center, visiting homeless teenagers at Covenant House, volunteering at an LAASPCA adoption event, and more.

  • Debate Coach

    Crescent City Debate League

    - 4 months

    Three other Tulane University students and I coached a group of 10 KIPP Believe middle school students in the art of rhetoric and debate, holding weekly meetings and practice sessions. Our team competed in two separate regional debate tournaments.

  • FirstLine Schools Graphic

    Communications Consultant

    FirstLine Schools

    - 4 months

    In conjunction with my Communication and Leadership in Organizations and Groups class this semester, I am volunteering with FirstLine Schools to evaluate the communication functions in four of their five New Orleans schools. I am the leader of a team of four peers. We have been gathering quantitative and qualitative information for the past three months by interviewing staff members FirstLine Charter schools and of the Development and Communications department. Our work will culminate in…

    In conjunction with my Communication and Leadership in Organizations and Groups class this semester, I am volunteering with FirstLine Schools to evaluate the communication functions in four of their five New Orleans schools. I am the leader of a team of four peers. We have been gathering quantitative and qualitative information for the past three months by interviewing staff members FirstLine Charter schools and of the Development and Communications department. Our work will culminate in December with a client presentation and a formal report of our findings and suggestions. My specific responsibilities as group leader include managing deadlines, creating agendas, organizing of research material, communicating with staff and scheduling interviews, running weekly meetings and participating in weekly team leader meetings.

Languages

  • English

    -

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