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Sarah Richard graduated from the University of Dayton in 2019 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a minor in Sustainability, Energy and the Environment. Upon graduation, she stayed in Dayton engaging heavily in local and regional environmental justice efforts. These efforts included working with local nonprofit Dayton Energy Collaborative (DEC) to explore future development at the neighborhood level through the lens of equity, resilience and climate protection. She currently sits on the DEC board to help advise the future of the Dayton residential energy burden program. Additionally, Sarah joined the initial staff of community and worker-owned co-op grocery systemically working to combat food apartheid in West Dayton through developing and sustaining a just food economy. There, she led communication and marketing efforts as well as community partnerships ranging from small nonprofits and community groups to large private partnerships and government programming. Sarah also sits on the City of Dayton Environmental Advisory Board tasked with counseling and reviewing environmental matters concerning the City.

Sarah’s area of interest lies in the cross-sections of technical skills and social systems, believing every sector and profession plays a role in tackling the environmental and social implications of climate change. Growing up in Pittsburgh, and moving to Dayton, Sarah is interested in the unique challenges midwest communities face and the creative solutions to achieve a just transition to a climate-conscious community. Her role within the Hanley Sustainability institute is engaging and mentoring students as they explore their role among these challenges as well as supporting mutually beneficial partnerships beyond campus.

Professional affiliations

• Board member, Dayton Energy Collaborative
• Board member; City of Dayton Environmental Advisory Board