The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit (MRSS) is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest, bringing together hundreds of visionary leaders to share ideas and solutions for a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future. The annual summit features a full day of programming, including speakers, exhibitors, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics from climate justice and green workforce development to resilient food systems and circular economy practices. MRSS serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring action and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future in the Midwest.

Shownotes

Jessica Glorius-Dangelo, is the sustainability manager and project manager at MA Design. She explores how they integrates sustainability into architectural design, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in unlocking funding opportunities.

Jessica discusses her journey into architecture, highlighting the influence of her father's building projects and an early college course on sustainable design that sparked her passion for giving back more than we take. She describes her experiences working on co-ops in various firms, including a pivotal experience in Beijing, where she witnessed the impact of poor air quality, further solidifying her commitment to sustainability. Jessica also explains the triple bottom line approach to sustainable design, balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations. She shares her role in leading MA Design’s internal sustainability committee and their goals for benchmarking projects, educating staff, and developing a comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan. Jessica explains how they are working to achieve the AIA 2030 Commitment, aiming for 100% of their new building projects to be carbon neutral by 2030, and how they help clients define their goals and prioritize resource efficiency, health, and wellbeing.

Episode in a Glance

- Jessica’s Journey into Sustainable Design
- Sustainable Design and the Triple Bottom Line
- MA Design’s Sustainability Initiatives
- The AIA 2030 Commitment
- Working with Certification Frameworks (LEED, WELL, Living Future)
- Jessica's MRSS Panel: Sustainability, Storytelling, and Funding

About Jessica Glorius-Dangelo

Jessica Glorius-Dangelo is a sustainability manager and project manager at MA Design, where she champions sustainable design practices and helps clients create environmentally responsible buildings.

Connect with Jessica Glorius-Dangelo and her work

MA Design website → https://designwithma.com/

Jessica’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-glorius-dangelo-aia-leed-ap-bd-c-well-ap-lfa-70a79574/

MA Design LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/designwithma/posts/

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The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit (MRSS) is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest, bringing together hundreds of visionary leaders to share ideas and solutions for a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future. The annual summit features a full day of programming, including speakers, exhibitors, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics from climate justice and green workforce development to resilient food systems and circular economy practices. MRSS serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring action and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future in the Midwest.

Shownotes

Shailah Maynard is the co-founder and CEO of Sew Valley, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit redefining the fashion industry with a focus on ethical manufacturing, local production, and circular design. Shailah shares her journey into sustainable fashion and the vision behind Sew Valley, a nonprofit providing cut-and-sew services, small-batch production, studio rentals, and educational workshops. She emphasizes the organization's commitment to ethical manufacturing, paying living wages, minimizing waste, and promoting circularity. Shailah discusses the environmental and social challenges within the fashion industry, including unsafe working conditions, excessive waste, and the negative impact of fast fashion.

She highlights Sew Valley's role in proving that responsible apparel manufacturing is possible locally, and she discusses their zero-waste program which transforms fabric scraps into valuable products like upholstery fill and fiberboard. Shailah also discusses their work in educating the community about sustainable practices, including natural dyeing and DIY alterations. She explores the potential for the Midwest to become a leader in sustainable fashion and emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration and resource sharing.

Episode in a glance

- Sew Valley’s Mission and Services
- Who Sew Valley Serves
- Sustainability at Sew Valley
- Rethinking the Garment Lifecycle: Circularity and Local Production
- Sew Valley’s Zero-Waste Program
- The Midwest’s Potential in Sustainable Fashion

About Shailah Maynard

Shailah Maynard is the co-founder and CEO of Sew Valley, a nonprofit organization transforming the fashion industry in the Midwest. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in apparel manufacturing, she is a passionate advocate for ethical production, circular design, and community engagement. Shailah’s vision and leadership are creating a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion.

Connect with Shailah Maynard and her work with Sew Valley:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sewvalley/

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/SewValley/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/shailah-maynard-32876564/

Sew Valley LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/sew-valley/

Website → https://sewvalley.org/

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Welcome to our mini-series covering the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. MRSS is the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest, bringing together hundreds of visionary leaders to share ideas and solutions for a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future. The annual summit features a full day of programming, including speakers, exhibitors, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, covering a wide range of topics from climate justice and green workforce development to resilient food systems and circular economy practices. MRSS serves as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, inspiring action and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future in the Midwest.

Shownotes

Charlie Gonzalez, from Green Umbrella, shares how the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit accelerates sustainability across the Midwest, and its diverse program, participatory model, and focus on collaborative climate solutions. Charlie highlights the 2025 theme, "The Power of Storytelling," and the importance of sharing narratives to inspire change. He describes MRSS as a spark for connection, learning, and deepening our resolve in creating a more sustainable future. He also shares his personal journey of getting involved with the summit, emphasizing the power of networking and community engagement. He encourages listeners to attend MRSS, join Green Umbrella's email list, and become part of the movement toward a healthier and more equitable future.

Episode in a glance

• What is the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit?
• The Vision and Theme of MRSS
• How to Get Involved with MRSS and Green Umbrella
• Green Umbrella's Mission and Programs
• The Role of the Midwest in Sustainability
• Understanding Sustainability and Climate Change

About Charlie Gonzalez

Charlie Gonzalez is the Event Manager for Green Umbrella and the driving force behind the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. He is passionate about bringing people together to collaborate on climate solutions and believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Learn More About MRSS

The Conference → https://www.midwestsustainabilitysummit.org

Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-gonzalez

Green Umbrella → https://greenumbrella.org

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Tania Vanzolini, coordinator of NanoPiçule and lecturer at the University of Urbino, shares how this unique educational program makes complex sustainability concepts accessible and engaging for children. The program's name itself reflects its deep connection to the local community – combining "Nano" (meaning little) with "Piçule" (meaning little kids in Friulano, the local language of the region). As one of the original "souls" of NanoValbruna, NanoPiçule embodies the principle of learning by doing, using hands-on laboratories and experiments to teach children about sustainability, recycling, and circular economy.

Through creative activities like examining cork under microscopes and participating in playful milk-collection competitions, children learn about regeneration and sustainability in ways that stick with them year after year. Tania explains how the program's success lies in its flexibility, dedicated volunteer team, and ability to make difficult concepts tangible through experiential learning. The impact extends beyond the children themselves – parents report that their kids bring these lessons home, teaching their families about sustainability practices and inspiring change in their communities. This aligns perfectly with NanoValbruna's motto of "think global, act local," as NanoPiçule uses local resources and examples to teach global environmental concepts.

Episode in a glance

- NanoPiçule: Making Complex Topics Simple
- A Hands-on Education Approach
- Program Scale and Structure
- Regeneration Through Young Minds
- Community Impact and Parent Feedback

About Tania Vanzolini

Tania Vanzolini is the coordinator of NanoPiçule and a lecturer at the University of Urbino where she teaches about biological drugs. Her experience in making complex topics accessible to children has influenced her university teaching style, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and engagement at all educational levels.

Connect with Tania Vanzolini and her work

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-vanzolini-2035151b4

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Duccio Travaglini, Co-founder of Greencome Media, shares his innovative approach to environmental communication and his mission to transform how we discuss climate change. Rather than contributing to climate anxiety through catastrophic messaging, Duccio and his team focus on solution-oriented storytelling that mobilizes people to action. He discusses the importance of finding relatable stories of "normal people" making change and combining these narratives with data in engaging ways - what he calls turning "cold data into cool data."

As a moderator at NanoValbruna, Duccio led discussions about regeneration versus sustainability, emphasizing how regeneration takes environmental action to the next level by focusing on community-centered economic systems. He shares insights about measuring success through quality engagement rather than quantity, and emphasizes that sustainability is a journey of continuous learning rather than a demand for perfection.

Episode in a glance

-The Evolution of Environmental Communication
-Regeneration vs. Sustainability: Moving Beyond Impact Reduction
-Storytelling Strategies: Combining Human Stories with Data
-Quality Over Quantity in Environmental Media
-The Journey Approach to Sustainability

About Duccio Travaglini

Duccio Travaglini is the Co-founder of Greencome Media, an Italian media platform focused on environmental and climate topics. Currently studying Environmental Economics and Politics, Duccio is pioneering a new approach to climate communication that emphasizes solutions and positive action while maintaining factual accuracy.

Connect with Duccio Travaglini and his work

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/greencome_ita

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@greencome_ita

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/greencome1

Newsletter → https://greencome.substack.com/

Green Tonic Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/7dgeH02vAlJyz3M6UR34Xq?si=887794e218404d75

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Lorenzo Cercelletta is the director of Regenerative Design for ReGeneration Hub Friuli and founder of the Quiet design studio. He explores the profound impact of design on sustainability. He challenges the individualistic tendencies in the design world, urging a shift towards a more community-focused and socially responsible approach. Lorenzo emphasizes the importance of circular design thinking, considering a product or service's entire lifecycle. He discusses his own design journey, from his early passion for drawing to working with startups in Berlin, and his current work restoring native ecosystems with Anonima Reforestazioni. Finally, he highlights NanoValbruna's commitment to measuring and reducing its environmental impact, demonstrating that sustainability must be practiced, not just preached.

Episode in a glance

• The Role of Design in a Sustainable World
• Lorenzo's Journey into Design
• Misconceptions About Design
• Regeneration vs. Sustainability: A Design Perspective
• Lorenzo's Workshop at NanoValbruna
• Tracking NanoValbruna's Carbon Footprint

About Lorenzo Cercelletta

Lorenzo Cercelletta is the director of Regenerative Design for ReGeneration Hub Friuli, he brings his expertise in interaction design and circular thinking to NanoValbruna. He is also the founder of Quiet, a multidisciplinary design studio focused on creating human-centered and sustainable solutions.

Connect with Lorenzo Cercelletta and his work

Quiet Website: https://quiet.design/lander

Anonima Reforestazioni Website: http://anonimariforestazioni.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzocercelletta/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenz.konrad/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anonima_riforestazioni

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Annamaria Tartaglia, CEO of TheBrandSitter and founder of Angels4Women, brings a wealth of experience in fashion, investment, and sustainability. Annamaria shares her lifelong commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of valuing resources, repairing and repurposing items, and making conscious purchasing decisions. She discusses the challenges of educating younger generations about sustainability in a culture of overconsumption and offers practical advice for consumers, such as checking labels, understanding production processes, and considering the long-term value of garments.

She provides insights into the economics of fast fashion versus luxury brands, highlighting the ethical considerations and community impact of different production models. Annamaria also explores alternative approaches to consumption, such as renting, swapping, and sharing clothes, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community in reducing waste. She discusses her journey in the fashion industry, the importance of quality and craftsmanship, and her personal commitment to avoiding online shopping. Annamaria shares her view of investing, emphasizing long-term impact and community building over short-term gains. She encourages supporting female founders and businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Episode in a glance

• A Lifelong Commitment to Sustainability in Fashion
• Making Informed Purchasing Decisions
• Annamaria's Journey in Fashion
• Changing the Fashion Mindset From Fast Fashion to Long-Term Value
• Regeneration in the Fashion Industry
• Investing in Sustainable Impact

About Annamaria Tartaglia

Annamaria Tartaglia is a visionary leader in the fashion industry, blending her expertise as CEO of TheBrandSitter with her passion for sustainable practices and impact investment. As the founder of Angels4Women, she empowers female entrepreneurs and promotes a more ethical and equitable business landscape.

Connect with Annamaria Tartaglia and her work

TheBrandSitter Website → https://www.thebrandsitter.com/

Angels4Women Website → https://angels4women.com/en/

TheBrandSitter LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebrandsitter/

Angels4Women LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/angels4women/

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This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Shownotes

Francesca Cercelletta, creative director for ReGeneration Hub Friuli and graphic designer for Zegna, brings a unique blend of artistic vision and sustainability passion to NanoValbruna. As the organizer of "Frame The Change," a short film festival within the forum, she champions the power of visual storytelling in communicating complex environmental issues.

Francesca shares her journey into the world of filmmaking, recounting how her participation in a workshop in Naples inspired her to bring a similar experience to NanoValbruna. She describes the "Frame The Change" program, where young filmmakers, armed with just their iPhones, create short films centered around the theme of regeneration. Francesca emphasizes the importance of creativity, especially when working with limited resources, and how it can unlock innovative solutions and captivating narratives.

She discusses her own short film, "O' mare è casa toja" ("The sea is your home"), which was selected for the Pimiento Film Festival in Rome, and how this experience further fueled her passion for filmmaking. Francesca also talks about the value of bringing together diverse perspectives, the power of mentorship, and the importance of providing young people with opportunities to explore their creative potential. She shares her perspective on regeneration, emphasizing the need for tangible, real-world solutions, particularly within the fashion industry.

Episode in a glance

- Francesca's Role at ReGeneration Hub Friuli and NanoValbruna
- Frame The Change
- Francesca's Short Film: 'O' mare è casa toja'
- The Theme of Regeneration in Filmmaking
- Regeneration vs. Sustainability: A Creative Perspective

About Francesca Cercelletta

Francesca Cercelletta is the creative director for ReGeneration Hub Friuli and graphic designer for Zegna. She is the organizer of "Frame The Change" at NanoValbruna.

Connect with Francesca Cercelletta and her work

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/franziska.konrad/

Francesca on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescacercelletta

Francesca's Short Film → "O' mare è casa toja”

Website → http://nanovalbruna.com

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/nanovalbruna

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/nanovalbruna

ReGeneration Hub Friuli LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/regeneration-hub-friuli

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