Her Story
About Mrinali
I am a sustainability professional and systems thinker with 10 years of diverse experience, grounded in a strong civil engineering background. Originally from India, my career path evolved after moving to the United States, where I discovered my true passion for sustainability. Over the past few years, I have dedicated myself to this field. As a systems thinker, I approach sustainability by understanding the connections between people, processes, and the planet, and by designing solutions that create long-term, holistic impact.
Previously, I worked with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, a state government agency, as a Recycling and Waste Management Program Manager, overseeing recycling operations across the state. Currently, I serve as a leader and coordinator with the YOUNGO Energy Working Group- the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) where I volunteer to advance global climate action.
I am deeply passionate about promoting the UN SDGs and contributing to the 2030 Agenda. Looking ahead, my professional goals include gaining further industry experience, pursuing research in the circular economy, sustainability, recycling, and resource efficiency, and ultimately becoming a strategic policy advisor driving systemic and sustainable transformation.
Personal well-being is a key part of my philosophy, and I begin each day with meditation, breathing exercises, and herbal teas to stay balanced and energized in my advocacy for a sustainable future.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mrinali
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency and a strong work ethic, which help me stay committed to my goals over time. Other qualities - edurance, resilience, passion, curiosity, self-discipline, and optimism enable me to overcome challenges and keep learning along the way. I also credit a strong support system of family and mentors, whose guidance and encouragement have played a key role in my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to write down your goals as clearly and specifically as possible and to visualize yourself achieving them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the sustainability field or any industry is to always "trust yourself", regardless of the circumstances or the opinions of others. Confidence in your own abilities and intuition is essential to achieving your goals. Listen to your inner voice and stay true to your values as you pursue your path. Strive to be a woman of integrity, guided by strong ethics and purpose with strength and determination, and let your work speak for itself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge we face around the world is funding. As young people working to protect our planet, we need more support and opportunities to bring our ideas to life and make the Earth greener for future generations. From taking part in global youth conferences and conducting for global youth, I’ve seen that this challenge is something we all share.
What I love most about sustainability is that it brings people together for one goal, because we all share the same planet. People in this field support each other instead of competing, and that’s something I really value. I enjoy encouraging and working with others, and sustainability allows me to do that while making a positive difference towards "one common goal".
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, transparency, honesty, and accountability. I believe integrity builds trust and credibility, transparency fosters open communication, honesty strengthens relationships, and accountability ensures responsibility for one’s actions. Together, these values shape how I approach decisions, collaborate with others, and contribute to meaningful impact.
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