​Most companies don't yet have a clear plan to integrate AI, and even fewer have figured out how to talk about it once they do.

​This session is built for that gap. You'll leave with a practical starting point for AI governance, covering how to think about tool selection, data handling, and the emissions and risk tied to everyday AI use. From there, the conversation turns outward: how to avoid greenhushing, and how to make sure your sustainability story holds up as AI becomes how more people find and evaluate companies. Short talks from Greenplaces and Ideas On Purpose lead into an open panel and audience Q&A, built for teams still sorting out where AI fits into their sustainability strategy.

​Speakers

​Michelle M. Marks has over 25 years of experience helping organizations translate complex sustainability and impact strategies into compelling narratives and design. Co-founder of Ideas On Purpose, she has guided Fortune 100 companies and emerging brands through the evolving landscape of communication and disclosure balancing regulatory requirements with authentic stakeholder engagement. 3BL named her one of the 25 Voices Defining Corporate Sustainability in 2025.

​Emily Neville is a 2019 graduate of the fully-funded merit-based Park Scholarship at NC State University. She started her first company Reborn, at the age of 19, which focused on transforming surplus branded apparel and textile waste into a storytelling opportunity for companies. After a successful acquisition in 2024, Emily joined Greenplaces. Emily resides in Raleigh and enjoys being active in the local and NC communities.

​Vrushali Sawant is a data scientist with SAS’s AI Ethics, Governance and Social Impact team , where she leads the practical implementation of fairness and trustworthy AI principles into the SAS platform. She bridges the gap between ethical AI theory and real-world application, ensuring responsible AI practices are embedded throughout technology development. As a thought leader in AI governance, Vrushali regularly writes and speaks about practical strategies for implementing trustworthy AI systems. Her work focuses on translating ethical frameworks into actionable guidance for building responsible AI solutions. With over a decade of experience in analytical consulting, data management and data visualization, she helps organizations implement ethical AI practices at scale. Vrushali holds master’s degrees in data science and master’s business administration, combining technical expertise with strategic business acumen to address both technical and organizational aspects of responsible AI implementation.

​​About NC Climate Week

​This event is part of NC Climate Week 2026, a statewide series of workshops, community events, and conversations designed to accelerate North Carolina forward from climate concern to climate action.

​Hosted by EarthShare North Carolina, the week brings together the people, businesses, and organizations shaping our environmental future. Free virtual Climate Action Workshops and partner-led events offer practical tools and opportunities to learn, connect, volunteer, and take action.

​​Join Us at the NC Climate Week Summit

​NC Climate Week culminates with the NC Climate Week Summit on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Durham.

​This one-day, in-person event features interactive sessions, cross-sector conversations, and leaders from Trane Technologies, NASCAR, ICF, NC Department of Environmental Quality, Clean Energy Fund of the Carolinas, MountainTrue, Xylem, NC Sustainable Energy Association, UNC Humanities, NC Wildlife Federation, NC Coastal Federation, NC League of Conservation Voters Foundation, and more.

​Explore the full program and register at ncclimateweek.org/summit.

​Let’s meet the moment, together. 🌎

​​Sponsor

​The Climate Action Workshops at NC Climate Week are supported by Xylem.