OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

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How to Advance American Eenvironmental Policy in 2025

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Case Study - Florida Flood Hub

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SuperGrid Presentation

Name: Jiayi Liu

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Public Policy Analysis

Conference Host Organization/Institution: EarthX

Conference/Competition Name: EarthX 2025 Congress of Conferences

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2025-04-21 Conference End Date: 2025-04-25

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
I learned that there are many innovative ways to turn pollution into profits. We can’t rely on conservation alone to save the world—corporate innovation combined with strong policy support is often more effective. I was especially excited to see emerging ventures in sustainability, like carbon capture and ocean iron fertilization. For environmental nonprofits, it’s crucial to adapt to shifting political climates by delivering the most resonant messages. For example, when promoting renewable energy in communities, focusing on job creation, lower electricity bills, and healthier living conditions can make the message more relatable and impactful.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
This conference helped me bridge what I’ve learned in the classroom with real-world applications. I gained clearer insight into the skills most in demand in this field. I also had the chance to connect with attendees from various backgrounds and learn about their unique career paths, which inspired me to stay open-minded as I shape my own professional journey.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
First, I’ll stay in touch with the people I met at the conference to build lasting connections. I also plan to be more proactive in keeping up with industry trends and exploring new opportunities that align with my interests in sustainability and innovation.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Go in prepared and with a clear purpose. I found it helpful to review the agenda ahead of time, highlight sessions of interest, and create a personalized schedule. Attendees may have different goals, so it’s important to know what you want—whether it’s learning, networking, or both—and stay focused.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Government, Nonprofits, Social Innovation