Getting to Know the People at WSBC

Interested in learning more about the people behind the emails at WSBC? We thought it would be fun to ask the team the same five questions and share their answers with you, to help you get to know a little more about our team!

Jessy Servi Ortiz, Managing Director, WI Sustainable Business Council (WSBC)

1. What is your earliest sustainability memory?

I grew up camping with my family and my fondest memories of childhood are doing outdoor activities, like camping and downhill skiing. These activities cultivated a deep appreciation for our natural resources and from an early age, I was interested in the connections between humans and nature. This ultimately led me to a career in sustainability.

2. How long have you been working in this space and how did you get into sustainability?

My first formal job in sustainability started in 2012 as the first-ever sustainability manager for Outpost Natural Foods in Milwaukee. The previous 10 years I spent living on regenerative farms, learning and teaching permaculture, and designing food forests. Since I come from a family of entrepreneurs, business was a language I understand well and I thought that I could influence. In 2013 I earned my MBA with a focus on sustainability in order to support businesses on their journey to becoming more sustainable.

3. What is your favorite part about working for WSBC/WMEP?

I love connecting with our WSBC members, hearing about their sustainability challenges, and connecting them to resources to support their journey. I love learning about the innovations our Member companies are implementing and the problems they are working to solve... These folks honestly give me hope and inspiration daily!

4. What sustainable or eco ritual do you do often?

My Family loves supporting local farmers and businesses, so we plan to visit a new shop or eat at a different local restaurant when we go out!

5. What is your favorite nature pastime or spot in Wisconsin?

In the summer, it’s getting out to explore our local lakes, parks, or bike trails. In the winter, you’ll find my son and me hitting the slopes skiing or snowboarding at a nearby "mountain!" The Kettle Moraine is one of our favorite parks to explore.

Greg Gasper, Senior Consultant and Service Line Lead for Sustainability and Certification Services, WMEP/WSBC

1. What is your earliest sustainability memory?

When I was in first grade, I started an effort to pick up trash on the school grounds with my friends and we separated glass and aluminum cans.

2. How long have you been working in this space and how did you get into sustainability? I have been actively involved in the sustainability space at WMEP since 2015. I was asked to attend a water stewardship seminar and found it fascinating, wanting to learn more not only about water but how to be a better steward of all of earth’s resources.

3. What is your favorite part about working for WSBC/WMEP? Being able to work within many business sectors and arouse passion with clients towards resource optimization and reduction efforts.

4. What sustainable or eco ritual do you do often? My wife and I use natural cleaning products in our home.

5. What is your favorite nature pastime or spot in Wisconsin? I have been going to Eagle River, WI every year since I was born. I have carried on that tradition with my wife and children. We enjoy paddling, biking, hiking, and watching the gorgeous sunsets on the lake.

Christa Kananen, Green Masters Program Manager and Sustainability Consultant, WSBC/WMEP

1. What is your earliest sustainability memory?

When I was in middle school, my local high school won a grant to start a summer program that paid students to develop and implement projects that improved local water quality. The creek that ran through my grandparents’ farm, which I grew up playing in and around, was chosen for the program and my peers spent the summer rebuilding the banks, creating designated cattle crossings, and developing fish habitats. Perhaps it’s no wonder that my career started in sustainable water management!

2. How long have you been working in this space and how did you get into sustainability?

I have been working in environmental protection and sustainability for almost ten years. I initially discovered sustainability while pursuing a degree in small business management, when I wrote a paper on the social impacts related to the lack of access to clean water worldwide. That perspective ignited in me a passion for clean water and protecting water quality, so I switched my major to Geoscience and started my career in environmental compliance and water stewardship. For me, sustainability is where a lot of my diverse interests come together - good business, environmental stewardship, and social equity.

3. What is your favorite part about working for WSBC/WMEP?

I was a member of WSBC before joining the staff, so I have a unique appreciation for the work we do – this organization does an excellent job of fulfilling its mission to “advance sustainable principles and practices through the power of business,” and I am honored and proud to be part of it.

4. What sustainable or eco ritual do you do often?

Gardening has become somewhat of a restorative ritual for me. So many aspects of gardening are both fun and therapeutic, and it offers something for all ages.

5. What is your favorite nature pastime or spot in Wisconsin?

I live in the city, so I have to be intentional about getting into nature. Something my family started doing during Covid and has continued since is what we called “family nature walks” – finding natural outdoor spaces in and around our city where we can walk, explore, get exercise, and just be in nature. Our modern urban life makes it easy to forget our dependence on and connection to nature, and this simple but intentional act helps keep me grounded.

Lindsey Trickey, Consultant and Program Coordinator for Membership and Cool Choices WSBC/WMEP

1. What is your earliest sustainability memory?

When I was little enough to remember, I threw my straw wrapper out of the window while in a drive-thru with my Mom. She was so upset, explained why, and made me get out of the car to pick it up!

2. How long have you been working in this space and how did you get into sustainability?

I have been working at WMEP for 7 years, and with WSBC for 3 ½ years! I expressed my interest in sustainability and was fortunate to have Jessy bring me in to assist with Cool Choices and processing applications for the Green Masters Program.

3. What is your favorite part about working for WSBC/WMEP?

I love the difference we are making – not only in sustainability enthusiasts but with programs such as Cool Choices where we make an impact on everyone involved!

4. What sustainable or eco ritual do you do often?

Turn off my sink while brushing my teeth. I learned that from Cool Choices!

5. What is your favorite nature pastime or spot in Wisconsin?

Taking my children to a local park. I love the multi-sensory experience that it provides - enjoying the new sights and sounds, walking through the trails, interacting with other children – the smiles are endless.