Sustainability and Social Impact
Are you interested in learning about Sustainability and exploring topics/trends to make a difference?
Hear from experts, network, have social impact in our community, connect with like-minded peers. Bimonthly meetings at HAYVN from 5:30–7:30pm.
HAYVN's Sustainability Holiday Pop Up Shop: Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, 4‑8pm.* Interested in sponsoring this event? LEARN MORE
Explore — Ask Questions — Have Social Impact — Make a Difference
HAYVN Sustainability/Social Impact Group is spearheaded by Sam Cherubin and Lisa Miniter.
This group brings like-minded people together to explore and understand what is happening today to help our planet, and ourselves, build a more sustainable future.
Each of us can make a difference!
4 Reasons to Join
- Explore – How to live sustainably to meet our needs without compromising future generations
- Ask Questions – Explore a wide range of topics from monthly featured speakers
- Have Social Impact – Promote social equity and inclusion
- Make a Difference – Learn new ways to live, work and play in more sustainable-driven communities.
Admission
Bimonthly Meetings: 5:30-7:30pm in-person at HAYVN.
Join us for quality networking, on an intriguing sustainability-focused topic and discussion with industry leading speakers. Light food and snacks will be served.
- General Admission: $15
- HAYVN Members: Free with code on members portal. For help accessing members portal please email questions@hayvn.com
Build & Design Trends: Integrating Interior Design with Sustainability-Focused Materials — April 24, 2025, 5:30-7:30PM
Heather McWilliam, ASID, NCIDQ
Dov Feinmesser
Rebecca Sterling
Build & Design Trends: Integrating Interior Design with Sustainability-Focused Materials
FEATURED SPEAKERS, PANEL MEMBERS, & SPONSORS:
- Heather McWilliam, ASID, NCIDQ, Principal and Owner McWilliam Autore Interiors
- Rebecca Sterling AIA LEED AP, Principle Architect and Design Professional, Studio STE
- Dov Feinmesser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate Principal, Newman Architects
- Event curated by Lisa Miniter of LAM Consulting
- Brought to you by event sponsors: Renewal by Andersen of Westchester/Fairfield and Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
OUR TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Exploring sustainable and innovative material choices for environmentally conscious design.
- Energy-Efficient Design: Incorporating principles that enhance energy efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
- Biophilic and Healthy Spaces: Creating interiors that connect with nature and promote serenity and well-being.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS:
Heather McWilliam, ASID, NCIDQ, is principal and owner of McWilliam-Autore Interiors, providing thoughtfully executed, residential, interior design services ranging from interior decoration to complete home renovation and construction management. Heather is noted for bringing a subtle refinement of scale and color to interiors. She is also widely recognized for her firm's attention to detail and clients needs.
Rebecca Sterling, AIA LEED AP is Principle Architect and founder of the Greenwich based Architecture and Interior Design firm Studio STE. She was raised on a farm in England and a historic home in rural Connecticut, which continue to be sources of inspiration for her work. Early in her career, she lived in Japan to study traditional and contemporary Architecture and Landscape Design, which led to her first professional role as Project Designer for an environmentally progressive boarding school in the foothills of Kyoto. She has worked with celebrated architects and designers such as I.M. Pei and Philip Wu, continually bridging gaps between high end and environmentally conscious design. She approaches each project as a unique exercise, emphasizing a collaborative approach with the client and contractor whenever possible.
Dov Feinmesser, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Newman Architects in New Haven. Dov’s work at Newman focuses on new and renovation multifamily residential and mixed-use developments. Since joining Newman in 2016, he has put into practice his passion for combining professional practice with sustainability and teaching. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Yale School of Architecture and on the Board of the American Institute of Architects Connecticut Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Ryerson University and a Master of Architecture degree from Yale University.
Conscious Choices: Redefining Consumption for a Sustainable Future — June 4, 2025, 5:30-7:30PM
Conscious Choices: Redefining Consumption for a Sustainable Future
FEATURED SPEAKER & PANEL:
- Speakers, cosponsor to be announced, stay tuned
- Event curated by Lisa Miniter of LAM Consulting
ABOUT EVENT: Explore how conscious consumption can drive sustainable change in our communities and beyond. This session offers practical insights for making mindful choices in everyday life and business.
Key Topics:
- Mindful Purchasing: Learning to prioritize products and services that align with sustainability goals.
- Reducing Waste: Strategies to minimize waste through thoughtful consumption and recycling practices.
- Sustainable Business Practices: How businesses can integrate conscious consumption principles into their operations.
Nourish to Flourish: Eating for Health and a Low-Carbon Future — September 16, 2025, 5:30-7:30PM
Nourish to Flourish: Eating for Health and a Low-Carbon Future
FEATURED SPEAKER & PANEL:
- Speakers, cosponsor to be announced, stay tuned
- Event curated by Lisa Miniter of LAM Consulting
ABOUT EVENT: Discover how making sustainable food choices can benefit your health and help protect the planet's finite resources. This session highlights the power of low-carbon foods in creating a healthier, more sustainable future.
Key Topics:
- Low-Carbon Diets: Understanding the environmental impact of food choices and how to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Tips for choosing foods that are responsibly grown and harvested.
- Health Meets Sustainability: Exploring the nutritional benefits of plant-forward, eco-friendly eating habits.
3rd Annual CT Government Market Outlook 2026 – Sustainability Policies & Progress — October, 30, 2025, 11:30-1:30PM
3rd Annual CT Government Market Outlook 2026 – Sustainability Policies & Progress
FEATURED SPEAKER & PANEL:
- Speakers, cosponsor to be announced, stay tuned
- Event curated by Lisa Miniter of LAM Consulting
ABOUT EVENT: Join us for an in-depth exploration of Connecticut's sustainability efforts and policies shaping a greener future. This session provides valuable insights into the state’s progress, best practices, and resources for achieving environmental goals.
Key Workshop Highlights::
This session is your opportunity to understand and engage with Connecticut’s pioneering sustainability policies and practices!
- State Climate Law Efforts: Gain insights into Connecticut’s roadmap to a 100% carbon-free electric grid by 2025 and beyond.
- GreenerGovCT Initiatives: Learn how state agencies are leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and minimizing waste.
- Connecticut Green Bank: Discover how the nation’s first Green Bank is accelerating green energy adoption in homes, cities, and nonprofits.
- SustainableCT Program: Explore how municipalities are driving local sustainability actions, education, and certifications for everyday impact.
Join us at HAYVN’s Sustainability Holiday Pop Up Shop — Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, 4-8pm.*
Socialize, network, support local businesses, explore sustainable brands/products. Enjoy light bites and drinks while shopping. LEARN MORE
*Snow Date: In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule to Wednesday, Dec. 3rd, 4-8pm.
Want To Be A Sponsor?
We welcome sponsors! Please reach out to us at events@hayvn.com
Mark Your Calendars!
- Apr. 24, 2025@5:30pm – Build & Design Trends: Integrating Interior Design with Sustainability-Focused Materials. SIGN UP
- Jun. 4, 2025@5:30pm – Conscious Choices: Redefining Consumption for a Sustainable Future. SIGN UP
- Sep. 16, 2025@5:30pm – Nourish to Flourish: Eating for Health and a Low-Carbon Future. SIGN UP
- Oct. 30, 2025@11:30am – 3rd Annual CT Government Market Outlook 2026 – Sustainability Policies & Progress. SIGN UP
- Dec, 2, 2025*, 4-8pm – HAYVN’s Sustainability Holiday Pop Up Shop. (Note: snow date: Dec. 3, 2025)
Missed an Event? Here Are A Few.
To watch them all, plus more videos and events go to HAYVN's YouTube channel
About Sam Cherubin and Lisa Miniter
During his tenure at Elevance, he has focused on designing innovative, sustainable solutions for climate impacts on health. Previous roles include serving as Elevance’s Senior Product Manager/Strategist from 2017 to 2020 and as Product Manager for a boutique consulting firm from 2008 to 2017.
Lisa Miniter is a versatile B2B2C market strategist and partnerships developer who integrates a strong creative orientation in building partnership frameworks, sales development, go-to-market planning, and strategic business writing. Additionally, she has capabilities in conceptualizing and selling multi-level media packaging with an emphasis on early-stage platforms. Her sales management experience with integrated media sales has included the U.S., Mexico, and Europe.
Primary Industries: Sustainability, Regenerative Ag, Hotels, Wellness/Nutrition.