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Jillian Semaan
Jillian is vice president, Sustainability in Ketchum’s Food, Agriculture and Ingredient sector where she drives initiatives and provides counsel related to ESGs, Sustainability, CSR, Environmental Justice, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She develops communications strategies and planning, works on social impact initiatives development and execution and stakeholder engagement with clients. She has spent much of her career advocating for both human and planetary health centered around sustainable solutions like new technologies, regenerative agriculture, alternative proteins, biodiversity, and soil health. Previously she was appointed in the Obama Administration at the United States Department of Agriculture where she created and implemented government initiatives that focused on sustainable agriculture in food deserts, disadvantaged and low-income communities throughout the US addressing food access issues and nutrition. In addition, as Chief of Staff for Civil Rights, she played an integral role in farmer discrimination settlements.
Posts: Jillian Semaan
COP27: Facing Complex Global Issues, Finding Common Ground on Climate Action & What to Expect
by Jillian Semaan | November 4, 2022
On November 6, world leaders will meet in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for two weeks of climate negotiations as nations struggle to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Faced with a weakened global economy, record greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing extreme weather events, COP27 seeks renewed solidarity between countries to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement for people and […]
Environmentally Sustainable Solutions to Eradicate Hunger and Improve Health
by Jillian Semaan and Dylan Bailey, MS, RD, FAND | October 6, 2022
A major component of the National Strategy coming out of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health is reliant on partnerships with companies and nonprofits. In fact, private companies have committed over $8 billion in investments to help reach the White House’s goals. What’s very clear coming out of this groundswell of […]
Our Take: SXSW Food Industry Trends
by Jillian Semaan and Amelia Keleher | April 8, 2022
History of SXSW 2022 SXSW began in the 80’s as a local music festival in Austin and transcended into what many of us know today as one of the greatest connectors. It brings together everyone from creatives and celebrities, to start-ups, government officials, industry experts and activists – many of whom are working to build […]
