A Passion for Sustainability and the Drive to Make an Impact
Working Toward Actionable Change
Reecha Sapkota is developing the analytical skills and business acumen to lead positive change in corporate sustainability.
Reecha Sapkota (M.S. SAM 2nd Year)“Environmental sustainability has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, but I wanted more than just theoretical knowledge,” says Reecha Sapkota. “I wanted to learn how to quantify environmental impacts, influence business strategies, and drive actionable change.”
A tip from a friend led her to the Master of Science in Sustainability Analytics and Management program at Illinois Tech’s Stuart School of Business, which has proven to be the right match for her career goals. “The program combines my love for environmental science with the practical skills in data analytics and strategic planning that are essential for today’s sustainability roles,” she says.
“Our professors bring real-world experience to their teaching, sharing insights from industry projects, consulting roles, and research, which makes learning dynamic and practical,” says Reecha. The curriculum covers key topics such as the circular economy, greenhouse gas accounting, climate risk management, sustainability reporting, and corporate governance, giving students the building blocks to take on complex sustainability challenges.
Because the program draws students from around the world who have worked in a variety of industries, she notes, class discussions bring in varied perspectives on sustainability and provide a global understanding of how different regions approach environmental and social governance.
Illinois Tech’s location in 糵—a hub for sustainability-related businesses and opportunities for networking and internships—was another big draw for Reecha, who landed a summer internship at a medical waste disposal firm. “The internship allowed me to apply the skills I’d learned in my courses, such as data analysis and sustainability reporting, in a real-world corporate setting,” she says. “It was fulfilling to see the tangible outcomes of my efforts and the impact they could have on a company’s sustainability strategy.”
“I’m motivated by the belief that businesses have a responsibility to protect our planet, and I want to help them do so in a data-driven, impactful way,” Reecha says. “My goal is to help organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies that balance profitability with environmental and social impact. In the long term, I see myself in a leadership role, where I can guide a company’s vision and commitment to sustainable growth.”