Introducing Hanna De La Vega Sánchez: MiSBF’s Sustainability Associate (Spanish-Speaking)

We are excited to welcome Hanna De La Vega Sánchez to the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum as our Spanish-speaking Sustainability Associate, a role generously supported by the Wege Foundation. Fluent in Spanish and English, Hanna is dedicated to reducing barriers to sustainability for Hispanic and BIPOC-led businesses by providing education, technical assistance, and advocacy.

Hanna’s responsibilities include engaging directly with business and community leaders, particularly within Hispanic and BIPOC communities, to promote sustainable practices, address systemic challenges, and drive equitable outcomes. As a key liaison, she works to expand the Forum’s outreach by facilitating educational programs, workshops, and events that focus on sustainability, resource conservation, and environmental justice.

Hanna also serves as a spokesperson for Spanish-language media, ensuring that critical sustainability initiatives and opportunities reach Spanish-speaking communities. Her work includes spearheading outreach for programs like the EPA Food Service Campaign and supporting projects like the Fair Food Campaign and the Justice40 Initiative, which prioritize equity and inclusion in environmental efforts.

Beyond her advocacy efforts, Hanna plays a vital role in fostering partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities. She works to strengthen collaboration across sectors, expand access to sustainability resources, and identify opportunities for community-driven solutions. Her commitment to engaging with underrepresented communities is central to the Forum’s mission of creating a more equitable and sustainable Michigan.

Hanna’s professional journey includes a B.S. in Environmental Sustainability from Cornerstone University, where she founded a campus sustainability group, as well as participation in global initiatives like the Reeforesting4Peace Project and serving as a COP28 Observer. Recently, she earned her TRUE Advisor certification and is enrolled in the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Futuro Leaders Fellowship Program.

We’re thrilled to have Hanna on the team and look forward to the incredible impact she will make as she works to advance sustainability, equity, and resilience across Michigan!