Emerging Professionals

Community Mission

The BuildGreenCT Emerging Professionals Community is a vibrant group of members working to develop skills and opportunities for careers in sustainability in the built environment.

Supporting up-and-coming professionals

Through in-person and virtual meet-ups, we facilitate growth and connections by:

Providing networking and professional growth experience for members early on in their careers.
Hosting events that facilitate knowledge share, offer skill development, and establish a network for professional mentorship.
Supporting professional accreditation through education and sponsorship to kickstart careers.
Fostering opportunities for early project experience

Career Conversations

Join BuildGreenCT’s Emerging Professionals for an inspiring monthly virtual speaker series featuring candid conversations with industry professionals about their unique career paths in sustainable and green building.

Each session includes a 30-minute, casual interview followed by audience Q&A.
Speakers will share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice for those starting out or exploring a career shift into sustainability.

Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, early-career professional, or curious about different careers, this is a great opportunity to hear from and connect with others who share your passion for a more sustainable future.

Join our monthly conversation every four Thursdays at 4:00pm.

Past Guests

Alysse Lembo-Buzzelli — Director of Program Development & Origination at Connecticut Green Bank
Mike Turaj — Policy & Public Affaiers Advison at Generation Power CT
Brandon Mark — Energy Engineer & Sustainability Manager, City of Stamford, CT
Kate Doherty, CPHD — Energy Engineer at Franklin Energy & BuildGreenCT Board Member
Misha Semenov-Leiva AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC — Associate University Architect for Sustainability at Yale University
Kyle Cruz AIA, CPHC, LFA — Architect at Wolfworks

Next Conversation: March 5

Stay Connected

Join our Community to connect with other up-and-coming professionals.

BuildGreenCT Membership

The Emerging Professionals Community is designed to offer community as well as educational and networking opportunities for anyone starting out in sustainable built environment fields.

Students currently full and part-time in architecture, engineering, or environmental-related fields.
Young Professionals under 30 years of age; within 5 years of graduating.
Emerging Mature Professionals just entering into sustainability or the built environment as a second career with up to 3 years in the industry

While the specific needs and interests of these groups differ, we are joined together by the value and the practice of growing our knowledge and network. The varying degrees of experience also offer a unique opportunity for expanded peer-to-peer learning.

To access the events and benefits provided by both BuildGreenCT and BuildGreenCT Emerging Professionals, learn about the membership benefits and select “Emerging Professionals” for the interest area.