We are excited to announce that Dr. Arlene Blum will join us via Zoom on Friday, March 28 (from 3:30–5:00pm EST), as a keynote speaker in the Center for Future Work Places and Practices (CFWPP) “Women in the Future of Work” speaker series.

Dr. Blum is a renowned mountaineer, scientist, environmental policy advocate, and one of Forbes’ 2024 Sustainability Leaders, recognizing 50 global changemakers. From summiting the world’s most treacherous peaks to breaking barriers in science and policy leadership, Dr. Blum’s extraordinary journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. In this seminar, Dr. Blum will share riveting stories from her groundbreaking expeditions, including leading the first American—and all-women’s—ascent of Annapurna I, and steadfast work to prevent the use of “Six Classes” of harmful chemicals in consumer products and building materials worldwide. Dr. Blum is the author of two books entitled Annapurna: A Woman’s Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life and is considered by the UK Guardian as one of the “World’s 100 Most Inspiring Women.” Whether you’re forging your own path in science, business, or adventure, this seminar will leave you motivated to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create lasting change.

In addition to the online viewing option, we have arranged a viewing party for the seminar that will be held in Virginia Tech’s new Data and Decision Science (DDS) Building. The event will be jointly sponsored by the Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business and Dr. Blum will be introduced by Dean Saonee Sarker. The talk is followed by a CFWPP and Pamplin joint reception at DDS atrium between 5:00-7:00pm.

Please register in advance here.