In our latest Member Spotlight, meet Melissa Sternberg: Global Head of ESG at Swift. Melissa joined ISITC earlier this year and shares her experience as a new member, as well as her expanded involvement with ISITC’s ESG Forum.
How long have you been involved with ISITC and what positions have you held?
I joined ISITC in early 2023 and was appointed as the co-chair for the ESG Forum. My first interaction was participating in a panel discussing ESG and DEI practices, where I shared our company’s strategies and efforts to support a sustainable future.
How did you hear about ISITC? What (or who) prompted you to get involved?
Swift has had a longstanding partnership with ISITC. The relationship between both companies is well-known within our community. So, when I received an invitation to participate in their 2023 spring panel and later was invited to become a co-chair for the ESG Forum, I was excited to get more involved to continue strengthening collaborative efforts and drive a positive impact in the financial community.
What excites you about working with ISITC?
Joining ISTIC offers a great opportunity to connect with intelligent professionals, and the ESG Forum I am part of unites wonderful people who also share a passion for sustainability. ISTIC provides a supportive and engaging community and is committed to collaboration that will help shape a better tomorrow for future generations.
What can you tell us about the ESG Forum for those interested in getting involved?
The mission of the ESG Forum is to bring together practitioners to share actionable insights and best practices within the rapidly evolving areas of ESG. Our goal is to foster engaging panel discussions by bringing a variety of sustainability-focused professionals to share their experiences, which we hope builds energy across ISITC to drive positive change.
What’s the most impactful lesson you’ve gained from ISITC that you were able to bring back to your firm?
The power of networking and building relationships creates opportunities to grow ideas into reality and help to build a better future – not only for our industry, but also for our planet and communities. There is so much information out there, so being able to engage in meaningful discussions around ESG sheds light on areas you may not have known much about, and can motivate you to try new strategies that drive positive impact.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in the industry?
Lean into uncomfortable areas you may not be familiar with because, undoubtedly, you will learn and grow. Make sure to have band-aids available when you have a stumble or two along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask what may feel like a silly question, because the more well-rounded you are, the more you will have to offer your industry and your communities.
What would be your alternative dream job if you were not working in financial services?
My dream job would be to run a non-for-profit affordable housing community. There are many families struggling to pay for housing, and I believe by investing in those people, we are investing in our future. Sustainability can take on so many meanings, and for me having a warm, comfortable home to grow up in is a foundation for a bright future.