Catherine Borgstrom
Design Strategist, Sustainability Specialist
Phone:
607-437-4144
Email:
Location:
New York, NY, USA
A Bit About Me
Creative program coordinator and sustainability strategist with experience leading cross-functional initiatives that connect environmental strategy, social impact, and design communication. Skilled in translating complex sustainability and ESG concepts into accessible programs, workshops, and public-facing communications. Brings a background in climate science, inclusive design, and storytelling to foster collaboration and strengthen community engagement. Adept at balancing analytical rigor with creative communication to engage diverse stakeholders, streamline processes, and deliver measurable outcomes for mission-driven organizations.
Education
2021-2022
M.A. Climate & Society
Columbia University
Climate School
Interdisciplinary master’s program building foundations in climate science, and on societal and environmental impacts of climate change. Focused on systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration as a mechanism for positive change.
​
2014-2018
B.A. Industrial Design
High Distinction
California College of the Arts
Focused on sustainable design, user-centered solutions, and systems-based problem solving integrating technology, research, and environmental stewardship.
Work Experience
2021-2025
-
Led ESG-aligned consulting and sustainability strategy across 12+ global projects in workplace, education, and wellness sectors, delivering measurable carbon reduction and resource efficiency outcomes.
-
Created executive education decks and toolkits linking ESG frameworks to design strategy for M Moser’s ESG-Aligned Approach, integrating client KPIs into design and operational strategies; translated corporate sustainability goals into actionable frameworks adopted across global teams.
-
Led and scaled KIND (Keys to Inclusive & Neurodiverse Design) as a practical framework applied across >1M sq ft of workspace; delivered internal trainings to increase program adoption.
-
Designed and co-facilitated multi-session education programs (Inclusive & Neurodiverse Design / KIND), with slide decks, digital guides, and leader notes—model later adapted for client-facing sessions.
-
Curated and delivered cross-disciplinary sustainability charrettes for corporate real-estate projects (clients, architects, engineers, landlords), coordinating agendas, visuals, and facilitation materials that integrated LEED/WELL targets.
-
Collaborated with marketing and leadership on audience-appropriate narratives and presentations on ESG, inclusive design, and certification strategy, strengthening firm-wide capacity to deliver evidence-based sustainability solutions; facilitated workshops and talks to build shared language around accessibility, equity, and climate-ready practice.
2019-2021
Freelance Graphic Design and Brand Strategy Consulting
San Francisco Bay Area
Worked with mission-driven organizations and wellness-focused clients to develop cohesive brand identities, digital experiences, and strategic design solutions.
-
Delivered strategic design guidance to early-stage startups, non-profit groups, and small businesses including branding, digital strategy, and marketing collateral, aligning visual identity with organizational mission and audience needs.
-
Executed contract work for larger companies, producing marketing materials and presentation graphics.
​
2019
Paper Culture | Seasonal Production Artist & Customer Advocate
Bay Area, CA
-
Assisted with product design, production, and customer support during peak season.
-
Managed high-volume client interactions, ensuring accurate and timely fulfillment of orders.
-
Applied creative skills to enhance marketing assets and visual product presentation.
2019
Workshop Cafe | Graphic Designer & Assistant Workplace Manager
San Francisco, CA
-
Balanced operational management with design deliverables, using user research to inform process improvements in a tech-based co-working start-up. (Business closed late 2019)
Let's Connect!
