How a high school dream ignited a global sustainability revolution for this associate

More than a decade ago, in the bustling halls of her high school, young Carolyn Payne discovered her calling. Fueled by the enthusiastic teachings of an environmental science teacher, Carolyn envisioned a world thriving on renewable energy and businesses leading the charge against climate change. Today, she is not just living that dream; she's spearheading it.

“It became clear to me that the attention and focus on sustainability and climate change in global conversations was only going to increase,” Carolyn said.

Carolyn now holds the title of Senior Manager of Global ESG at JELD-WEN, a role she uses to craft a sustainable future. Her journey from passionate student to influential corporate leader is nothing short of inspiring. Under her guidance, JELD-WEN has set bold goals for 2050 including net zero greenhouse gas emissions and zero waste to landfill.

Her strategies include identifying and executing projects to reduce JELD-WEN’s environmental impact. Her commitment took her to an energy boot camp organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, where she deepened her expertise in net-zero strategies. Following the boot camp, she has led a series of ESG events across JELD-WEN, sharing her knowledge and inspiring sustainable practices on a global scale.

Carolyn is revolutionizing JELD-WEN's approach to data management in preparation for upcoming regulations such as the SEC Climate Rule and European Union Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. By implementing a unified framework for data collection, Carolyn ensures the company’s accountability towards its monumental 2050 targets and transparency in strategy, plans and roadmaps.

But Carolyn's role extends beyond just numbers and reports. She is an advocate for safety, workforce engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Her commitment to promoting a supportive and progressive workplace culture is evident in JELD-WEN’s continued efforts to enhance its talent recruitment and retention strategies. The company empowers its employees through extensive training programs, regular performance evaluations and leadership development opportunities, all which Carolyn has benefited from and now champions. She is a member of three employee resource groups and started a Green Team at JELD-WEN’s headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on promoting responsible, sustainable operations.

“If every manufacturing plant was as efficient as possible, we as a country could build and develop the renewable energy infrastructure needed to support demand quicker while using less space,” Carolyn said. “Additionally, more time and resources could be devoted to developing technological solutions to overcome barriers to a zero-carbon future.” 

Carolyn envisions a future where efficient manufacturing and innovative technology pave the way for a zero-carbon world. She often reflects on her high school days, inspired by her teacher’s passion. In her, the spirit of that passionate educator lives on, driving forward a global movement towards sustainability. Carolyn is not just a part of the conversation on climate change—she is leading it, proving that a high school passion, when nurtured, can indeed change the world.