Student headshot

MESM 2026

Bio
Maya Kurani graduated with a double major in Economics and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara, where she explored the intersection between business, sustainability, and social justice. In 2023, she worked at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition in Washington, D.C. as a policy intern. Here, she authored an op-ed on how climate change worsens housing inequality and raises insurance premiums, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Additionally, Maya researched ESG investments by major U.S. banks and saw that top investors in renewable energy were also the leading investors in fossil fuels. This discovery led her to question the transparency of corporate sustainability efforts, motivating her to seek solutions that can drive real impact. Recently, Maya worked at Tynergy, a renewable technology firm. There, she gained hands-on experience in the clean energy sector and engaged with investors to secure funding for sustainable projects.
These experiences solidified her commitment to a career in sustainable development, where she aims to drive meaningful change by promoting corporate accountability and advancing net-zero initiatives. Specializing in Business and Sustainability, Maya aspires to collaborate with diverse companies, helping them adopt transparent and effective practices that mitigate environmental harm and promote long-lasting, equitable solutions.