Green Sports Alliance Webinar: Compost Slam Dunk: Turning Food Waste into a Winning Strategy

The Green Sports Alliance invites you to join us on February 26^th at 9 am PST for the "Compost Slam Dunk: Turning Food Waste into a Winning Strategy" webinar, hosted by Denali, NASCAR, and Levy. This exclusive event is tailored for venues in the Sports and Entertainment space, focusing on the latest trends in sustainability and food waste reduction. Our expert panel will delve into the world of composting, covering everything from getting started to overcoming challenges and achieving significant environmental impact.

Hear from Denali, the nation's largest organics recycler, on their proven process for seamless composting integration. Gain valuable insights from NASCAR and Levy as they share real-life experiences and testimonials from multiple sites. You'll be surprised to learn that implementing a food waste program isn't as daunting as you might think. Our experts will break it down into manageable, step-by-step actions, empowering you to make it happen for your organization. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or seeking to optimize existing efforts, this webinar is a must-attend. Register now to learn how to turn food waste into a winning strategy and make a lasting impact on your venue's environmental footprint.

Register here

More on the panelists:

Laila Lakhani-Ali is a strategic leader with a background in commercial excellence and a passion for sustainability. With over 20 years of experience, much of it in the foodservice industry, Laila has developed a deep understanding of the complex relationships between food, waste, and business operations. Her impressive tenure of 13 years at Sysco, including roles where she led sales for the Western United States and led an incubator for customer growth in emerging segments, equips her uniquely with the expertise to help customers focus on their core business while also prioritizing  broader imperatives like sustainability. Laila joined Denali in 2023 and is now the Senior Vice President of Sales, dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions in emerging sectors focusing on repurposing food waste to feed the circular economy. Her unique blend of deep business process expertise and fresh eyes on sustainability enables her to develop and implement effective strategies that benefit both businesses and the environment. One of the emerging segments Laila is leading the growth in is Sports and Entertainment, which is undergoing a significant inflection point as it comes to sustainability, driven by a significant push from investors, fans and teams alike.  Laila is excited to represent Denali in partnering with customers to help bring their sustainability vision to life.

Bill Borelli, who worked over 40+ years in the rendering industry as V.P. of Sales for Darling Ingredients, came out of retirement to work with Denali in developing their Emerging Markets Segments.  Bill’s background in the recycling industry will aid Denali as they expand their presence in the organic waste recycling industry.  Sustainability and recycling have been a lifelong commitment of Bill’s.  A few of his biggest assets are communications, teamwork, developing relationships, and understanding customer’s needs.  Bill is recognized for building foundations for growth, maintaining that growth through frequent contact and exchange of ideas, keeping up with new rules and regulations, and helping customers find solutions to business developmental challenges as they occur.

Mary McCarthy, Vice President of Sustainability at Levy, after a decade in the mission-driven sustainability sector, Mary joined Levy as Vice President of Sustainability. She is compelled by the opportunity to create and accelerate meaningful change in the sports and entertainment, events, and conventions sectors. Mary is an experienced sustainability leader, especially with food and agriculture, and she brings expertise in translating between scales and local to national level engagement. She is adept at communicating with diverse audiences, building relationships, and developing the strategies, tactics, and processes necessary to deliver results. Recognized for her exceptional analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, Mary has a strong passion for contributing to a more just and sustainable future for everyone.

Chef Steven Maak serves as the Senior Vice President of Culinary for the Special Events division at Levy, where he brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the culinary industry. In this prestigious role, he is responsible for overseeing culinary operations for a diverse range of large-scale events, including festivals, motorsports, and professional sports. Throughout his career, Chef Maak has developed a reputation for his innovative approach and commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences. He leads a team of culinary professionals, guiding them in the creation of unique and memorable menus that reflect the essence of each event while also catering to a variety of guest preferences. His extensive experience in managing high-volume food service operations has equipped him with the skills necessary to execute complex catering logistics, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and delivered. Chef Maak is known for his ability to create an exciting culinary atmosphere that enhances the overall guest experience at sports arenas and major festivals, often incorporating local flavors and seasonal ingredients. Under his leadership, the Special Events division at Levy has consistently received acclaim for its exceptional culinary offerings, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Chef Maak is also passionate about mentoring emerging culinary talent, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within his teams. His contributions to the culinary landscape within the special events sector have solidified his status as a respected leader, making him a key figure in transforming how food is experienced at large events.

Ester Fonseca-Patriarco is a Sustainability Manager at NASCAR, based in Charlotte, NC. With a decade of global experience spanning Brazil, Indonesia, and the U.S., she has a background in sustainability, communications, and education. At NASCAR, she leads efforts to measure the organization's environmental footprint, implement greener events, and engage employees in sustainable practices. Originally from Brazil, she is a passionate advocate for eco-friendly living and has embraced a car-free lifestyle since college, commuting to work on her electric scooter.

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