Work with venera
Shaping the Conversations
That Matter the Most.
How I Support Leaders & Organizations
I work with leaders and organizations at the intersection of sustainability, energy transition, and global strategy—where complexity is high and clarity is scarce. I help transform uncertainty into structured, actionable strategy that advances the Sustainable Development Goals while strengthening long-term system resilience and delivering antifragile outcomes.
As an impact partner, I bring a global lens, cross-cultural fluency, and adaptive thinking to solve high-stakes challenges where conventional approaches no longer work.
EXPLORE how
https://www.carbonmanagementsociety.org/board
Relevant Experience, continued:
I offer board-level leadership as a non-executive director and advisor, supporting organizations in navigating strategic inflection points, strengthening governance, and enhancing stakeholder alignment. I bring an independent perspective on risk, growth, and sustainability, informed by global experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
- Received USA President's Volunteer Service Award (2015).
- Advised and assisted Regional Program Managers in providing humanitarian services to 100,400 U.S. service members, civilians, and veterans throughout all USMC bases, Fort Buckner, Camp Lester, Naha Port, and other installations for all branches of service on Okinawa, Japan.
- Jointly led 1,080 volunteers, whose resiliency support efforts resulted in the combined cost savings of over $908,000 to U.S. military community.
- Spearheaded and developed new Volunteer Incentive program (173% increase in active volunteers' participation, tripling the rate of 2015's U.S. National Volunteerism rate). The program was accepted as standard in the entire Far East region - American Red Cross.
- Obtained Undergraduate Certificate in Japanese Studies (University of Maryland Global Campus | Asia: 18 credit hours, GPA: 4.0) to build strategic partnerships with Japanese/Okinawan community.
Built on four pillars: Education, Advocacy, Engagement and Impact, CMS exists to build and mobilize a global community committed to emissions elimination. Our mission is to ensure that carbon management strategies are not just discussed but implemented and scaled for measurable impact.
- Served as primary American Red Cross representative at III MEF Military Women Leadership Symposiums, joint military emergency exercises with Japan Self-Defense Forces, local police, and emergency responders.
- Acted as the face of American Red Cross in the community as the keynote speaker at multiple American Red Cross events. Led initiative to increase the social / traditional media coverage of the MCB Butler | American Red Cross; facilitated outreach efforts to the local veteran community.
- Developed strategic partnerships with Wounded Warrior Project and USPACOM Armed Services Blood Bank Center. Solidified partnership with the Japanese Red Cross Society.
- Planned and co-organized American Red Cross Far East conferences.
Station Chairman and Chairman of Advisory Board (American Red Cross – Japan) (March, 2014 – November, 2016):
Selected to serve two terms as the primary resource and counterpart for two Regional Program Managers (Okinawa | Japan) for strategy, human resources, financial management, and public relations.
Co-Founder and Non-Executive Board Director, Carbon Management Society (November 2025 – Present):
The Carbon Management Society (CMS) is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing practical, science-based carbon management as a cornerstone of the world’s response to the climate crisis.
We bring together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and innovators from across the globe to collaborate on real solutions that reduce, remove, or avoid greenhouse gas emissions through sound science, responsible policy and effective technology deployment.
Relevant Experience:
Selected Projects
- Serve as an external fundraising advisor for Japanese nuclear fusion start-up company Clean Planet Inc.
I provide in-depth analysis of new and established businesses, primarily in clean energy and tech sectors, by advising on overall strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
I utilize extensive global network to develop and enhance relationships with investors, lenders, strategic partners, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Boards, Governments, Corporations and Non-Profits: Sustainability, Clean Energy, Climatetech
- Start-up (clean energy) in US: Advisor to Executive Chairman to broaden investor and strategic partner relationships. Advised on a separate initiative in the education sector, involving structuring a strategic partnership with a multinational development bank.
- Serve as external environmental and sustainability expert on a global project team, a supplier of AI/ML system to the State Revenue Committee and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. The World Bank supports the project as part of the country’s “Fourth Sector Modernization Project.”
- Private (sustainable agri-tech) company in Eurasia: Headed economics department to assist with research, strategy, and operations needs.
- Renewable Energy (solar PV) start-up in California: Consulted CEO and equity partners in coordination of strategic decisions and investor relationships. Secured “eligible lender” commitment letters from a bulge-bracket investment bank for US Department of Energy (DOE)’s 1705 loan guarantee program’s application and power purchase agreement (PPA) submission. Coordinated financial aspects of PPA package preparation for major utility. Performed due diligence on solar module manufacturer.
- Renewable Energy (biodiesel) start-up in UK: Functioned as Finance Director in preparation for private placement. Advised Chairman and Board of Directors on strategic decisions and investor relationships. Provided due-diligence of a feedstock diversification program (algae, CA). Co-authored bioenergy-related articles and attended biofuel energy conferences for research and business development purposes.
Selected Global Recognitions
I offer global research and executive thought leadership at the intersection of sustainability, energy transition, and global strategy—bringing clarity to complex systems and translating insight into action. As a globally recognized and widely read thought leader, I produce influential publications, strategic research, and translated works that help shape high-level thinking across sectors and borders—informing decision-making and enabling long-term value creation
- Author, “The Fight against Poverty in the BRICS Countries” (2020)
Examines historical, socio-economic, and political dimensions of poverty in transitional economies
- Research & Publications (2003–2020)
Authored and co-authored 50+ academic publications (in Russian), including 5 books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference papers on economics, sustainability, and poverty in transitional economies (published under former name)
- Peer Reviewer, Elsevier (2024–present)
Reviewer of scientific research on energy transition and sustainability
- Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council Contributing insights to global executive research and thought leadership
- Named among the Women in Hydrogen 50 (2025) — recognized as a leading voice in the global hydrogen economy, ranked Top 10 in Policy & Regulation — Hydrogen Economist and H2Tech
- Ranked #1 Most-Read Global Thought Leader in Energy (2023) — illuminem
- Consistently ranked Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Energy, Energy Transition & Hydrogen (2022–2026) — illuminem
- Recognized as a Top Renewable Energy Voice (2023–2024) — LinkedIn
- Outstanding Capstone Project Award in Energy Policy and Climate (2025) — Johns Hopkins University
Selected Works & Contributions
- Co-Author, “Touching Hydrogen Future” (2nd ed., 2023)
Authored “Kazakhstan – 2049: Hydrogen Silk Roads and Hubs,” a chapter on hydrogen strategy and global energy systems, recognized as the #1 most-read “Energy” article of the year on illuminem (700,000+ readers). The book is available on Amazon across 12 countries and has achieved 11,200+ downloads in 130+ countries via EuropeanGasMarket.eu.
- Contributor, Climate Prospects Journal (2023)
Authored “Geography Matters: Coastal Green Hydrogen Hub as Key to Building a Hydrogen Economy,” published in English and Arabic by a leading Egyptian government-affiliated policy think tank
- Contributor, “Rethinking Capital” White Paper (2025) Contributed to a policy-oriented publication, published in the United Kingdom, informing governments, the G7, G20, and the United Nations on evolving economic frameworks and women’s economic empowerment
Selected works shaping global dialogue on energy transition, sustainability, and economic systems.
I speak at the intersection of sustainability, energy transition, and global strategy, bringing clarity to complexity and translating insight into action. From international summits to policy-driven forums, I help shape high-level dialogue that resonates across sectors, audiences, and borders, driving meaningful, lasting impact.
A private, high-level keynote experience for boards, government officials, and industry leaders operating under existential pressure.
LinkedIn content creation and sharing to extend reach to engaged global audience.
Curated courses and presentations.
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I have known Venera for nearly twelve years, being associated in various projects in the climate sector. Most recently, it’s been a pleasure to work with her directly on an initiative in the education sector. Venera demonstrated cultural sensitivity, multidimensional analytical skills, emotional intelligence dealing with various parties, and knowledge of international relations. On a personal note, I am pleased that during the pandemic Venera completed her nearly decade-post-doctoral research in economic theory on the subject of fighting poverty in the 'BRICS' economies, and published her first sole-authored book on this subject.
Chairman, SuperWater Solutions
Norman Gaut
I had the pleasure to first meet Venera while we worked on pioneering renewables projects at Credit Suisse. At the time, she was the investment banking associate specifically designated for that role. I was of course impressed by her skills and abilities, but more importantly, I always enjoyed working with her as did everyone else on the team. Even back then, she already had larger than life personality which I found fascinating and unique among her peers. Venera is an exceptional person, highly talented and well-rounded professional and intellectual.
Former Credit Suisse
Dimitar Stoimenov
Asking Venera to join my startup educational institution as an advisor was one of the most important and critical decisions that I made. Her multidimensional experience was instrumental in not only advising on the decisions that I was making, but her enthusiasm as an advisor made her more proactive in identifying growth opportunities as well as hidden weak points of the organization. If you are looking for an advisor that has broad multicultural experience, technical skillset, gutsiness, resilience, excellent communication skills, Venera is the right person for that role. I recommend her unreservedly.
Director, Taxcom
Armen Elchiyan
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