Helena Gabaldon Vander Elst

In a world where climate change, biodiversity loss, and systemic inequalities jeopardize ecosystems and communities, I feel an unwavering responsibility to contribute to solutions that are impactful, just, and sustainable. Pursuing a career in environmental impact is both a professional ambition and a personal mission. Transportation, as the highest-emitting sector globally, represents a powerful opportunity for systemic transformation, and I am driven by the urgency to contribute to its decarbonization.

My academic background in economics, governance, and sustainable development has equipped me with the tools to analyze global challenges and design solutions that are targeted, inclusive, and enduring. With a professional path bridging climate change and finance, I have developed skills to balance environmental integrity with financial insight. At Carbon4Finance, I assessed carbon footprints across diverse sectors, refining my understanding of the interplay between data, strategy, and impact. At RIVE Private Investment, I contributed to investment strategies that integrated decarbonization and social equity, strengthening my belief that performance and impact must go hand in hand.

Shift4Good’s mission to decarbonize transportation resonates deeply with this conviction. The company’s innovative approach—blending venture capital expertise, a global ecosystem, and support for bold entrepreneurs—reflects the systemic change I aspire to help create: turning complex environmental challenges into opportunities for people and the planet. I’m excited to bring this experience to Shift4Good and support the rise of international champions in sustainable mobility.