Nicole Cacal, Social Innovation Expert, Joins Governing Board of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)

12 September 2023

Salem, Ore.: International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) welcomes Nicole Cacal, Founder and CEO of Forbes Ignite, to its Governing Board. 



As a leader in tech and entrepreneurship, Cacal brings to ISSP her experience in advising global companies on ways to innovate at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and social impact. 

“I was eager to join the governing board of ISSP as I am committed to advancing sustainable practices on a global scale. With my background in social innovation, technology, and design, I am enthusiastic about contributing to ISSP's mission of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among sustainability professionals,” said Cacal. “Through this mission, I believe we can drive impactful change, promote responsible design, and facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries, making a substantial and lasting difference for our planet's well-being and future generations.” 

ISSP is the leading global membership network of sustainability professionals, providing connection and professional development to individuals, organizations, and communities around the globe. ISSP Governing Board members are sustainability leaders from the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors committed to creating a future where sustainability is standard practice.

“Nicole’s long history of entrepreneurship and social impact makes her an excellent addition to the ISSP Governing Board,” said Michelle Benavides, ISSP Executive Director. “I look forward to working with Nicole to continue to ensure ISSP is providing sustainability professionals the community, training, and tools needed to make progress in their careers and within their organizations.”

As a social innovation expert, Cacal engages in-depth conversations with mission-driven individuals who are redefining success through the Forbes Ignite podcast, “Inner Wealth.”

She is also passionate about advancing the Filipino community and serves as the Founder and CEO of Katalista.org, a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurship in the Filipino community. A dedicated lecturer at the Parsons School of Design and a visiting professor at the Pratt Institute, she teaches courses on financial management, business models, social innovation, and strategic technology to the next generation of diverse leaders. 

Cacal holds a BBA in Finance & International Business from the University of Hawaii, an MSc in Strategic Design & Management from the Parsons School of Design, and an MSc in Technology Management from Columbia University.

“My vision for the strategic direction of ISSP revolves around catalyzing transformative change through community, education, and collaboration,” said Cacal. “I aim to foster a dynamic global community of sustainability professionals that not only shares best practices but actively collaborates on innovative solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges.” 

About ISSP

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals is the world’s leading professional association of sustainability practitioners. A member-driven organization, ISSP moves the sustainability profession forward by empowering each other and defining professional excellence. ISSP launched the Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credentials (formerly the ISSP Sustainability Associate and ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional credentials) in 2016 to define and recognize competency in the field of sustainability. ISSP has since partnered with Green Business Certification Inc., which formally acquired the credentials in 2019, to enhance, scale and promote the credentials in order to drive positive environmental, social and economic outcomes in organizations and communities worldwide.