Building a Sustainable Society

 SPECIAL LEADERSHIP FEATURE

The Vision, Voice and Global Journey of

Malikka D. Karteron

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“My life mission is to bring about positive change—and to help change the trajectory of lives too often forgotten.”

BY MALIKKA D. KARTERON

President & CEO, Global25  |  August 2026

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

A Vision Rooted in Purpose

Some visions begin as strategic plans. Others begin as a deeply held conviction—a belief that leadership must leave people, communities and the world stronger than it found them.

For Malikka D. Karteron, President and CEO of Global25, that conviction has shaped a life devoted to education, environmental justice, economic opportunity, the arts and global collaboration. Her goal is both personal and expansive: to leave the world a better place by creating a powerful, positive impact at the local, national and international levels.

That goal is expressed through a clear and enduring call to action: build a sustainable society. It is not sustainability defined narrowly as environmental stewardship alone. It is a whole-society framework—one that recognizes that prosperity, health, education and justice are inseparable.

“We live in a global community and must assure the well-being of all people.”

MALIKKA D. KARTERON

The Four Foundations of a Sustainable Society

Karteron’s personal statement identifies four foundations that must work together. Each is essential; none can reach its full strength in isolation.

FOUNDATION	WHAT IT MAKES POSSIBLE
Economic strength	Entrepreneurship, job creation, mobility and resilient local economies.
Healthy people and places	Access to quality health care, emotional well-being and a clean, healthy environment.
Equitable education	Learning opportunities from birth through higher education that allow every person to reach their potential.
Social justice	Fairness, dignity and inclusion embedded throughout society—not treated as an afterthought.

THE GLOBAL25 FRAMEWORK

Justice as a Global Practice

Global25 translates this vision into project-based action. Headquartered in New York City and designed for global impact, the organization addresses five connected dimensions of justice: economic, social, environmental, educational and equity. Its work places particular emphasis on communities of color / underserved communities worldwide and on the people whose experiences are too often overlooked in traditional systems.

The organization’s model is intentionally multidisciplinary. Global25 develops initiatives at the intersection of project development, economic mobility, the arts, women’s empowerment, placemaking, environmental and social governance strategies, executive coaching, and social-emotional development. This breadth is not accidental—it reflects the complexity of the challenges communities face.

“Sustainable change happens when knowledge, creativity, opportunity and justice move together.”

GLOBAL25 EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE

S.T.E.A.M. as a Bridge to the Future

At the center of Global25’s approach is S.T.E.A.M.—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math—strengthened by social science and social-emotional intelligence. The framework develops more than technical skills. It nurtures creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, confidence and the ability to imagine new possibilities.

Karteron’s belief in individualized, culturally responsive education also informs her work as co-founder of Brazil Global English, now referenced in Global25’s broader work as Brazil Global Education. Its teaching model uses a S.T.E.A.M.-based curriculum and balances teacher-directed and student-directed learning so instruction can respond to the strengths and needs of each learner.

Where the Work Comes Alive

The Arts: Creativity becomes a tool for cultural understanding, public engagement, economic development and community identity.

Placemaking: Physical spaces are transformed into welcoming, community-centered environments that reflect local culture and values.

Women’s Empowerment: Women’s leadership, agency and economic opportunity are elevated across programs and partnerships.

ESG Strategy: Organizations are supported in connecting responsible practice with measurable community value.

Education & Coaching: Learning, leadership development and emotional intelligence help individuals and institutions build lasting capacity.

A LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

Science, Education and Global Engagement

Karteron’s leadership is grounded in a rare combination of scientific training, education administration, nonprofit leadership and global business. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University, an Advanced Master’s in Education Administration and Leadership from Brooklyn College, completed Fordham University’s Executive Non-Profit Leadership Program, and earned an Executive MBA through the University of Miami OneMBA Global Program.

As a graduate fellow with the Center for Environmental Analysis—Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology at California State University, Los Angeles, she researched the distribution of Toxic Release Inventory sites in Los Angeles County and conducted statistical analysis of their placement. That work sharpened an understanding that data, geography, health and justice tell one connected story.

Milestones of Service and Voice

2023  Presented during a White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council hybrid public meeting.

2019  Contributed to the U.S. Climate Action and United Nations Periodic Review at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice.

2016  Selected as an International J’Reve Fellow in Paris and participated on a global S.T.E.A.M. panel through a fellowship connected with UNESCO, Fulbright, Columbia Paris, J’Reve and the Wells Foundation.

2015  Presented a framework for building a sustainable society nationally and globally at the UNA-USA 7th Annual Earth Day Celebration.

Her service also began in moments requiring immediate courage. As a Hampton University student and lifeguard, Karteron received a Citation from the City of Hampton for saving the life of a fellow student. She also participated in the NOAA-supported Minorities at Sea Together study and was a member of Hampton University’s first historically Black sailing team.

“I believe in investing in people—particularly through a S.T.E.A.M. lens coupled with social-emotional intelligence.” — Malikka D. Karteron

THE ROAD AHEAD

From Vision to Generational Impact

Global25’s work begins with the understanding that local challenges are connected to national and global systems. A child’s access to an excellent education, a family’s economic stability, a community’s environmental health, and a neighborhood’s cultural vitality all influence one another. Solutions must therefore be collaborative, disciplined and designed for long-term impact.

Karteron’s vision calls on institutions to invest not only in programs, but in people. It asks corporations, educators, artists, public agencies and community leaders to build partnerships that are equitable in both purpose and practice. It also recognizes that those closest to a challenge must have a meaningful role in shaping the solution.

“The state of the world is a shared responsibility. Our greatest impact will come through globally collaborative projects.”

MALIKKA D. KARTERON

A Call to Build Together

The next chapter of Global25 is an invitation: to create learning pathways that prepare children for the future; develop economic opportunities that strengthen families; use art to bridge cultures and animate public space; advance environmental health; and ensure that justice and equity remain central to every measure of progress.

For Karteron, leadership is not defined by visibility alone. It is defined by usefulness—by the ability to transform expertise, relationships and ideas into opportunities that change lives. Her mission remains as focused as it is ambitious: broaden the reach, deepen the impact and help shift the trajectory of people and communities too often forgotten.

About Malikka D. Karteron

MALIKKA D. KARTERON

President & CEO, Global25

Malikka D. Karteron is a scientist, educator, global executive and community-centered leader. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Greater Queens Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, where she has chaired the HBCU Committee.