Rachel Payne

Rachel Payne has a diverse and extensive work experience focusing on sustainability and climate initiatives. In their current role at X, the moonshot factory, they serve as the Portfolio Director for Climate Moonshots. Prior to this, they held various positions at the company, including Director of Climate Initiatives and Moonshots and Advisor.

Rachel also has experience in the public benefit sector, serving as a Director on the Board of Directors at EarthGrid, where they contributed to the development of innovative technologies for sustainable infrastructure, such as plasma tunnel-boring robot. Rachel has also served as a Sustainability Advisor on the Board of Directors at EarthStudios, contributing their expertise to promote sustainability practices.

Additionally, Rachel has contributed to academia as a member of the Faculty Advisory Board for Sustainability and Innovation at Loyola Marymount University's College of Business Administration. Rachel has also been involved in the investment sector as a Venture Partner at Elevation Ventures, focusing on climate and sustainability companies.

Rachel has founded and chaired FEM Holdings, a mission-driven holding company and innovation incubator that focuses on positive impact for people and the planet. Rachel has also been involved as an Investor at Evrnu® and served as the Managing Director of Head of ESG/Impact and Deal Origination at FullCycle, which is a growth equity fund investing in scalable climate solutions.

Prior to these roles, Rachel worked as an Entrepreneur at Nike, where they showcased their business skills and entrepreneurial mindset.

Overall, Rachel Payne's work experience demonstrates their strong commitment to sustainability, climate change mitigation, and innovative solutions for a better future.

Rachel Payne completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Government, and East Asian Studies (with Japanese fluency) from Smith College in the years 1993 to 1997. Rachel also received a Certification in Japanese, Economics, and Government from Doshisha University in 1995 to 1996. Later, in 2002 to 2004, they pursued their MBA in Global Business, Public Management, and Impact Investing from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. In 2018, they obtained a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.