807 Alexis Schwartz on Purpose-Driven Media: Breaking Down Paywalls and Amplifying Sustainability Stories
Alexis Schwartz
Head of Purpose Partnerships at The Guardian US
IN THE EPISODE
In this conversation, Alexis Schwartz, Head of Purpose Partnerships at The Guardian US, discusses how quality journalism can drive social impact and sustainability forward. She explains The Guardian's unique funding model that keeps journalism accessible by eliminating paywalls, which she argues breed inequity. Schwartz explores "the hush" - a recent phenomenon where brands have pulled back from publicly discussing DEI and sustainability initiatives due to fear of backlash and economic uncertainty. Through examples of The Guardian's partnerships with organizations like Doctors Without Borders and Bloomberg Philanthropies, she illustrates how media can effectively humanize sustainability and social justice stories. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of trusted media environments in combating misinformation and shares hope in seeing communities come together to address climate challenges.
Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2024 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes brought the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Alexis Schwartz:
Alexis Schwartz has 30 years of experience in media and publishing, specializing in working for premier brands to build impactful partnership programs that are rooted in purpose and create value.
As Executive Director, Head of Purpose Partnerships at the Guardian US, Schwartz specializes in collaborating with brands that lead with sustainability, DEI, and social equity and justice. She began her time at the Guardian US five years ago as a part of the Advertising Partnership Team. She frequently contributes thought leadership as a panelist at speaking events, including the Sustainable Brands Conference and The Female Quotient (FQ) Equality Lounge at SXSW.
Before joining the Guardian US, Schwartz helped build the brand partnership division for Chegg, a Silicon Valley start-up with a corporate culture and business strategy committed to creating better student outcomes. Her career includes nearly 20 years of representing Time magazine and Time.com, where she spearheaded integrated platforms showcasing Time magazine’s renowned editorial franchises such as “Person of the Year” and “TIME 100.”
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Indiana University Bloomington. Schwartz makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Chris, daughter Lauren, son Jake, and two Westie brothers, Rory and Finn.
Renay Loper:
Renay is a Clinical Faculty in Organizational Leadership for the Bard MBA in Sustainability, where she focuses on JEDI Transformation in the workplace. Previously, she was the Vice President of Program Innovation at PYXERA Global where she served on the Executive Leadership Team, led five country offices, drove the development of new business and programs, co-led the organization's work on inclusive circular cities, and advised corporate clients on their social impact strategies. Renay also led the organization’s ARC (Antiracist Collective) initiatives, which included internal and external efforts toward dismantling unjust systems. To this end, Renay created Rhetoric to Action, a series of conversations to bridge sectors toward collective action around social and racial justice.
Prior to PYXERA Global, Renay led the grassroots exchange and education grant portfolio at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and has served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit, and business prior to that. Renay is an avid speaker and facilitator, has authored and edited numerous publications, including a resource journal, Student Affairs Professionals Cultivating Campus Climates Inclusive of International Students (Jossey Bass). Renay serves on the board of directors of nonprofits including Community Change, Harpswell Foundation, and Girl Rising.
