Written by SSM student Daniel Rudolph
Armine Utas, a passionate and unceasingly enthusiastic Sustainable Systems Management senior, is making a name for herself in corporate sustainability. Originally from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, Armine grew up in a close-knit Armenian community that fostered her strong sense of support and belonging. This deep connection to her roots has influenced many aspects of her life, including her commitment to sustainability and leadership.
Armine’s academic journey took a pivotal turn in high school when she enrolled in an environmental science course during her senior year. Initially set on pursuing a business major for the longest time, she quickly realized the immense potential for integrating sustainability into corporate strategies.
Recognizing that businesses will always be a central force in the world, she became passionate about working within these systems to drive meaningful change rather than opposing them from the outside.
“There is huge potential with integrating sustainability into business models. Businesses will NEVER go away, and I think it is crucial to work with them, rather than against them, to lead them in the right path,” said Armine.
This realization led her to pursue the Corporate Sustainability Systems track within the SSM program, where she has found her calling.
One of the most exciting experiences in Armine’s academic career has been her SSM capstone project. Her team is currently evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of demolishing versus transporting a home–“a case study that is among the first of its kind, which makes it exciting to work on,” she said.
Exploring this topic Armine had never considered before, she finds it thrilling to be at the forefront of this research and contributing to a growing field of sustainable decision-making in construction and real estate.
Beyond her academic endeavors, Armine is deeply involved in student organizations. She co-founded and currently serves as the President of the Armenian Student Association (ASA) at the University of Minnesota. Given the integral role her Armenian heritage has played in her upbringing, she wanted to create a space where Armenian students on campus could come together and share their culture with the broader university community. This organization has provided her with an avenue to promote cultural awareness and develop meaningful connections on campus. (Featured in the student written newspaper of the University of Minnesota, The Minnesota Daily highlights the Armenian Student Association)
As Armine approaches her anticipated graduation in fall 2025, she admits that the thought of post-graduate life is both exhilarating and daunting—especially since she will be completing her SSM degree in just 2.5 years!
However, she has clear career aspirations: she hopes to enter the field of sustainability consulting, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) for a major corporation. Her impressive internship experiences have already set her on this path.
As a Stakeholder Research Intern for Recycling Electronics for Climate Action (RECA), she conducted extensive research to identify potential partners and businesses interested in improving their product circularity.
She also participated in the Ecolab Elevate Summit, where she engaged in professional development and sustainability-focused discussions with industry leaders. Most notably, during her logistics internship with ECHO Incorporated, she spearheaded a greenhouse gas emissions project, gaining critical insights into international business operations and sustainable transportation.
Although her academic commitments prevent her from attending BBE/SSM Ambassadors this semester, she highly encourages fellow students to get involved. Armine emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships within the SSM community, reminding students that, “your peers are there to support you, not to be your competition!”
She also shares her enthusiasm for thrifting—an eco-friendly hobby she wholeheartedly embraces.
“It is low-key an issue for me, and my bank account, because I do it too often. But everything in the photo provided of me is thrifted–except for the boots, which are fake Uggs–thank you Walmart!”
Armine’s undergraduate journey marks the beginning of her ability to combine business acumen with sustainable accountability. With her determination and passion for sustainable corporate strategies, she is well on her way to making a lasting positive change in sustainable business.