LeeAnn Kittle is a seasoned sustainability professional, and her story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Equipped with a Masters in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, LeeAnn’s academic foundation, mirrors her dual commitment to business acumen and environmental stewardship. In 2020, LeeAnn joined Denver Public Schools to further her mission of educating and fostering student advocacy for decarbonization. She has since earned Energy Manager of the Year for Central and South US by the Association of Energy Engineers and Leaders to Learn From by Education Week.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with K12 Digest, LeeAnn shared her professional trajectory, the secret mantra behind her success, significant career milestones, her favorite non-academic book, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi LeeAnn. What sparked your passion for sustainability, and how has your background in environmental science and business administration informed your approach to driving sustainability initiatives?
It all started in an undergraduate environmental science class when my professor shared a story that stuck with me: our campus recreation center was supposed to have a green roof—a vibrant, living testament to sustainability—but the project was scrapped due to budget constraints. That revelation lit a fire in me. Partnering with another student, I spearheaded a campaign to raise the $250,000 needed to make it happen. Two years later, we celebrated the installation of a 7,000-square-foot green roof—a tangible, lasting contribution to our urban campus and my first real taste of how the built environment can work with our natural world.
This project inspired my commitment to sustainability and set the foundation for my approach. My background in environmental science gives me the tools to understand the “why” behind sustainable solutions, while my business education equips me to navigate the “how.” I’ve learned to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and financial feasibility, ensuring that big ideas for combating climate change can become actual, impactful actions.
What do you love the most about your current role?
Without a doubt, it’s working with students and watching them step outside the confines of the classroom to discover and develop hands-on skills. Whether diving into solar energy projects, working with electric vehicles, cultivating gardens, honing their leadership abilities, or mastering public speaking, I see them grow in ways that prepare them for the real world. Guiding that journey is one of my greatest passions.
I’m also deeply inspired by the partnerships we’ve built—finding unique, strategic ways to collaborate. One of my favorite examples is our work with the City of Denver. Together, we’ve turned our property into a hub for community solar gardens while channeling a portion of the energy from our projects to support Denver Public Schools families in need, helping them offset their utility bills. Partnerships like these remind me how innovative solutions can truly make a difference—for our students, our community, and beyond.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Denver for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
To sum it up, I’d say it’s a fearless embrace of failure. I’ve learned to find comfort in trying first, innovating boldly, and creating an environment where others feel empowered to believe in themselves. For me, leadership is like conducting a symphony—discovering each teammate’s unique strengths and orchestrating them to create something extraordinary. It’s less about titles and roles and more about recognizing and leveraging skill sets. That’s where the magic happens.
When it comes to leading in my field, I believe in staying on the cutting edge—not so far ahead that you lose touch with reality, but just far enough to push boundaries. Sure, budgets can feel like barriers, but I’ve found that creativity often thrives within constraints. Finding those “outside-the-lines” solutions is where the real breakthroughs emerge.
One quote I live by is from my favorite artist, M.C. Escher: “Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible.” It’s a reminder to dream big, take risks, and embrace the challenge of turning the improbable into the possible.
How do you prioritize your own well-being and self-care, particularly in a demanding role like yours?
Honestly, it’s a work in progress. Balancing a demanding role as a working mom with a husband who travels isn’t always easy, but we are a strong team driven by a shared passion for impact, community, and family. Our secret? We prioritize adventures—together.
Traveling and spending time outdoors is how we recharge. Whether hiking, playing disc golf, working out, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, these moments ground us and remind us why we work so hard. Living in Colorado makes it easier. There’s no shortage of breathtaking places to escape and reconnect. It’s not always perfect, but finding that balance through adventure and connection keeps me grounded and energized.
Who is your role model in life, and why?
That’s a tough one! I don’t have just one. Instead, I’ve built a collection of inspiration from people I’ve admired along the way—everyone from my parents and childhood soccer coach to my husband and current coworkers. I’m a talker, but some might not realize that I’m just as much, if not more, an observer. I spend much time quietly absorbing moments and lessons from others, piecing together what I can learn and carry forward.
That said, it’s not just the positive examples that have shaped me. I’ve had my fair share of bad ones, too—people or situations that showed me exactly what not to do. While those experiences can be harrowing in the moment, they’ve taught me just as much, if not more, about the kind of leader and person I strive to be. Even in the challenges, there’s a silver lining, and I’m grateful for how they’ve helped me grow.
What are some of your greatest achievements in your career till date? What makes them special?
Some of the most outstanding achievements in my career have come from building something out of nothing—programs with no roadmap, no instructions—just an idea and my entrepreneurial spirit to bring them to life. Creating roles and initiatives that didn’t exist before, proving their value, and watching them take root within an organization has been incredibly rewarding.
However, the moments that stick with me the most are the personal connections. Watching students grow far beyond the walls of the institutions where I worked with them and staying in touch as they become thriving, contributing members of society—that’s a unique kind of pride. Or hearing from a coworker a decade later, telling me they saw composting at an airport across the country and immediately thought of me—it’s those small but meaningful reminders that my work leaves a lasting impact.
Then, there are the big moments, like speaking at the White House as a content expert or hosting and meeting the United States Vice President right here in Denver, Colorado, for leading a nationally recognized climate action plan. Those are the milestones I’ll carry with me forever—proof of what’s possible when passion and purpose align.
What have you learned as a woman in leadership?
That confidence is everything. Working in energy management—a field where I was often the only woman in the room—taught me early on to trust myself and my abilities. Owning my strengths and embracing my potential to drive change has been a game-changer.
I’ve also learned that leading with empathy isn’t a weakness—it’s one of my greatest strengths. Empathy allows me to connect with people in ways some of my counterparts can’t, creating relationships and trust that amplify my impact. Confidence and empathy together? That’s where the real power of leadership lies.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
My favorite non-academic book changes over time, but right now, it’s The Alchemist. There’s something timeless about its message—it takes the classic idea of “it’s not the destination but the journey” and frames it in a way that makes you reflect on who you become during that journey. One of the concepts that stayed with me is “Maktoob,” which means “it is written” in Arabic.
I don’t see life as being entirely pre-determined, as if we have no control over the outcome, but I believe everything happens for a reason. When you trust in that idea, the challenging moments feel less overwhelming because you understand they’re part of a bigger plan—guiding you toward the path you’re meant to take. It’s a book that invites reflection and leaves you with peace about the journey’s struggles and beauty.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I’ve always found this question tricky—not because I don’t think about my future, but because life rarely goes exactly as planned. One of my favorite quotes by the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard says, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” It reminds me to stay present, not dwell on the past or stress too much about what’s ahead.
That said, I want to continue making a meaningful impact, whatever that means. Whether in my current field or a new venture, I hope to keep creating, innovating, and building something that will make a lasting difference.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing careers in sustainability or environmental science?
First, network. Connect with others in the field, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—learn what they love and don’t about their careers. Also, figure out which sector aligns best with your values and goals—whether it’s public, private, nonprofit, a large corporation, or a small business. Knowing where you thrive can make all the difference.
Take a communication course. No matter how brilliant you are in your subject, the ability to clearly, concisely, and inspirationally communicate with diverse stakeholders is essential. It’s not just about knowing the science; it’s about sharing it in a way that moves people to action.
And above all, believe in yourself. It’s easy to feel small in the face of global challenges, but as the saying goes, “I’m just one person”—said 8 billion people. You could be the one… to change it all!