Julianna Gwiszcz, MSSW, PhD is the Associate Director of George Mason University’s Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE) where she helps guide the strategic direction of ISE, and works with the ISE team, university leadership, and its strategic partners to catalyze transformative and transdisciplinary research, innovation and learning-in-action in service of a just, prosperous, and sustainable world. As an affiliate and avid supporter of George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication (4C), Julianna works closely with 4C and its Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health to help maximize the impact of their “think and do tank” model and strategies, including leveraging 4C’s research for activating communities of practice to advance climate and health action.
As a purposeful leader, transdisciplinary scholar-practitioner, lifelong learner and educator, and trusted engagement steward, Julianna has devoted over 17 years to cultivating synergistic knowledge-action partnerships and building bridges across divides. Julianna seeks out and leverages interconnections as opportunities for innovation and societal impact. Her work thrives at the intersections—of climate resilience and public/global health; international sustainable development and human rights; leadership development and social/systems change; higher education and experiential learning; science and technological innovation and social impact philanthropy; STEAM education and youth entrepreneurship; healing art and design and science communication; and beyond. Julianna is passionate about facilitating dialogue, understanding and collaboration across difference. All her work is driven by a deep commitment to building capacity for collective action that advances social and planetary healing and the interconnected flourishing of all life for generations to come.
Julianna came to Mason from the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory (GFL) and Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation at Arizona State University (ASU) where she most recently served as Senior Global Futures/Sustainability Scientist and Program Manager with GFL and its Lightworks Initiative, and as Capacity Building and Engagement Lead for the UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Sustainability Science Coalition and its Flagship Hub. Julianna earned her PhD in Anthropology (Sociocultural Approach) in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at ASU where she focused on human rights and sustainable development and wellbeing. Julianna earned her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from Columbia University where she focused on youth development and international social development. Upon graduation, Julianna was awarded the NASW-NYC Georgia L. McMurray Award for outstanding achievement in services to children, youth and families.