Jenny Zhang

Biography: As the Director of Sustainability at the Urban Land Institute. Jenny leads efforts to accelerate the real estate industry's transition towards sustainability. Her role involves connecting diverse stakeholders, mapping out system solutions, and fostering collaboration through ULI's research and event platforms. Among her key initiatives is ULI Greenprint, a global alliance of real estate investors and developers. This community of property owner sustainability champions meets regularly to advance various topics impacting the speed of building decarbonization. Jenny brings a refreshing approach to solving complex system challenges with her diverse background. Having spent over a decade each in Beijing, San Francisco, and Hong Kong, she offers a multicultural perspective on global issues. She holds an innovative dual degree in Business and Fine Art from the University of California, Berkeley, acquired before design thinking became a sought-after skill set. Her professional experience spans from advising on cross-border mergers and acquisitions to developing carbon management software. These experiences have given her unique insights into harnessing the power of technology, finance and the community’s collective wisdom to transform industries toward a sustainable future. Outside of her day job, Jenny is also a community builder. She served as the President of the Berkeley Club of Hong Kong, connecting 1600+ local alumni through offline events and online engagements. She is a proud mom of one human and two rescue cats. She also identifies as an impact investor, a foodie, and a dancer.