Summer Rayne Oakes is a youthful, energetic voice in the environmental movement. Her unique career combines her activism and image with her environmental expertise. During college she sought out creative means to communicate hard-to-grasp topics in sustainability whereupon she turned to the fashion industry and has since trailblazed a career in values-based modelling. She has since aligned her work with environmentally and socially-conscious designers, companies and programs.
A Cornell University graduate, Udall Environmental Scholar and environmental scientist/entomologist, Oakes' work spans multiple disciplines, all of which are deeply imbued in environmental research. Her past studies include: organic contaminants and waste management, mine reclamation & climate change, forest restoration, invasive species, landscape impact analysis and aquatic entomology.
Oakes is an on-air correspondent and advisor for Discovery's new eco-lifestyle network, Planet Green, for which she has filmed various features around the world on cutting-edge environmental topics. She is one of the leading trend-forecasters and experts on sustainable fashion and beauty and works in partnership with the Mezimbite Forest Centre in Mozambique on sustainable development, design and forest restoration programs. She also takes an active role in the youth climate change/green jobs movement with organizations such as Energy Action.
As a partner in SJR, a strategic communications, market research and brand management firm, Oakes often works as a sustainability strategist. Clients include, Payless ShoeSource, Alcoa Foundation, Yale University, RecycleBank, Conde Nast, Ogden Publications, Discovery Networks and Portico Home + Spas. She will soon be launching zoe & zac, a sustainable shoe and accessory line with Payless ShoeSouce as well as a sustainable line of home linens and towels with Portico Home & Spa.
A natural in front of the camera, Oakes has made appearances on Fox Business, CNN, BusinessWeek TV, MTV’s Real World and HGTV, to name a few. She has also graced the pages of Glamour, Allure, Vanity Fair, Elle, Cosmopolitan and SHE, amongst others. The New York Times has compared her to the likes of Al Gore and Vanity Fair has named her a "Global Citizen".
Oakes recently released a book titled Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty, which illustrates how readers can make informed decisions when shopping. In addition to explaining the basics (from fair trade to organically grown), Summer Rayne showcases hundreds of her favorite designers (such as Stella McCartney) and eco-friendly brands (such as Levi's) that have made earth-friendly materials and sustainable practices a priority.
Summer Rayne Oakes speaks on a wide variety of topics - from sustainability in business to sustainable development in Africa, climate change solutions to environmentally-conscious design, youth entrepreneurship to youth activism. Her undeniably down-to-earth attitude, ardent passion, youthful exuberance and personal flair are present throughout all of her talks, making her a highly sought-after speaker throughout the world for her insights into sustainability.
Summer Rayne Oakes, model, author and environmental activist, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Summer Rayne Oakes is also available for corporate meetings and events, environmental panel discussions, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Summer Rayne Oakes.
