Meet Ellen White

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ellen White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ellen , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

From a young age, my path in the arts began with dance and evolved into theater management, where I discovered a passion for advocating for artists and bringing creative visions to life. However, as I delved deeper into the world of production, I was struck by the staggering amounts of waste generated by each show. Transitioning to film revealed an even graver situation, with soaring carbon emissions from transportation, diesel generators, and air travel.

Recognizing the impact of our industry on the environment ignited a spark within me. I began weaving sustainability into every project I managed, but I knew I could achieve more—for the entertainment industry, for my son, and for future artists. The defining moment came with the passing of my grandfather, whose legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering family values inspired me to reflect on my own life and aspirations. What legacy did I want to leave on this planet? What impact did I want to have?

I realized I wanted to empower artists to create their work without compromising our community and the planet. Through my research, I discovered that while there were companies worldwide championing this cause, there was a significant gap in my home city of Chicago. Coming from a lineage of entrepreneurs, the moment felt right to embrace the challenge and take the plunge to launch Ecofixr. I continue to find purpose and motivation with all the positive impact that Ecofixr has brought to our community.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As we witness climate disaster after climate disaster, the urgency for sustainability becomes more and more apparent. My hope for 2025 is that it will be a year of compassionate radical change. The power of eco-conscious best practices goes beyond environmental impact. One of my favorite parts of my job is the opportunity to rescue precious resources such as food and materials to give back to the community. I am also a big fan of data and innovation, so I am excited to continue to help gather and discover new data as well as educate myself on transformative local companies and clean energy opportunities.

To further our positive impact, Ecofixr is extending our services to the event sector and other companies looking to become more eco-conscious. We are also continuing to give back to the community through education. On March 27, we are collaborating with the Chicago Film Office, Chicago Department of Environment, and Independent Film Alliance on Sustainability Now! Summit + Expo; an event geared towards educating and inspiring the independent film community on climate change action steps. On April 25, we are collaborating with Kinowerks and Two Track Road on an event geared towards inspiring and empowering creatives to explore environmentalist stories and other ways to use film as an activist tool. We believe that true change needs to come from all angles, so we are always looking for new ways and opportunities to advocate for new standards.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the most impactful skills in my journey has been the ability to learn from other people’s journeys and mistakes, as well as my own. Don’t be afraid to ask people about their journey. This helps you make informed decisions about your trajectory and helps you build relationships.

Another quality that has been invaluable is adaptability. Creativity and innovation are often a product of change, so being able to be nimble and adjust accordingly allows you to be open to ideas and opportunities you would have never considered if you had avoided change. Adaptability also allows you to be on the lookout for ways to improve and roll with the punches when life throws you a curve ball….which it always does.

Finally, be someone that others want to work with. Many times you don’t get your foot in the door, unless someone opens it for you. If they remember you being amiable, hard-working, and reliable, they are much more likely to recommend you for future positions. This applies to everyone you meet. Be kind, take care of your team, and find passion in what you do.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always open to meeting folks in the sustainability sector for the arts or who are passionate about driving innovative ways to improve processes. I would also love to connect with anyone who advocates for climate change action. I truly believe that sustainability is a collective effort, so the more we speak up and connect, the more we can bring awareness to this very real issue and hopefully inspire others. Feel free to connect with me at ellen@ecofixr.org and follow Ecofixr on social media.

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