Joleen Ong is the Senior Director of Brand and Retailer Membership at Cascale, where she leads all aspects of member engagement to drive industry-wide sustainability impact through the use of Higg Index tools. Originally from New York, she’s currently based in Portland, Oregon.
With over 15 years of experience in sustainability and human rights within the apparel and footwear industries, Joleen has deep expertise in operationalizing Higg Index tools across brands. Before joining Cascale, she served as the Sustainability Director at Fanatics, where she led the integration of sustainability practices and responsible purchasing initiatives across the enterprise. Prior to Fanatics, she led the Sustainable Manufacturing program at Columbia Sportswear, where she developed supply chain sustainability and climate programs, and oversaw social responsibility efforts for global licensees. Joleen began her career in the nonprofit sector at Social Accountability International, where she built its communications program and co-founded the Global Living Wage Coalition.
Joleen holds a Master’s in Nonprofit and Sustainability Management from The New School and a Bachelor’s in International Studies, Spanish, and Anthropology from the College of New Jersey. A published writer and editor of two award-winning short documentaries, she serves on the Board of Days for Girls International and the Advisory Board of the University of Oregon’s Sports Product Management program, where she frequently lectures.
