Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, Vanderbilt Law School’s Private Climate Governance Lab, and the Tippie Social Impact Community for The Private Sector and the Planet speaker series.
For our last speaker of the 2025-2026 speaker series, we are excited to welcome Jessica Hinman, Director of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility at Krause Group.
In her talk, “Beyond ESG: How Environmental Governance Actually Works Inside Companies,” Jessica will move beyond the public-facing conversation about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, disclosure regimes, and corporate pledges to examine what happens after commitments are made. She will explore how environmental goals are translated into operational decisions across complex organizations and global supply chains, where sustainability efforts intersect with finance, procurement, legal, risk management, and day-to-day business strategy. Drawing on her experience working in the “gray area” where environmental ambition meets practical business realities, Jessica will discuss the governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and cross-functional dynamics that determine whether initiatives gain traction or stall. The session will also consider how private-sector environmental governance evolves alongside and, sometimes ahead of, regulation, shaped by investor expectations, supply chain pressures, and emerging risks. Students will gain a practical understanding of the internal dynamics that shape corporate environmental action and the points at which future lawyers and business leaders can exert meaningful influence.
About Krause Group:
Krause Group is a privately held, purpose driven parent company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with a global portfolio spanning soccer, wine, hospitality, and real estate. Our family of brands reflects a shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and cultural exchange. Key holdings include Parma Calcio 1913, the historic Italian Serie A men’s and women’s football clubs deeply rooted in community and sporting tradition; the Des Moines Menace, a U.S. amateur men’s soccer team founded in 1994 and a two time USL League Two national champion known for developing both local and international talent; Vietti and Enrico Serafino, two heritage wineries in the heart of Piedmont producing wines that honor the region’s land and traditions; Casa di Langa, a five star retreat in Piedmont where refined hospitality meets regenerative living through thoughtful architecture, cuisine, and stewardship of the land; and Krause+, a purpose driven commercial and residential real estate development and property management company focused on creating spaces that strengthen communities and deliver long term urban impact.
Food will be provided for those who register for the event at Iowa Law and register before March 24: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gDYPADKKRDsXps