Dell's Sustainability Trailblazer: Allison Ward Recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30

Allison W. | Mechanical Principal Engineer | United States

Originally Published: January 24th, 2024

Meet Allison – one of our sustainable materials engineers at Dell Technologies. Through her contributions to driving environmental impact, Allison has gained well-deserved recognition in the Energy category of the 2024 Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in the technology field.

Allison's journey with Dell began as an intern, where she left a lasting impression and paved the way for an incredible career within our organization. She rejoined the Dell team after graduating from the University of Michigan with an M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering, bringing with her an unwavering dedication to sustainability and a unique approach to building new supply chains for sustainable materials. Her role has evolved to include sourcing key materials such as plastics, aluminum and rare earth magnets from e-waste, a crucial step in mitigating our environmental footprint. The Global E-waste Monitor reported in 2019, 53.6 million tons of electronics were produced worldwide – which is the weight of 30 million cars. Less than 20% of that volume is recycled as e-waste each year. The e-waste problem requires innovative solutions. Our team’s efforts center around establishing circular lifecycles for our products. This involves carefully analyzing each component and part to reduce waste and promote an eco-friendly approach to production and consumption.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Allison actively engages with educational institutions and the community, embodying Dell's commitment to education and mentorship. Her involvement in Dell's Planet ERG, our largest Employee Resource Group globally, showcases her dedication to bringing like-minded individuals together for collaborative efforts and the exchange of insights. Her efforts inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious engineers and entrepreneurs, reflecting Dell's commitment to the transformative impact of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a testament to Allison's dedication and leadership – not only within Dell, but in the larger context of shaping a sustainable global future. Her journey – from an intern passionate about recycled plastics to a recognized leader in sustainable materials engineering and energy innovation – exemplifies the transformative impact individuals can have when driven by a commitment to sustainability, showcasing the formidable synergy that arises from combining skills, passion, and purpose.

Congratulations, Allison, for being named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy!

To learn more about Dell’s commitment to sustainability, please visit Our ESG Goals | Dell USA and our FY23 ESG Report | Dell USA.