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Sustainablity Collective 

A group dedicated to practical, local, and accessible ways to live more sustainably and care for our environment.

 

  • Explore environmental sustainability, regenerative practices, and ethical innovation

  • Think long-term about people, planet, and community systems in Happy Valley

  • Examine how resources, technology, and systems shape future outcomes

  • Encourage intergenerational responsibility and resilient leadership

  • Support practical solutions that balance growth with environmental responsibility

  • Engage in dialogue, experimentation, collaboration, and action

  • Empower individuals and communities to build thriving, sustainable futures

  • Led by: Janejira Kalsmith, Stephanie Herbstritt & Keleigh Asbury

Upcoming Sustainablity Collective Events

  • Repair Café: Fix, Learn, Connect
    Repair Café: Fix, Learn, Connect
    Wed, May 20
    The Rivet at Discovery Space
    May 20, 2026, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    The Rivet at Discovery Space, 1224 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803, USA
    Bring your broken but beloved items and learn how to fix them alongside others in the community. Our Repair Café is all about sustainability, skill-sharing, and giving things a second life.
  • Introduction to Plant Phenology & the Redbud Phenology Project (Webinar)
    Introduction to Plant Phenology & the Redbud Phenology Project (Webinar)
    Feb 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
    See Description or Registration
    Join a live online webinar hosted by the Smithsonian exploring plant phenology and how individuals can contribute to the Redbud Phenology Project.
  • Sustainable Mending at the Palmer Museum of Art
    Sustainable Mending at the Palmer Museum of Art
    Fri, Jan 30
    Jan 30, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Palmer Museum of Art, 650 Bigler Rd, University Park, PA 16802, USA
    Discover the beauty of repair. Drop in to learn simple mending techniques and reimagine fashion as a sustainable, creative practice.

Entrepreneurship Circles

About Circles

Circles are small, intimate groups within a Collective that bring members together around a shared focus — whether that's a specific topic, project, or time of day that works for your schedule. Think of a Collective as your community, and a Circle as your crew. Each Circle meets regularly, giving you a consistent space to go deeper, build real relationships, and stay accountable with a group that gets it.

Join a Circle

WEAM

Women's Entrepreneurship & Mentorship: Meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon. Capped at a small number of participants to keep conversations meaningful and intimate. Currently full.

Leaders
Andrea Pandolfi 
Angel Mariotti

WINGS

Women's Networking Group: Meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Happy Valley LaunchBox. Open to all members, with rotating topics driven by what members want to explore and discuss.

Leaders
Andrea Pandolfi 
Angel Mariotti

New Circle

Start a New Circle Have an idea for a group? New Circles can be formed by Collective leadership for members who want to connect around a specific entrepreneurship focus or meet at a time that works for them. Reach out to get the conversation started.

Leaders
Andrea Pandolfi 
Angel Mariotti

New Circle

Start a New Circle: Have an idea for a group? New Circles can be formed by Collective leadership for members who want to connect around a specific entrepreneurship focus or meet at a time that works for them. Reach out to get the conversation started.

Leaders
Andrea Pandolfi 
Angel Mariotti

Meet the Leaders

Stephanie

Herbstritt

Steph is an Agricultural and Biological Engineer who works at the intersection of land systems and climate, blending research, education, and real-world action. She brings a solutions-oriented, applied learning spirit to everything she does.
Growing up on a small family farm in Axemann taught her how land stewardship shapes daily life—a thread that runs through her current work exploring how people and nature can thrive together. An energetic mom to two kids and an enthusiastic yellow lab, Steph loves being on the water, foraging, hiking, and growing food. She's always ready to roll up her sleeves, dream big, and build a more sustainable future.

Connect

Janejira

Kalsmith

Janejira Kalsmith is a lifelong learner—both a teacher and a student—whose work as a multidisciplinary designer is rooted in curiosity and human connection. She strives to inspire others while remaining open to inspiration from people, nature, and everyday life. Leading with authenticity and compassion, she brings heart and integrity to everything she does. Deeply passionate about sustainability, gardening, and community service, she actively volunteers and advocates for a more thoughtful, connected world.

Connect

Amy

Schirf

Amy has been the Education Coordinator for the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority for the past 19 years. She promotes recycling education through print and online media, facility tours, presentations, and community outreach. She writes a monthly recycling column for the Centre Daily Times and is a frequent guest on local radio shows discussing recycling and sustainability. Previously, Amy served as Education Director for the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, where she administered the Recycling Professional Certification Program. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Youngstown State University.

Connect
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Have a question or an idea? Want to get involved? Let’s chat!

Which Collectives are you intereseed in?
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