Faculty

Profile

Whitney McGuire, Esq. is a trailblazing sustainability consultant with a unique 360-degree approach to crafting holistic sustainability strategies for organizations, particularly in the arts and culture sectors. Leveraging her extensive background as a lawyer, founder, professor, and former Director of Sustainability at the Guggenheim Museum, Whitney seamlessly integrates systems thinking, design principles, and legal expertise to drive impactful, long-term sustainability solutions.

Whitney's work stands at the intersection of sustainability, social impact, and community empowerment. As co-founder of Sustainable Brooklyn, she has been a vocal advocate for environmental justice and racial equity, using her platform to address systemic issues such as environmental racism and climate justice. Through educational workshops, panel discussions, and community initiatives, she has mobilized efforts to create tangible, positive change in marginalized communities while fostering collective responsibility.

Her experience in leading sustainability initiatives at the Guggenheim has equipped her with the ability to embed sustainable practices into the core operations, policies, and culture of organizations. From overseeing regulatory compliance to driving public engagement through global speaking engagements, Whitney’s role has centered on aligning business goals with sustainability objectives, ensuring organizations are not only compliant but leaders in environmental stewardship.

As a faculty member at Parsons School of Design, she teaches system dynamics and sustainable business practices, empowering the next generation of leaders to think critically about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of business operations. Her background as a legal expert further strengthens her ability to advise on complex sustainability frameworks, ensuring they are aligned with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Whitney's expertise extends beyond strategy and consultation; her work is deeply rooted in community collaboration, bridging gaps between corporate sustainability and grassroots activism. Through her consultancy, Sustainable Brooklyn, and her involvement with The World Around Young Climate Prize and Black Girl Environmentalist, she continues to inspire and lead the sustainability movement with a focus on equity, justice, and holistic transformation.

Degrees Held

(2024) Certificate: Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership - Harvard University

(2013) Juris Doctor - The Catholic University of America - Columbus School of Law

(2008) Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Literature - The George Washington University

Professional Affiliation

New York State Bar

Recent Publications

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/contributor/whitney-mcguire

Research Interests

Systems thinking, law, equity, sustainability, fashion law, intellectual property, equitable design, sustainable fashion policy, agriculture, agriculture policy, colonialism, environmental justice, racial justice, urban policy, abolition, education policy, consumer psychology

Awards And Honors

1. Breakout Foundation Grant award recipient
2. MoCADA Museum Grant award recipient
3. Martin Luther King Jr. Award - The George Washington University
4. Miriam Rooney Award for Outstanding Women Students at the Catholic Universty of America, Columbus School of Law
5. Extra Mile Award for outstanding leadership in the law school community at the Catholic Universty of America, Columbus School of Law
6. Writer in Residence - Spruceton Inn, 2021 
7. Writer in Residence - Action Lab, 2022
8. Writer in Residence - Mae's House, 2022
9. Writer in Residence - Womb Residency CDMX, 2023