Internship Spotlight: Christina Shaffer ’25, Williams Sonoma

Internship: Williams Sonoma, Inc., remote from New Haven and elsewhere
Hometown: Arlington, VA
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Joint degree: Yale School of the Environment
The SOM class you’re using on the job: Executive, Supply Chain Management, State & Society
Go-to work lunch: Turkey avocado sandwich or leftovers
After-work routine: Turf or yoga class at Mactivity in East Rock, followed by watching America’s Sweethearts, a documentary about the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders
Favorite thing about internship city: The flexibility to work from various places has allowed me to spend time with family and friends I don’t get to see often! My team was based on the West Coast and sometimes we had calls with our counterparts in Southeast Asia, so my hours were quite varied; this was ideal for me, since I’m not a morning person.

As an Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps fellow, I spent 11 weeks embedded in the U.S. sustainability team at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSI), helping the company advance its climate goals. WSI, which also owns brands like Pottery Barn and West Elm, has committed to reducing Scope 3 supply chain emissions by 14% by 2030—a complex challenge given the company’s reliance on a vast network of global vendors. While WSI’s initial efforts focused on materials and suppliers, this summer saw an expansion to address upstream and downstream transportation.

My specific role involved leading cross-functional collaboration with the global transportation team to drive decarbonization efforts, beginning with ocean freight. This project aligned with my self-designed concentration in ocean-climate solutions at the Yale School of the Environment, where I’m a joint-degree student. While exploring opportunities to reduce emissions through alternative marine fuels, I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of maritime shipping (already the most energy-efficient cargo transportation method) and its critical role in the global economy. I was struck by the scale of WSI’s operations as the 14th largest importer of containerized goods in the U.S., and the impact potential associated with moving towards greener transportation options for a retailer of this size. 

Secondarily, I explored renewable energy opportunities with priority vendors in key regions such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Through this project, I came to understand the multifaceted challenge of ensuring that goods are responsibly sourced and reducing the carbon footprint of their transportation. A key takeaway for me was the importance of cooperation and continued investment in advancing sustainability goals—not just within the company, but at the national and global level.

The SOM curriculum provided valuable perspective throughout my fellowship. In particular, I drew on case studies from The Executive that focused on decision-making amidst competing priorities and incentives. I also witnessed firsthand how geopolitical risks and a country’s institutional strength, or the lack thereof, can influence sourcing decisions in the global economy—topics covered in both State & Society and my elective course, Supply Chain Management.

While my long-term goal is to pursue corporate sustainability within the hospitality and tourism industry, this summer I sharpened a skill set that is widely applicable to any role involving supply chain or logistics. I was drawn to WSI for its commitment to environmental stewardship in producing the things that make a place feel like home. The company’s leadership in furnishings, lighting, and decor—key elements in hotels and restaurants—also align well with my intended industry. This opportunity has not only reaffirmed my professional aspirations, but also increased my confidence in my ability to make an impact and thrive in a corporate sustainability function.