For all those who never thought activism could be sexy, think again. Summer Rayne Oakes’ work is proof that you can do good in anything you do, that includes modeling. But more than just a pretty face on the green scene, Summer’s legitimacy comes from her study and work in the field. A graduate from Cornell University, she’s an entomologist and environmental scientist by training. Since then, she’s become the face of cause-related modeling, working on innovative sustainable design/development projects to push sustainability issues through fashion and media–a position which earned her the name of… “The Eco-Model.”

Her studies range from waste management, to landscape impact analysis and aquatic entomology and stream water quality overlap with her environmentally-relevant, values-based modeling, for which she is largely recognized.

Summer Rayne is also a spokesperson, resident expert, and youngest Board of Advisors for Discovery Network’s Planet Green and a partner at the consulting firm, Group SJR, which is grounded in innovative research, brand development/management, and strategic communications.

Summer is an activist first and foremost and stays connected to grassroots initiatives including the youth climate change-green jobs movement; environmental- and socially-conscious design; and sustainable development, particularly in Africa and the Arctic.

“I’d like to be aboveboard with all of you: I consider myself an activist first and foremost. You can call me many titles, but that is the word that I feel best describes who I am, what drives me—and that’s the work that I am most proud of. I am one of the lucky ones: I’ve always had a passion. It was with me the day I was born. I have known nothing else…And sometimes, that alone, shakes me to the core.

Everything I do—whether it is as a model, author, host, creator, consultant, or collaborator—is influenced, if not defined by my activism. I specifically seek out programs and work that specifically enable, enhance, or add to the work that I am most passionate about; programs that will bring important issues to a wider audience and make them more relevant to all of our lives; and to empower individuals and all of us collectively.”

We’re excited to hear Summer offer her insights at The Feast Conference on forward momentum in upward streams, honing and presenting “green” messaging to truly elicit change. If you haven’t already, buy your tickets as we are close to selling out!