PORTFOLIO
destiny knetzer
DIRECTOR | EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT
Just Communities AP
Welcome to my Portfolio. Please take a moment to browse my work, skills, and professional experience.
SUMMARY
I'm a creative facilitator and strategic engagement & event planner who brings more than a decade of experience designing impactful, people-centered programming to my role leading the curation and execution of educational experiences that empower professionals, advocates, and communities to build healthier and more sustainable places for everyone.
Known for my collaborative spirit and love of learning, placemaking, and storytelling, my talents thrive in the creative energy of “organized chaos,” where ideas become action and connection drives impact. I'm passionate about building environments – both physical and cultural – where curiosity, purpose, and community flourish.
EXPERIENCE
June 2022 - Present
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & EVENTS, GREEN BUILDING ALLIANCE
Green Building Alliance is Western PA's authority on sustainable design. Because of my passion for an equitable and sustainable world for the future generations, I switched gears from managing and planning in geriatric health care after ten years to join the Green Building Alliance in support of their mission. At Green Building Alliance, I oversee the delivery of both in-person and virtual engagements. My work spans the organization’s full mission supporting efforts across General Education, Workforce Development, Green & Healthy Schools, 2030 Districts, Resilient Communities, and more.
Aug 2012 - June 2022
ASST. RESIDENT MANAGER, UPMC SENIOR LIVING
I began my career in Senior Living in high school as a Kitchen Steward. Over the next several years I would take on many additional roles and responsibilities, working my way to the position of Assistant Resident Manger, overseeing staff and residents in our community. Apart from administrative work, I enjoyed collaborating across departments on special functions, as well as frequently hosting my own programs for the residents when opportunities arose.
Jun 2020 - July 2021
PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR, ATRIA SENIOR LIVING
Continuing my career in Senior Living, working as a Program Instructor gave me the opportunity to gain further experience developing diverse events and programs as well as utilize my pre-existing skills in technology and digital photography to create content for use in social media and marketing.
May 2019 - Feb 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR, PITTSBURGH FASHION WEEK
Pittsburgh Fashion Week 2019 & the Pittsburgh Fashion Summit 2020 were some of the most valuable volunteer experiences I've ever had. These events gave me the opportunity to connect with many other creatives in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. Collaborating with designers and models, coordinating a team of student photographers, and networking with professionals both inside and out of the fashion industry in support of our event have provided me with a lifetime of skills and assets to bring with me to any opportunity.
"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it."
- Margaret Thatcher
SAMPLES
2025 Green Building Innovation Expo (click to view album)
GBA's Green Building Innovation Expo featured in-depth discussions on emerging building technologies, resilience planning, and strategies to achieve environmental, social, and economic performance goals. A morning keynote featured presentations from local leaders examining equitable community engagement, integrative design approaches, and regional sustainability trends. GBA also hosted Pittsburgh Promise students in a career exposure seminar before the students engaged with the exhibitors at the public expo hall. In the afternoon, exhibits from leading firms and organizations showcased energy-efficient systems and case studies from high-impact regional projects. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in the Pittsburgh Comprehensive Plan Priorities Survey. This Expo offered fresh ideas and meaningful connections for architects, developers, planners, and sustainability champions alike.
2024 Harvest Dinner (click to view album)
In 2024, Destiny led Green Building Alliance's first ever Harvest Dinner, from start to finish. This beautiful, sold-out event on the stunning Highline of Pittsburgh featured a plant-forward, farm-to-table meal, craft cocktails, live music, silent auction, and portrait artist for VIP guests. The event hosted over 100 individuals representing local nonprofits and community leaders and netted over $15,000 in event revenue.
The Inspire Speakers Series: Building Inclusively (click to watch)
In the context of the built environment, the notion of “everyone is welcome” is different from “we built this for and with you in mind.” Green Building Alliance is honored to present both local and international universal design advocates and innovators centering accessibility, beauty, and human health at the heart of public spaces and places.
The Inspire Speakers Series: Decade Debrief (click to watch)
How can we leverage the past to inform the future? Through inspirational storytelling, returning lecturers will brief audience members on their trials, successes, lessons learned, and renewed calls to action. Commemorating a decade's worth of inspiration and innovation, while envisioning what remains to be accomplished as we work to make our region more sustainable and healthy for all.
Designing for US: The WELL Equity Rating (click to read)
Destiny recaps the International WELL Building Institute's 2024 webinar introducing the WELL Equity Rating and how demonstrating how implementing and achieving these strategies in the workplace can support DEI goals, create a sustainable and thriving culture, and show the potential for ROI when designing inclusively.
Top 5 Takeaways from the World Affairs Institute (click to read)
Destiny shares her top 5 takeaways after attending the 53rd annual World Affairs Institute, where the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh invited changemakers across sectors and youth changemakers across sectors to gather for a day of Navigating Climate Intersections.
Pittsburgh's Green Building Emerged Professionals Advise The Next Generation (click to read)
GBA's Emerging Professionals (EP) Network enables individuals to grow within their sustainability careers by providing a forum for networking and education. The EP Network welcomed industry "emerged professionals" to participate in a panel discussion about standards and strategies for breaking into the workforce.
The Secret to Non-Profit Leadership in Green Building (click to read)
Non-profit organizations are among the country’s leaders in achieving high-performing green buildings. Destiny summarizes a staff interview with representatives from local non-profit organizations sharing their perspectives when it comes to pursuing green building in the non-profit sector.
Building Products and Human Health (click to read)
The health of buildings and that of their occupants are intrinsically connected. As data show that people spend up to 90% of their time inside buildings, it is crucial that these structures are designed and constructed in safe and healthy ways for their occupants. The Collaborative for Health and Environment (CHE) hosted a webinar series in 2023 to explore the impact of building products on human health. GBA staff explore some of the important takeaways.
"The big things are little things done consistently."