Climate change and clean energy are “mission No. 1” for her at Apple, where Jackson is vice president for environment, policy and social initiatives. Apple, the multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, is known for its computer hardware, software and electronic communication devices.

Jackson, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Tulane in 1983, received Tulane’s Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony at The World War II Museum in April.

Six years ago, when Jackson moved to Apple after serving as administrator of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2009 to 2013, she said she brought “realistic but very ambitious” green innovations to the table. Today, she proudly reports that Apple uses “100% renewable power” in its 506 stores and 340 offices in 43 countries. Her goal is to expand clean energy initiatives along the supply chain of small businesses that partner with Apple. Also, she’s spending a lot of time and effort on the idea of a “circular economy,” so that eventually Apple products like new iPhones are made from materials salvaged from old products.

Jackson also oversees the company’s community education programs.