Michael Chen

Michael Chen manages Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions at Okta, a software company. During Earth Month 2025, he led a 300 percent increase in participation by Okta employees, raising awareness of the company’s 100 percent renewable electricity and science-based targets. Chen is also advancing Okta’s efforts to reduce emissions from its buildings; he helped Okta secure Silver level designations for all its offices under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Well Buildings certification programs.

Prior to joining Okta in October 2024, Chen supported efforts to reduce waste in Google’s real estate as a consultant at JLL, helping the tech company achieve a 75 percent diversion rate across 12 million square feet of buildings. He improved the collection of refrigerant data for more than 200 buildings and co-led a phaseout that eliminated more than 18,000 pounds of ozone-depleting substances and enabled $19 million in retrofits. 

At Meta, Chen grew the Green@ community from 3,000 to 4,500. A former teacher in rural Thailand, he developed an environmental justice course and launched Meta’s first “Meta Mentor” program, connecting employees with Thai students for college and career mentorship.