Originally trained as an atmospheric scientist before completing her master’s degree in international relations with a focus on international environmental law and policy, Heewon began her career at the intersection of climate science, diplomacy, and sustainable development. Her academic grounding at Yonsei University and the University of British Columbia provided a strong scientific base in ecosystem management and climate modelling, which she later expanded through a wide range of international environmental roles.
Driven by a commitment to advancing sustainability through both policy and practice, Heewon gravitated towards roles where she could bridge scientific insight, stakeholder engagement, and strategic influence. Heewon’s policy career began at the British Embassy in Seoul, where she became the first Climate Change Officer, building a new climate section from the ground up and leading research, policy engagement, and cooperation on renewable energy, biodiversity, and global climate negotiations. She later served as the Embassy’s Climate Change Programme Manager, overseeing multi‑year climate projects, government partnerships, and strategic planning.
She then moved to New Zealand, joining BusinessNZ and running the Sustainable Business Forum. Working closely with leading New Zealand companies, she helped develop sustainability strategies, strengthen cross‑sector partnerships, and advance national initiatives focused on climate action, sustainable procurement, and low‑carbon development.
Heewon went on to serve at WWF Korea, where she led the organisation’s deforestation‑ and conversion‑free supply chain work, shaped Korean business responses to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and collaborated with WWF’s global networks on biodiversity, wetlands, and sustainable sourcing across East and Southeast Asia.
Most recently, as Director of International Cooperation at the Korea Green Foundation, Heewon played a pivotal role in strengthening KGF’s leadership in global sustainability and ESG transformation. She developed strategic partnerships with UNEP, UNDP, UNGC, GCF, GGGI, WeGO, and several embassies; secured Korea’s first official nominator status for the Earthshot Prize; and deepened Korea’s engagement in global plastic treaty negotiations. She also led high‑profile ESG advocacy, including organising major ESG Talks with business leaders, supporting corporate sustainability capacity building, and internationalising the foundation’s ESG programmes — including the 10‑week ESG Leadership Course for senior executives. She represented the foundation at COP29 and Global Plastic Treaty INC‑5, helping elevate Korea’s voice in global environmental and ESG policy dialogues.
Following her leadership role, Heewon served as Senior Consultant to the EU–ROK Green Partnership Programme through GOPA Worldwide Consultants, supporting Europe–Korea collaboration on climate and environmental policy. In this capacity, she provided strategic policy consultation aligning EU and Korean approaches to climate action, circular economy, and biodiversity; designed and implemented bilateral green partnership projects, including offshore wind exchange initiatives, collaborations with the Seoul International Eco Film Festival, and programmes on environmental education and green media; and led multi‑stakeholder outreach, facilitating dialogue between EU institutions, Korean ministries, business leaders, and civil society. She also oversaw monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for EU‑funded programmes, ensuring effective delivery and measurable impact.
Heewon brings to her current work a combination of scientific training, international environmental expertise, strategic communication skills, and a passion for building solutions that protect ecosystems while empowering people. Across all her roles, she has been recognised for her ability to connect science, policy, and people — shaping strategy, building international partnerships, and helping organisations navigate complex environmental regulations. Fluent in Korean and English, operational in Mandarin, and experienced across Asia, Oceania, and Europe, she thrives in multicultural settings and remains dedicated to advancing nature‑positive, climate‑resilient policies worldwide.
Alongside her professional achievements, she has been deeply committed to community service, supporting vulnerable groups in Korea, China, New Zealand, and the UK through years of volunteer work. Outside of work, Heewon enjoys hiking, travelling, swimming (snorkelling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding), dancing, singing — whether it’s karaoke or classical choral — painting, cycling, and watching films. She loves reading, writing, escape rooms, board games, card games, and any opportunity to chat over spicy food.