UNH Sustainability Fellow Embraces New Learning and Teaching, While Making Tangible Impact for Good

First day at Tom's of Maine!

This summer, recent grad Brooke Rafter ‘25 (marketing and sustainability dual major) embraced the opportunity to apply her UNH sustainability education in a transformative Sustainability Fellowship experience. 

Working with Tom’s of Maine, she explored real-world challenges and discovered more about her passions within the field of sustainability.  In her reflection below, she shares the lessons learned, the impact of her work, and the ways this experience has prepared her for what comes next. 

I am writing this on August 14, 2025, just a few minutes before giving my final presentation to Tom’s of Maine. Before I log on to Google Meet to discuss the new B Corp Assessment, I want to take a moment to reflect on my summer fellowship. I applied for this position towards the end of my senior year at the University of New Hampshire, where I earned dual degrees in marketing and sustainability. As a long-time user of Tom’s of Maine toothpaste and deodorant, as well as a participant in the B Impact Clinic, I felt compelled to apply. 

Tom’s of Maine team with Tom and Sarah Chappell

My initial project focused on analyzing the new standards and upcoming changes to the B Impact Assessment. To become a B Corp, companies must complete a rigorous assessment that examines various topics, including corporate governance, supply chain practices, and climate action. B Corps aim to balance profit with environmental sustainability while benefiting all stakeholders. Initially, my plan was to review the new assessment, identify which requirements Tom’s of Maine already meets, and provide recommendations for the next steps to successfully submit the new assessment in the future.  

However, when I started my work, one of the first challenges I faced was the lack of access to the specific questions that Tom's of Maine would receive. This led me to examine the assessment as a whole. During this analysis, I decided to research each of the seven new Impact Areas individually. 

My goal was to identify which topics could be addressed through short-term tasks that we could implement immediately, and which ones would require longer-term consideration and more information before we could take action. 

One of my key recommendations was to establish a "B Team"—a group of employees at Tom's of Maine who would work together to prepare and submit the new assessment. This team would be comprised of cross-functional members from various parts of the business, collectively bringing knowledge of each of the seven Impact Areas. The formation of this team would take place as the due date for Tom's of Maine approaches.  

In addition to making recommendations about the assessment, one of the most rewarding aspects of the company culture at Tom's of Maine was the chance to host a Lunch and Learn on a topic I was passionate about. 

Inspired by a colleague’s session for Pride Month, I chose to share my journey with neurodiversity. Working collaboratively with Tom's of Maine's HR director and a representative from the National Organization on Disability— a partner of Colgate-Palmolive, Tom's of Maine's parent company— we created an informative presentation on the topic. During this session, I openly discussed the personal challenges I encountered from middle school through my time at UNH, while emphasizing the accommodations that proved instrumental in helping me navigate my learning disabilities. As someone diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Non-Verbal Learning Disability at an early age, it was a powerful moment for me to reflect both on my academic achievements as well as my early experiences in my professional career. I hope that by sharing my experiences as a neurodivergent individual, I was able to reinforce the message of perseverance and make a positive impact on the team.   

Volunteering with Tom’s of Maine at Kennebunk Land Trust

As this was my first time working in an office setting, I had numerous learning opportunities by interacting with other professionals. I attended various marketing and town hall meetings with Colgate-Palmolive and had one-on-one discussions with different teams and employees. These interactions allowed me to learn more about their roles and how they progressed in their careers. I hope to continue meeting professionals throughout my career and, someday, mentor someone as they navigate different teams. 

Overall, I had an amazing summer. I want to express my gratitude to the UNH Sustainability Institute for the Fellowship Program opportunity, to Tom’s of Maine for hosting me, and to Rob Robinson and Michelle Waring for their mentorship!