Joanna Sylwester, J.D. ‘13, has built her career around the belief that business is part of the solution. As a U.S.-trained attorney and corporate responsibility advocate, she’s spent more than a decade at Amazon working to identify opportunities and strategic partnerships that challenge the status quo regarding sustainable business strategy, human rights risk assessment, policy analysis, sustainable investment and more.

After completing her J.D. in 2013, Sylwester began two journeys, earning an LL.M. in Taxation from UW Law and beginning her career at Amazon as a Compliance Manager. Sylwester has risen through the ranks of Social Responsibility at Amazon, working in risk assessment, policy and engagement, and human rights, and now leads in her current role as Head of Global Engagement.

 “At Amazon, we are committed to and invested in sustainability because it’s a win all around — it’s good for business, the planet, our customers and our communities,” says Sylwester.

Beyond Amazon, Sylwester has given back as a pro bono attorney with the Washington State bar Association (WSBA), Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and Wayfind, and since 2021 has served as a board member for the Lantern Project, which works to stop human trafficking and sexual exploitation.