Tapping into different voices, perspectives, and experiences helps businesses solve problems, reveals new opportunities to grow, and encourages contributions that better support people and communities. At Henkel North America, diversity is a path to progress, innovation, and impact. Our employees and partners are united by our purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. They collaborate to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives – allowing us to deliver products, services, and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life.
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Meet Becky Kristopeit: Building Community Through STEM, Sustainability, and Soccer
We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our series, “Pioneers for Good.”
Introducing Becky
Becky Kristopeit, Director of Sustainability and Climate Impact at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, bridges education, sustainability, and recreation in her role at Henkel and as an advocate for community development. She channels her passions into initiatives that empower people to grow, connect, and lead. Her work shows how blending diverse interests can spark collaboration and foster thriving communities.
Becky shares what it means to be a pioneer for good
Bridging Connections Through Sustainability and STEM Education
According to Becky, solutions to many of the world’s challenges lie in empowering individuals through learning and interactive experiences. Building on her appetite for knowledge-sharing and sustainability, Becky began advocating for STEM education in local schools – with a focus on building relationships with the students and other parents.
My goal is to be the person that steps up and provides a space to bring people in and feel comfortable to ask questions. Me being here means other people have a place to come to for support. I might not have the answer, but I can help by being an advocate for them as they find the solution.
Becky Kristopeit, Director of Sustainability and Climate Impact at Henkel Adhesive Technologies
From teaching sustainability topics to volunteering at school events, Becky has inspired students and families to think critically and creatively – connecting individuals, sparking curiosity, and inspiring others to come together in the spirit of growth and collaboration. At her child’s school, she chaired a Science Night event for the past two years, which included providing opportunities for parents and students to share their STEM knowledge with others and personally running a mobile planetarium to showcase the history of astronomy, sparking wonder and curiosity among students. Education is a family affair too; at another school event, Becky’s daughter led a workshop on 3D printing for her fellow students.
Fostering Growth and Collaboration through Youth Sports
For Becky, community building extends beyond the classroom and into recreation. As the coach of her daughter’s soccer team and a former player herself, she sees youth sports as a powerful tool to strengthen bonds and cultivate resilience from an early age. To her, soccer teaches teamwork, adaptability, and collaboration—skills that translate on and off the field.
Soccer is not only a super accessible activity, but also a source of many life lessons. It provides a basis for learning, encouraging kids to practice critical thinking, self-advocacy, and resiliency in an engaging, safe environment. And I’ve personally watched them grow from it.
Becky Kristopeit, Director of Sustainability and Climate Impact at Henkel Adhesive Technologies
When Henkel announced its partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation, Becky was excited about the company’s collaboration with an organization that aligned closely with Henkel values and her own. The opportunities ahead include creating community impact through expanded access to soccer, promoting teamwork among young players and the expansion of and awareness building around women’s sports. These efforts connect families and communities, helping them find common ground, grow together, and embrace working as a team.
Creating Space to be Yourself
Becky believes that enthusiasm is contagious; by following what drives her, Becky inspires others to do the same. Whether it’s championing sustainability in her role at Henkel, raising awareness around the value of STEM education in schools, or coaching youth soccer at local fields, Becky creates spaces where individuals can find and create community by being themselves, collaborating, and contributing to meaningful projects. Her approach focuses on authenticity—building trust and fostering inclusivity to create a sense of belonging.
It’s hard to be you, but progress starts when people feel brave enough to bring their ideas forward and invest in their shared goals.
Becky Kristopeit, Director of Sustainability and Climate Impact at Henkel Adhesive Technologies
The mobile planetarium Becky utilized to spark curiosity in astronomy at the annual science night event.
Becky and her co-chair, Stacy Ly, at the annual science night event at their children’s school.
Becky in front of the Euro2024 soccer ball in Munich, Germany.
Becky volunteers as a coach for a local girls’ soccer team and her daughter is one of the players pictured with her.
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The mobile planetarium Becky utilized to spark curiosity in astronomy at the annual science night event.
Becky and her co-chair, Stacy Ly, at the annual science night event at their children’s school.
Becky in front of the Euro2024 soccer ball in Munich, Germany.
Becky volunteers as a coach for a local girls’ soccer team and her daughter is one of the players pictured with her.
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Shaping a sustainable future
Our sustainability strategy is inspired by our purpose: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. With our pioneering spirit, our knowledge, our products and technologies, we want to enrich and improve the lives of billions of people every day – and shape a viable future for the next generations.
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