Sustainability Meets Policy: Lessons from My Internship with the Secretary of State of Romania
By now you know that my content and lifestyle revolves around advocating for sustainable fashion. I decided to take it a step further. I wanted to gain credibility and expertise in sustainability from where it all begins. My desire was to understand how policy is created, shaped, and ultimately trickles down to impact the fashion choices we make. This fall, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Romanian Secretary of State during a pivotal moment for the country, as Romania approached national elections and advanced its efforts toward OECD accession. It was a transformative experience, and I’m excited to share how this journey has shaped my perspective on sustainability—not just in fashion, but across industries.
One of my key contributions was working on a groundbreaking book focused on corporate governance. This project explored how transparency and sustainability can transform state-owned enterprises into drivers of economic growth and attract international investment. I learned how to translate complex policy concepts into actionable frameworks, an invaluable skill that I’ll carry forward in my career. While the content itself was policy-driven, it reinforced a lesson I often talk about here on the blog: sustainability is not just an ethical choice; it’s a strategy for resilience and growth. Whether in business or government, integrating sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential.
I also developed my knowledge in financial policy, contributing to the transposition of EU cryptocurrency legislation into Romanian law. Working under tight deadlines, I navigated the complexities of emerging financial regulations while ensuring critical stakeholders were informed and engaged. This experience strengthened my ability to adapt to high-pressure environments and reinforced the importance of clear communication in public policy.
A personal highlight was contributing to sustainability initiatives, where I analyzed the environmental and social impacts of Romanian state-owned enterprises and proposed reforms to align them with OECD standards. Drawing on insights from sustainability practices in the U.S., I was able to offer a fresh perspective on creating equitable and sustainable solutions. This experience reaffirmed my belief that sustainability thrives at the intersection of innovation, ethics, and collaboration—whether we’re talking about running a fashion brand or restructuring public enterprises. The same principles apply across the board—it’s just a matter of adapting them to the challenge at hand.
This internship challenged me to think critically about how policies influence sustainable practices at a macro level. It also deepened my belief that change doesn’t happen without resilient communities and expertise—fashion, policy, and every other industry must work together to create a sustainable future.
As I take these lessons into the next chapter of my journey, I want to thank the Secretary of State, Dr. Mihai Precup, for his mentorship and support. This experience has been invaluable, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned to both my work in sustainable fashion and beyond.
Xoxo,
Annie
