Q&A with Tyanna Bui, marketing associate

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I earned my Master of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara, one of the first programs to combine environmental science, policy, and economics with sustainability management. I was drawn to the program because of its interdisciplinary approach and eventually decided to specialize in corporate management while focusing on strategic communications. In practice, that looked like hands-on work with real clients, including Adidas, where I helped quantify and communicate findings on microplastic shedding from footwear, and a company developing more efficient cookstoves for communities in Africa, where I supported branding and communications efforts.
Throughout my career, I continued to work on corporate sustainability projects as a consultant before making my way in-house where I had the opportunity to lead sustainability communications and engagement initiatives. I also worked as a freelancer helping environmental and tech clients develop marketing and communications content and campaigns. I’ve always loved blending analytical problem solving with creativity and clarity to help drive change in this space.
These experiences showed me that there was a need for stronger storytellers in the field. That realization led me to join a climate tech startup focused on helping businesses measure and reduce their heat impacts, where I managed all things digital and event marketing. This role opened my eyes to the broader cleantech sector and deepened my appreciation for the diversity of solutions helping address climate and sustainability challenges today.
Now, I’m excited to use my expertise to help organizations tell meaningful stories and accelerate the adoption of these innovative solutions.
Where did your interest in the environment come from?
My interest in the environment started in second grade, when representatives from a nonprofit visited my school to teach us about water conservation — a major issue where I grew up in California. They sent us home with a "water conservation starter kit" that included water-efficient showerheads, leak-detection tablets for toilets, and a pamphlet full of tips for reducing water use. I was fascinated and couldn't wait to put everything into action. The first thing I did when I got home was show the kit to my parents.
My dad wasn't particularly impressed by my newfound mission to save the environment. But when he noticed that the same conservation measures could also lower our water bill, he became much more interested.
Looking back, that was probably my first lesson in climate communications. The information didn't change, but the way it was framed changed how someone responded to it. Ever since, I've been fascinated by the power of effective communication to influence behavior.
I reconnected with that passion in college when a friend suggested I take an environmental science course. I felt like that same curious elementary school student all over again. There was so much to learn and so many opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Up until then, I had bounced between several majors, but that class felt like the right fit — and I haven't looked back since.
What’s your favorite part about working in the renewable energy sector?
As someone whose background is primarily in corporate sustainability, the renewable energy sector is still relatively new to me — and that's part of what excites me most. I enjoy diving into new topics, learning how industries work, and uncovering fresh ways to communicate their value. I believe the perspectives and lessons I've gained from other industries can help DG+ explore renewable energy marketing approaches that haven't been fully tapped into yet.
At the end of the day, my favorite part is the storytelling. Whether it's renewable energy, sustainability, or another complex topic, I enjoy finding the message that resonates with people and helps them see things from a new perspective. The ability to change minds, build understanding, and inspire action through communication is what keeps me motivated.
Why did you choose to work with DG+?
I was drawn to DG+ because of the agency environment and the opportunity to continue expanding my marketing skillset. I've always enjoyed learning on the fly, and DG+ works across a wide range of companies, technologies, and projects, which creates endless opportunities to grow and develop new expertise.
The team was also a major draw. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable, collaborative, and fun to work with, and I was excited by the chance to join a close-knit group where I could learn from people with diverse experiences and perspectives.
What especially appealed to me about DG+ is the opportunity to combine marketing with my background in science and data. I don't just want to create content — I want to understand the bigger picture, use data to inform strategy, and help translate complex ideas into stories that drive meaningful results.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the DG+ team?
In addition to expanding my skills in marketing strategy and data-driven decision-making, I hope to help DG+ continue refining and strengthening its internal processes. I've always been a process-oriented person, and I enjoy finding ways to make workflows more efficient, scalable, and effective. As the team continues to grow, I'd love to contribute to building systems that help everyone do their best work.
I'm also excited about building strong relationships, both within the team and with clients and partners.
What is your dream climate technology project?
Given my professional background in sustainability and B2B startup marketing, I'd be especially excited to work with sustainability reporting software companies. It's a rapidly evolving space, with new platforms and solutions emerging all the time as organizations work to better measure, manage, and communicate their environmental impact.
Moreover, the interfaces are incredibly complicated. I'm interested in seeing how these companies are tackling those challenges, and I think my experience in the field would allow me to bring valuable perspective to their marketing and communications efforts.
Near or far, where in the world would you want to travel to next?
My next big trip is a cross-country road trip to Maine. Honestly, part of the appeal of this trip is that I can bring my dog, Maple, along for the adventure, but I'm also excited about all the places we'll get to explore along the way.
Beyond that, I'd love to visit New Orleans again. I was lucky enough to experience the city during Mardi Gras and hear some incredible jazz musicians perform. Since then, I've learned more about Jazz Fest, and attending it has definitely made its way onto my travel bucket list.
What's your favorite way to spend a day off?
My favorite way to spend a day off is being outdoors. Usually this means hiking or spending time by the water.
I also spend a lot of time with my dog. She’s a 3-year-old part husky, part German shepherd, and part mutt rescue from the East L.A. shelter. She has a big personality and a bit of a resource-guarding streak we’re still working on, so training her takes up a lot of my time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
At home, I also genuinely enjoy cleaning. I’m like Monica from Friends (but less obsessive — I promise!). There’s just something satisfying about resetting my space. It makes a big difference in how I feel on my day off.
Tell us something fun or maybe unexpected about yourself.
Since third grade, I’ve been a musician. I started with violin and later taught myself guitar and ukulele. I’ve always gravitated toward playing songs from movies, and during COVID I had the idea to host virtual ukulele lessons for kids. I actually ended up getting quite a few bookings — likely because the songs I taught were all from popular animated films like Avatar the Last Airbender and Steven Universe.
When it comes to classical music, Mozart is one of my favorites. It might sound cliché, but I love the brightness and clarity of his compositions, as well as how concise and intentional they are.
Read more news and insights from the DG+ team.
Let’s talk about what you’re building.
Whether you’re refining your positioning, preparing for growth, or trying to make a complex product easier to understand, we’d love to hear more. Share a bit about your goals or challenges and we’ll get back to you with a clear, honest perspective on how we can help.
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