Maren Costa: From Amazon Leader to Climate Justice Advocate
Maren Costa has become a prominent figure in the fields of climate justice, tech industry reform, and workers’ rights. A seasoned user experience designer with over 20 years of experience in major tech companies, Costa’s journey is a testament to the power of collective action and resilience. Her work has spanned from Amazon to Microsoft, and her activism has made a significant impact, most notably in the formation of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ). This article delves into the life and career of Maren Costa, her role in the tech industry, and her ongoing commitment to environmental and workers’ rights activism.
Early Life and Education
Maren Costa grew up with an interest in design and the arts. She pursued her higher education at St. Olaf College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Women’s Studies. Costa’s path to the tech world was not direct, but her strong background in these fields laid the foundation for her future work in user experience design and advocacy.
After graduating, Costa began her professional career, working in the tech industry as a designer. She went on to complete a Certificate in User-Centered Design from the University of Washington, which further honed her design skills and set the stage for her influential work in the tech world.
Early Career in Tech
Costa began her career at Amazon in 2002. At the time, Amazon was in its early stages of growth, and Costa was drawn to the innovative nature of the company. She initially joined the company’s retail division as a designer, working on several important projects. Her passion for user-centered design led her to create Amazon’s first-ever user-centered design process, which is still in use today.
However, Costa’s time at Amazon was not without its challenges. The company’s intense work culture, which resulted in a high turnover rate, eventually led her to leave in 2011, particularly after the birth of her children. She cited a conflict between Amazon’s corporate culture and her family life, which led her to make the difficult decision to leave the company.
Return to Amazon and Rise to Leadership
In 2014, Costa rejoined Amazon, this time taking on a more senior role as a Principal User Experience Designer. Over the next few years, Costa played a pivotal role in designing cutting-edge projects, including her work on Amazon Go. She was instrumental in creating the “Just Walk Out” shopping experience, a revolutionary concept in retail. Costa was also awarded multiple patents for her innovative work during this period.
Despite her professional success at Amazon, Costa became increasingly concerned with the company’s environmental and labor practices. In 2018, she and fellow employee Emily Cunningham co-founded Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), a group that aimed to hold Amazon accountable for its environmental impact. AECJ quickly gained traction within the company, with Costa and Cunningham at the forefront, pushing for Amazon to adopt more ambitious climate policies.
The Fight for Climate Justice at Amazon
The turning point in Costa’s career came when Amazon’s executives refused to take stronger action on climate change. Costa and Cunningham led a campaign within Amazon to push for greater sustainability efforts, culminating in a shareholder proposal that would force the company to take more responsibility for its environmental impact.
In response, Amazon executives attempted to silence Costa and her colleagues by warning them about violating the company’s policies on “external communications.” Despite this, Costa continued her activism, becoming a vocal critic of Amazon’s inaction on climate change. In April 2020, her efforts led to her firing from Amazon, a decision that sparked national outrage.
The termination of Costa and Cunningham was widely criticized, with U.S. Senators and Attorneys General publicly condemning Amazon’s actions. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint, claiming that Costa’s firing was illegal retaliation for her activism. Costa ultimately received a settlement for lost wages, and Amazon was required to post notices about employee rights.
Transition to Microsoft and Continued Activism
After leaving Amazon, Costa joined Microsoft in 2021 as a Principal Design Lead. At Microsoft, she focused on creating digital products that intersected with sustainability, ethics, and social justice. One of her major contributions was launching the “Ethical Shopping” initiative, which made Bing the first major search engine to incorporate ethical shopping filters. Costa also led efforts to encourage Microsoft to offer its employees a sustainable 401(k) plan.
Despite her success at Microsoft, Costa never abandoned her commitment to climate justice. She continued to speak at conferences, participate in documentaries, and organize around issues of sustainability and workers’ rights. Costa’s appearance in the Netflix documentary Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy further solidified her role as a leading figure in climate activism within the tech industry.
Maren Costa’s 2023 Seattle City Council Campaign
In 2023, Costa ran for a seat on the Seattle City Council, District 1. Her platform focused on climate justice, workers’ rights, and equitable urban development. Costa won the primary election with a wide margin, but ultimately lost in the general election to Rob Saka. Despite the loss, Costa’s campaign was seen as a major success, as it brought together a diverse coalition of environmentalists, labor activists, and community leaders. Costa’s campaign was also notable for the significant dark money and disinformation campaigns that were used against her, highlighting the challenges that progressive candidates often face in local elections.
Costa’s loss in the general election did not diminish her impact, as she vowed to continue advocating for climate action and workers’ rights. Her campaign brought much-needed attention to the intersections of climate change, social justice, and urban policy, and Costa remains a strong voice for progressive change.
Maren Costa’s Impact on Climate Justice and Workers’ Rights
Throughout her career, Costa has remained committed to advocating for the intersection of climate justice and workers’ rights. Her work has influenced the policies of some of the world’s largest tech companies, pushing them toward more sustainable and equitable practices. Costa’s activism has also helped inspire a new generation of tech workers to use their collective power to demand change within their companies.
Her time at Amazon and Microsoft, as well as her role in founding AECJ, has made Costa one of the most influential voices in the corporate climate justice movement. She has shown that it is possible to work within the tech industry while advocating for meaningful change, and her efforts have paved the way for future generations of climate activists and tech workers.
Did Maren Costa Win The Election?
Maren Costa did not win the 2023 Seattle City Council election. She secured a significant victory in the primary, where she won by a wide margin, but in the general election, she was defeated by Rob Saka, who received 54.35% of the vote to Costa’s 45.21%. Despite this loss, Costa’s campaign was seen as a major success, bringing together diverse groups of activists and community leaders, and she continues to advocate for climate justice and workers’ rights.
Conclusion
Maren Costa’s career is a powerful example of the impact that one individual can have when they are committed to both their work and their values. From her leadership roles at Amazon and Microsoft to her activism with AECJ and her run for Seattle City Council, Costa has demonstrated a deep commitment to climate justice and workers’ rights. Her work continues to inspire others to take action against the injustices that fuel climate change and to demand more from the companies that shape our world.
While Costa did not win the election in 2023, her message and her activism remain stronger than ever. As the world faces unprecedented environmental and social challenges, Costa’s leadership will continue to guide the fight for a more sustainable and equitable future.
