Summer Rayne Oakes graduated from Cornell University —an entomologist and environmental scientist by training. In 2000 in the midst of her studies, Oakes embarked on a journey of cause-related modeling and innovative sustainable design/development projects to push sustainability issues through fashion and media, a position which earned her the name of “The Eco-Model ” [1 ][2 ][3 ][4 ][5 ]. In addition to this, Summer Rayne is now a spokesperson, resident expert, and youngest Board of Advisors for Planet Green , Discovery Network’s new eco-lifestyle network that launched June 4, 2008 to 50 million households.
Oakes’ work spans multiple disciplines, all of which are deeply imbued in environmental issues. Her studies in waste management, organic contaminants & environmental health; mine reclamation; rainforest regeneration; invasive species; landscape impact analysis; sustainable development; and aquatic entomology and stream water quality overlap with her environmentally-relevant, values-based modeling , for which she is largely recognized.

In addition to her media endeavors, Oakes is a partner at the strategic consulting firm, Group SJR, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Grounded in innovative research, brand development/management, and communications, SJR develops, implements, and manages traditional, online, and grassroots/guerilla campaigns across the United States and around the globe. Oakes engages this platform to advise and represent clients both in front and behind-the-scenes.

In addition to this, Summer Rayne stays highly connected and active in a number of initiatives including the youth climate change-green jobs movement; environmental- and socially-conscious design; and sustainable development, particularly in Africa and the Arctic.

In February of 2009, she’ll release her first book, style, naturally: the savvy shopping guide to sustainable fashion and beauty published by Chronicle Books.

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