Ayse Trail
NexGen Leader Award NomineeNominated for: Minimizing the Corporate Footprint - NexGen Leader
Title: Sustainability Manager
Company: TE Connectivity plc
Years in Profession: 5+
Nominator: Alicia Oakes, Global Senior Manager, Environmental Compliance & Sustainabilityl TE Connectivity plc - Co-worker and Mentor
Title: Sustainability Manager
Company: TE Connectivity plc
Years in Profession: 5+
Nominator: Alicia Oakes, Global Senior Manager, Environmental Compliance & Sustainabilityl TE Connectivity plc - Co-worker and Mentor
Describe a situation in which the Nominee exhibited effective influence within your organization. Further define any technical expertise, business acumen, and/or emotional intelligence that contributed to the Nominee's effectiveness. (500 word max.)*
As Sustainability Manager for TE Connectivity's Aerospace, Defense & Marine (AD&M) business unit, Ayse Trail has demonstrated exceptional influence by advancing sustainability initiatives across 25 global manufacturing sites while building collaboration far beyond her own organization. Her ability to align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision has enabled ideas developed within AD&M to expand into enterprise-wide initiatives that continue to create value across TE.
Recognizing that sustainability success depends on collaboration rather than authority, Ayse consistently brings together stakeholders across business units, corporate functions, and manufacturing sites to identify opportunities, share best practices, and develop scalable solutions. One of the strongest examples of her influence was leading the cross-functional working group responsible for developing TE's Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub. Ayse recognized that a collaborative platform for sharing successful energy, water, and waste initiatives had value beyond a single business unit. Through her leadership, ability to build consensus, and focus on enterprise value, she helped influence the initiative to evolve into a corporate-endorsed resource that enables sites across TE to replicate successful sustainability practices.
As Sustainability Manager for TE Connectivity's Aerospace, Defense & Marine (AD&M) business unit, Ayse Trail has demonstrated exceptional influence by advancing sustainability initiatives across 25 global manufacturing sites while building collaboration far beyond her own organization. Her ability to align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision has enabled ideas developed within AD&M to expand into enterprise-wide initiatives that continue to create value across TE.
Recognizing that sustainability success depends on collaboration rather than authority, Ayse consistently brings together stakeholders across business units, corporate functions, and manufacturing sites to identify opportunities, share best practices, and develop scalable solutions. One of the strongest examples of her influence was leading the cross-functional working group responsible for developing TE's Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub. Ayse recognized that a collaborative platform for sharing successful energy, water, and waste initiatives had value beyond a single business unit. Through her leadership, ability to build consensus, and focus on enterprise value, she helped influence the initiative to evolve into a corporate-endorsed resource that enables sites across TE to exchange best practices and accelerate sustainability improvements.
Ayse also created and helped launch TE's Sustainability Gemba program, providing sites with a practical framework for identifying energy, water, and waste opportunities during routine operational activities. Its success has led to ongoing efforts to integrate Sustainability Gembas into TE's broader Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) platform. In addition, she initiated cross-business-unit Energy Treasure Hunts across North America and EMEA, creating opportunities for engineering, operations, maintenance, EHS, and leadership teams to collaborate, share knowledge, and build internal capability across TE.
Beyond programs and processes, Ayse has focused on embedding a culture of sustainability. In 2026, she launched the AD&M Green Team recognition program, which provides quarterly sustainability awards recognizing innovation, cost savings, employee engagement, and environmental performance. By celebrating successful projects and sharing achievements across sites, she has inspired greater participation and motivated teams to implement more sustainability initiatives.
Ayse's influence is rooted in a unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and emotional intelligence. She translates complex sustainability challenges into practical business opportunities by connecting environmental improvements with operational efficiency, cost savings, and long-term business objectives. Equally important, she builds trust by listening to site teams, understanding operational realities, and serving as an advocate who helps remove barriers to implementation.
Through her collaborative leadership and ability to inspire action without direct authority, Ayse has strengthened sustainability engagement, built organizational capability, and established scalable programs that continue to accelerate environmental performance across TE Connectivity.
Recognizing that sustainability success depends on collaboration rather than authority, Ayse consistently brings together stakeholders across business units, corporate functions, and manufacturing sites to identify opportunities, share best practices, and develop scalable solutions. One of the strongest examples of her influence was leading the cross-functional working group responsible for developing TE's Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub. Ayse recognized that a collaborative platform for sharing successful energy, water, and waste initiatives had value beyond a single business unit. Through her leadership, ability to build consensus, and focus on enterprise value, she helped influence the initiative to evolve into a corporate-endorsed resource that enables sites across TE to replicate successful sustainability practices.
As Sustainability Manager for TE Connectivity's Aerospace, Defense & Marine (AD&M) business unit, Ayse Trail has demonstrated exceptional influence by advancing sustainability initiatives across 25 global manufacturing sites while building collaboration far beyond her own organization. Her ability to align diverse stakeholders around a shared vision has enabled ideas developed within AD&M to expand into enterprise-wide initiatives that continue to create value across TE.
Recognizing that sustainability success depends on collaboration rather than authority, Ayse consistently brings together stakeholders across business units, corporate functions, and manufacturing sites to identify opportunities, share best practices, and develop scalable solutions. One of the strongest examples of her influence was leading the cross-functional working group responsible for developing TE's Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub. Ayse recognized that a collaborative platform for sharing successful energy, water, and waste initiatives had value beyond a single business unit. Through her leadership, ability to build consensus, and focus on enterprise value, she helped influence the initiative to evolve into a corporate-endorsed resource that enables sites across TE to exchange best practices and accelerate sustainability improvements.
Ayse also created and helped launch TE's Sustainability Gemba program, providing sites with a practical framework for identifying energy, water, and waste opportunities during routine operational activities. Its success has led to ongoing efforts to integrate Sustainability Gembas into TE's broader Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) platform. In addition, she initiated cross-business-unit Energy Treasure Hunts across North America and EMEA, creating opportunities for engineering, operations, maintenance, EHS, and leadership teams to collaborate, share knowledge, and build internal capability across TE.
Beyond programs and processes, Ayse has focused on embedding a culture of sustainability. In 2026, she launched the AD&M Green Team recognition program, which provides quarterly sustainability awards recognizing innovation, cost savings, employee engagement, and environmental performance. By celebrating successful projects and sharing achievements across sites, she has inspired greater participation and motivated teams to implement more sustainability initiatives.
Ayse's influence is rooted in a unique combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and emotional intelligence. She translates complex sustainability challenges into practical business opportunities by connecting environmental improvements with operational efficiency, cost savings, and long-term business objectives. Equally important, she builds trust by listening to site teams, understanding operational realities, and serving as an advocate who helps remove barriers to implementation.
Through her collaborative leadership and ability to inspire action without direct authority, Ayse has strengthened sustainability engagement, built organizational capability, and established scalable programs that continue to accelerate environmental performance across TE Connectivity.
Explain a situation where the Nominee achieved exceptional results within their area of responsibility. Include relevant metrics or KPIs as proof of impact. (500 word max.)*
Ayse Trail has consistently translated sustainability strategy into measurable environmental and business results across TE Connectivity's Aerospace, Defense & Marine (AD&M) business unit. By partnering closely with manufacturing sites and cross-functional teams, she has helped accelerate operational improvements that reduce environmental impact while creating meaningful financial value across 25 global manufacturing sites.
Over the past three fiscal years, Ayse has led the AD&M sustainability program, supporting the implementation of more than 130 sustainability projects across the global manufacturing portfolio. Project implementation increased from 39 projects in FY24 to 63 projects in FY25, with FY26 already on pace to exceed 70 completed projects. Collectively, these initiatives generated more than $1 million in verified energy cost savings during FY25, with approximately $780,000 in savings already achieved in FY26. Most projects achieved a return on investment of less than one year, demonstrating her focus on practical, high-impact improvements that quickly deliver business value.
Ayse has also driven significant progress toward TE's climate and energy objectives. In FY25, the AD&M business unit achieved a normalized energy efficiency improvement of -7.9%, which has further improved to -8.7% in FY26 despite continued business growth. Since FY20, the AD&M portfolio has reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from approximately 38,000 metric tons CO₂e to just over 6,000 metric tons projected for FY26, while increasing renewable electricity usage to approximately 98.5%. In FY25 alone, sustainability initiatives across the portfolio contributed to more than 1,122 metric tons of CO₂e reductions.
One of Ayse's most technically challenging accomplishments was improving SF₆ management at manufacturing sites using the gas in specialized production processes. By partnering with site teams to strengthen operational controls, improve leak management practices, and implement corrective actions, the affected facilities achieved a greater than 99% year-over-year reduction in SF₆ usage, significantly reducing emissions from one of the highest global warming potential greenhouse gases.
Ayse has also transformed waste performance across AD&M by fostering a culture of data validation and continuous improvement. These efforts helped the business unit progress from zero Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) certified sites in 2024 to eleven certified sites by 2026. Her leadership is exemplified by TE's Swindon, United Kingdom facility, where sustained engagement, Energy Treasure Hunts, and cross-functional collaboration contributed to a 5% reduction in annual energy consumption, saving more than one million kilowatt-hours annually, reducing water consumption by 30%, and making Swindon the first ZWTL-certified site within AD&M.
These measurable results demonstrate Ayse's ability to convert ambitious sustainability goals into tangible environmental, operational, and financial outcomes while building lasting capability across the organization.
Over the past three fiscal years, Ayse has led the AD&M sustainability program, supporting the implementation of more than 130 sustainability projects across the global manufacturing portfolio. Project implementation increased from 39 projects in FY24 to 63 projects in FY25, with FY26 already on pace to exceed 70 completed projects. Collectively, these initiatives generated more than $1 million in verified energy cost savings during FY25, with approximately $780,000 in savings already achieved in FY26. Most projects achieved a return on investment of less than one year, demonstrating her focus on practical, high-impact improvements that quickly deliver business value.
Ayse has also driven significant progress toward TE's climate and energy objectives. In FY25, the AD&M business unit achieved a normalized energy efficiency improvement of -7.9%, which has further improved to -8.7% in FY26 despite continued business growth. Since FY20, the AD&M portfolio has reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from approximately 38,000 metric tons CO₂e to just over 6,000 metric tons projected for FY26, while increasing renewable electricity usage to approximately 98.5%. In FY25 alone, sustainability initiatives across the portfolio contributed to more than 1,122 metric tons of CO₂e reductions.
One of Ayse's most technically challenging accomplishments was improving SF₆ management at manufacturing sites using the gas in specialized production processes. By partnering with site teams to strengthen operational controls, improve leak management practices, and implement corrective actions, the affected facilities achieved a greater than 99% year-over-year reduction in SF₆ usage, significantly reducing emissions from one of the highest global warming potential greenhouse gases.
Ayse has also transformed waste performance across AD&M by fostering a culture of data validation and continuous improvement. These efforts helped the business unit progress from zero Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) certified sites in 2024 to eleven certified sites by 2026. Her leadership is exemplified by TE's Swindon, United Kingdom facility, where sustained engagement, Energy Treasure Hunts, and cross-functional collaboration contributed to a 5% reduction in annual energy consumption, saving more than one million kilowatt-hours annually, reducing water consumption by 30%, and making Swindon the first ZWTL-certified site within AD&M.
These measurable results demonstrate Ayse's ability to convert ambitious sustainability goals into tangible environmental, operational, and financial outcomes while building lasting capability across the organization.
Provide an example of how the Nominee's decision-making skills and/or problem-solving approach supported a positive outcome. (500 word max.)*
As TE Connectivity advanced its Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) strategy, Ayse Trail recognized that inconsistent waste management practices presented a broader organizational challenge. While many manufacturing sites were making progress toward waste diversion goals, differences in waste data collection, reporting methods, and vendor capabilities limited the organization's ability to accurately measure performance, compare results, and replicate successful practices across the enterprise.
Rather than focusing solely on improving individual sites, Ayse recognized that addressing the underlying system would deliver greater long-term value. She became a key contributor to a corporate initiative to develop a more consistent and scalable approach to waste management services that would strengthen data quality, improve reporting consistency, and support higher waste diversion performance across TE.
The initiative brought together stakeholders from 12 business units and initially focused on approximately 60 manufacturing sites across North America, with the potential to expand across TE's global manufacturing network. Ayse collaborated closely with sourcing, sustainability leaders, site representatives, and waste management vendors to evaluate business requirements, assess potential solutions, and support the vendor selection process.
One of the greatest challenges was aligning stakeholders with different operational needs, historical waste management practices, and reporting methods. Ayse approached the challenge by focusing discussions on long-term business value rather than short-term operational differences. She helped stakeholders recognize that standardized reporting, stronger analytics, and consistent waste management processes would improve decision-making, increase visibility into diversion opportunities, and better support TE's long-term sustainability objectives.
By helping address the root causes of inconsistent waste management rather than isolated site issues, Ayse contributed to establishing a scalable framework capable of supporting future growth across the organization. Her thoughtful, collaborative, and data-driven approach demonstrates strong decision-making and problem-solving skills while reinforcing TE's commitment to improving environmental performance through sustainable, enterprise-wide solutions.
Rather than focusing solely on improving individual sites, Ayse recognized that addressing the underlying system would deliver greater long-term value. She became a key contributor to a corporate initiative to develop a more consistent and scalable approach to waste management services that would strengthen data quality, improve reporting consistency, and support higher waste diversion performance across TE.
The initiative brought together stakeholders from 12 business units and initially focused on approximately 60 manufacturing sites across North America, with the potential to expand across TE's global manufacturing network. Ayse collaborated closely with sourcing, sustainability leaders, site representatives, and waste management vendors to evaluate business requirements, assess potential solutions, and support the vendor selection process.
One of the greatest challenges was aligning stakeholders with different operational needs, historical waste management practices, and reporting methods. Ayse approached the challenge by focusing discussions on long-term business value rather than short-term operational differences. She helped stakeholders recognize that standardized reporting, stronger analytics, and consistent waste management processes would improve decision-making, increase visibility into diversion opportunities, and better support TE's long-term sustainability objectives.
By helping address the root causes of inconsistent waste management rather than isolated site issues, Ayse contributed to establishing a scalable framework capable of supporting future growth across the organization. Her thoughtful, collaborative, and data-driven approach demonstrates strong decision-making and problem-solving skills while reinforcing TE's commitment to improving environmental performance through sustainable, enterprise-wide solutions.
Offer examples to illustrate the Nominee's dedication to lifelong learning and professional development. (500 word max.)*
Ayse Trail demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning by continuously expanding her technical expertise, embracing new challenges, and applying what she learns to advance both her own professional growth and TE Connectivity's sustainability programs.
Her commitment to learning began with earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Toxicology and continued through a Master of Environmental Management with a specialization in Corporate Sustainability from Duke University. Since then, she has intentionally expanded her expertise beyond traditional environmental compliance, developing knowledge across climate strategy, energy management, waste circularity, water stewardship, greenhouse gas accounting, and Scope 3 emissions management. She is currently pursuing Six Sigma training to further strengthen her continuous improvement and problem-solving capabilities.
Ayse's professional development extends well beyond formal education. Over the past five years, she has successfully applied sustainability principles across two distinct industries, first in consumer products and now within TE Connectivity's highly regulated aerospace, defense, and marine business. This experience has strengthened her ability to adapt sustainability strategies to different operational environments while continuously broadening both her technical expertise and business perspective.
Equally important, Ayse believes learning should be shared. She actively participates in TE's Operational Waste Working Group and Water Working Group and leads the Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub Working Group, collaborating with colleagues across business units to develop enterprise-wide sustainability solutions. She also develops and delivers training for manufacturing sites and suppliers on sustainability metrics, reporting requirements, and data standardization, helping improve reporting consistency while building organizational capability. Through the Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub, she has created additional opportunities for sites to exchange best practices, learn from one another, and accelerate implementation of successful sustainability initiatives.
Ayse also contributes to the broader sustainability profession by sharing her experiences outside of TE. She has been featured on a sustainability leadership podcast and was invited to present at the SP Summit, where she shares how storytelling can strengthen sustainability engagement and inspire organizational change.
Ayse's curiosity, commitment to continuous improvement, and passion for developing others exemplify the mindset of a lifelong learner. She not only invests in her own professional growth but also creates opportunities for colleagues, suppliers, and the broader sustainability community to learn, collaborate, and succeed together.
Her commitment to learning began with earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Toxicology and continued through a Master of Environmental Management with a specialization in Corporate Sustainability from Duke University. Since then, she has intentionally expanded her expertise beyond traditional environmental compliance, developing knowledge across climate strategy, energy management, waste circularity, water stewardship, greenhouse gas accounting, and Scope 3 emissions management. She is currently pursuing Six Sigma training to further strengthen her continuous improvement and problem-solving capabilities.
Ayse's professional development extends well beyond formal education. Over the past five years, she has successfully applied sustainability principles across two distinct industries, first in consumer products and now within TE Connectivity's highly regulated aerospace, defense, and marine business. This experience has strengthened her ability to adapt sustainability strategies to different operational environments while continuously broadening both her technical expertise and business perspective.
Equally important, Ayse believes learning should be shared. She actively participates in TE's Operational Waste Working Group and Water Working Group and leads the Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub Working Group, collaborating with colleagues across business units to develop enterprise-wide sustainability solutions. She also develops and delivers training for manufacturing sites and suppliers on sustainability metrics, reporting requirements, and data standardization, helping improve reporting consistency while building organizational capability. Through the Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub, she has created additional opportunities for sites to exchange best practices, learn from one another, and accelerate implementation of successful sustainability initiatives.
Ayse also contributes to the broader sustainability profession by sharing her experiences outside of TE. She has been featured on a sustainability leadership podcast and was invited to present at the SP Summit, where she shares how storytelling can strengthen sustainability engagement and inspire organizational change.
Ayse's curiosity, commitment to continuous improvement, and passion for developing others exemplify the mindset of a lifelong learner. She not only invests in her own professional growth but also creates opportunities for colleagues, suppliers, and the broader sustainability community to learn, collaborate, and succeed together.
Provide evidence of the Nominee's commitment to the fields of EHS&S. Examples may include: serving on the organization's safety committee, volunteering for environmental / sustainable causes, or writing for industry publications. In addition, share any professional impressions of the Nominee's commitment to EHS&S. (500 word max.)*
Ayse Trail's commitment to the EHS&S profession extends well beyond her day-to-day responsibilities and reflects a genuine passion for advancing environmental stewardship, continuous improvement, and sustainable business practices.
Within TE Connectivity, Ayse is an active contributor to the Operational Waste Working Group and Water Working Group and serves as the lead for the Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub Working Group. Through these collaborative roles, she helps develop enterprise-wide approaches that strengthen sustainability performance, encourage knowledge sharing, and build organizational capability across multiple business units. Her focus extends beyond achieving results within her own organization to creating scalable solutions that benefit the broader enterprise.
Ayse is equally passionate about developing people and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. She develops and delivers training for employees and suppliers on sustainability metrics, reporting requirements, and data standardization, helping improve reporting consistency while building confidence in sustainability programs. In 2026, she launched the AD&M Green Team recognition program, which provides quarterly sustainability awards recognizing innovation, cost savings, employee engagement, and environmental performance. Through initiatives such as Sustainability Gembas, Energy Treasure Hunts, and employee recognition programs, she has helped embed sustainability into everyday operations while encouraging sites to continuously identify and implement new improvement opportunities.
Her commitment to environmental stewardship also extends into her personal life. Ayse volunteers with Rolling Tomato, a nonprofit organization that rescues surplus fresh produce and prepared food that would otherwise be sent to landfill and distributes it to organizations serving individuals experiencing food insecurity. Through this work, she helps reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support members of her local community. She also volunteers at her community garden, helping grow fresh produce while promoting local food production and environmental stewardship.
Ayse is equally committed to advancing the EHS&S profession through thought leadership and knowledge sharing. She has been featured on a sustainability leadership podcast and was selected to speak at the SP Summit, where she shares how storytelling can strengthen sustainability engagement and drive meaningful organizational change.
Whether collaborating across TE, mentoring colleagues, educating others, volunteering in her community, or sharing best practices with the broader sustainability community, Ayse consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing the EHS&S profession. Her passion for service, continuous improvement, and developing others exemplifies the qualities of a next-generation sustainability leader.
Within TE Connectivity, Ayse is an active contributor to the Operational Waste Working Group and Water Working Group and serves as the lead for the Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Hub Working Group. Through these collaborative roles, she helps develop enterprise-wide approaches that strengthen sustainability performance, encourage knowledge sharing, and build organizational capability across multiple business units. Her focus extends beyond achieving results within her own organization to creating scalable solutions that benefit the broader enterprise.
Ayse is equally passionate about developing people and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. She develops and delivers training for employees and suppliers on sustainability metrics, reporting requirements, and data standardization, helping improve reporting consistency while building confidence in sustainability programs. In 2026, she launched the AD&M Green Team recognition program, which provides quarterly sustainability awards recognizing innovation, cost savings, employee engagement, and environmental performance. Through initiatives such as Sustainability Gembas, Energy Treasure Hunts, and employee recognition programs, she has helped embed sustainability into everyday operations while encouraging sites to continuously identify and implement new improvement opportunities.
Her commitment to environmental stewardship also extends into her personal life. Ayse volunteers with Rolling Tomato, a nonprofit organization that rescues surplus fresh produce and prepared food that would otherwise be sent to landfill and distributes it to organizations serving individuals experiencing food insecurity. Through this work, she helps reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support members of her local community. She also volunteers at her community garden, helping grow fresh produce while promoting local food production and environmental stewardship.
Ayse is equally committed to advancing the EHS&S profession through thought leadership and knowledge sharing. She has been featured on a sustainability leadership podcast and was selected to speak at the SP Summit, where she shares how storytelling can strengthen sustainability engagement and drive meaningful organizational change.
Whether collaborating across TE, mentoring colleagues, educating others, volunteering in her community, or sharing best practices with the broader sustainability community, Ayse consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing the EHS&S profession. Her passion for service, continuous improvement, and developing others exemplifies the qualities of a next-generation sustainability leader.