As a Nicholas School graduate, I know firsthand that addressing climate change isn’t just urgent—it’s smart business. By giving back, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders who will drive sustainable innovation, shape policy, and create economic opportunities in a rapidly changing world. – Cherie Wilson
Cherie Wilson DEL-MEM’15, has stepped up to increase the impact of the class gift organized by the Nicholas School’s 2025 Class Ambassadors. She has committed to donate $2,025 in honor of the class of 2025 if they reach a giving percentage of 50 percent.
Cherie serves as Vice President of Government Affairs – Sustainability for Delta Air Lines. In this role, she is responsible for leading Delta’s international, federal, state and local climate policy coordination and disclosures, ensuring alignment between the company’s climate goals and its climate lobbying activities.
Her work includes fostering partnerships and policies to catalyze the market for sustainable aviation fuel, key to enabling Delta’s net zero by 2050 goal.
Throughout her career, she has worked in various policy and advocacy roles advising private sector and NGO stakeholders on engagement strategies to advance clean energy solutions. Prior to joining Delta, Cherie was a Director of Federal Affairs for General Motors with responsibility for legislative and political engagement in the areas of vehicle finance, sustainability/climate change, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She began her career in Congress, working for U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn (D-Md.) and U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.).
Cherie is one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists and was named to Washingtonian’s 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Most Influential People list of experts and advocates shaping policy in Washington.
In addition to her degree from the Nicholas School, she holds a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in political science from the University of Pennsylvania.
She lives in Maryland with her partner and children, and enjoys traveling with her family, reading books and running.
The Nicholas School is deeply grateful to Cherie and the 2025 Class Ambassadors for their generosity, and for encouraging a tradition of giving among the school’s students, alumni, and friends.
