Accelerating Black Leadership in Climate Tech

On the heels of the most transformative climate legislation in history – and stronger than expected support for climate policies in the midterm elections – the clean energy movement is poised for action.

Against this backdrop, how can climate and cleantech attract and elevate diverse voices that reflect the communities where equitable and just climate action is needed most? The energy sector has long been less diverse than the U.S. workforce as a whole. Sixty percent of climate policy and clean energy workers in the U.S. identify as non-Hispanic and White, while 30% identify as women, according to a May 2022 report from the Aspen Institute.

The Aspen Institute report issued numerous recommendations, including stronger collaborations with STEM-focused affinity groups (such as the National Society of Black Engineers) and more funding for cleantech startups led by people of color. As a cleantech communications agency with diversity, equity, and inclusion at our core, we wondered how Black leaders in cleantech are addressing the issue, so we partnered with Canary Media to develop and sponsor a forum on Accelerating Black Leadership in Climate Tech.

Each panelist leads a cleantech company or a climate policy association. Forum participants include:

·      Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy (moderator)

·      Donnel Baird, Founder of BlocPower

·      Gilbert Campbell, Founder of Volt Energy

·      Sharina Perry, Founder of Utopia Plastix

·      Kameale Terry, Founder of ChargerHelp!

We’re excited to hear what this prestigious group of leaders will share about the successes they’ve achieved as well as the obstacles endemic to succeeding in the renewables space. Ultimately, we look forward to acting on their suggestions and solutions for making climate tech more diverse, equitable and inclusive.