WRISE Leadership Forum

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2025 Program Coming Soon

2024 Forum Program

The WRISE Leadership Forum program delivers annual impact and value by providing content and expert speakers that will share professional development tools to advance renewable energy and the latest in renewable energy trends and policy issues to enhance your career and build value into your company and organization.

Take a look at our FAQ page for additional information on the event and virtual platform.

Time	Wednesday, October 9, 2024
12:00 PM	Registration Opens
	Workshops Varied times
1:00 - 3:00 PM	Take the First Step to Overcome Imposter Syndrome ▾ 1:00 - 2:00 PM Melanie C. Kelly will host a workshop on overcoming imposter syndrome. This session will delve into the psychological phenomenon that affects many high-achievers, causing self-doubt, and inadvertent self-sabotaging. According to the National Alliance of Mental Issues, 70% of people are affected by imposter syndrome. Any marginalization can exacerbate this psychological condition. This workshop aims to give the WRISE community tools and resources to help them overcome their own self-doubt, making it an invaluable addition to the WRISE Leadership Forum. Melanie C. Kelly \| VP of Marketing and Client Partnerships, Pivot Energy	Branding Yourself Personally and Professionally ▾ 1:00 - 2:15 PM Note - this workshop is offered twice and will be the same content during both sessions. Please only register for one. The "Branding Yourself Personally and Professionally" workshop is a transformative experience aimed at individuals seeking to align their personal values and professional identity. Personally, it encourages self-reflection and introspection, helping participants identify their unique strengths, passions, and values that define their personal brand. Through exercises and discussions, attendees learn to articulate their authentic story, enhance self-confidence, and build genuine connections with others based on shared values and aspirations. Professionally, the workshop focuses on strategic personal branding techniques that resonate in professional settings. Participants learn to craft a compelling personal brand narrative, define their professional goals, and leverage their strengths effectively. It emphasizes the importance of consistency across digital platforms, networking strategies, and cultivating a strong online presence that authentically reflects their personal and professional ethos. Ultimately, this workshop empowers individuals to project their authentic selves confidently in both personal and professional spheres, fostering authenticity, trust, and credibility among peers, clients, and employers. By embracing authenticity, participants are better equipped to navigate career transitions, seize opportunities, and achieve fulfillment in their professional endeavors. Hema Gupta \| Director of Procurement Operations, Onyx Renewable Partners	Projecting Credibility and Confidence ▾ 1:00 - 2:25 PM Note - this workshop is offered twice and will be the same content during both sessions. Please only register for one. The Projecting Credibility and Confidence seminar examines the power of "subtextual" conversation -- body language, vocal patterns, and mannerisms that can raise or lower one's status in the workplace. Using 20 years of data, Principal Trainer Megan Timpane will outline the explicit "codes of conduct" for projecting credibility, especially when the stakes are high. Participants can expect to discover how to: - Cultivate personal presence - Recognize and prevent the "tells" of nervousness and intimidation - Strike a balance between authority and approachability - Demonstrate composure under pressure - Avoid unintentional behaviors that could be negatively perceived Whether an individual is looking to enhance their one-on-one meeting or group presentation skills, appearing credible and confident will significantly increase effectiveness. Megan Timpane \| Principal Trainer, SpeechSkills	WRISE Chapter Leaders: How to Grow and Engage Your Community▾ 1:00 - 3:00 PM This workshop is designed for current or prospective leaders of WRISE chapters who are trying to grow their chapters organically. In this session, we will dive into available data from top WRISE chapters, growth performance, and how we, as a collective, perform. The takeaway will be a complete social media analysis on WRISE. There’s no secret sauce or hack to growing your online audience, but there are proven strategies! In this session, you’ll learn how to truly engage WRISE followers by harnessing the power of analytics. We’ll dive into the core principles of marketing and explore how you can boost online engagement for WRISE or your own business. Using real WRISE campaign examples and case studies, you’ll discover how to: - Identify key engagement metrics and understand what they reveal about WRISE audiences. - Use analytics tools to track performance and uncover actionable insights. - Develop content that not only captures attention but also encourages interaction and loyalty. By the end of this session, you’ll know how to organically enhance your social media presence. Whether you’re managing social channels for WRISE or applying these insights to your business, you’ll walk away equipped with the knowledge and tools to elevate your social media game. Francesca Costello \| Senior Growth Marketing Manager, Enverus	Empowering Your Worth: Breaking Barriers and Mastering Salary Negotiation ▾ 1:00 - 2:30 PM Learn and practice salary negotiation skills from senior professionals in project development and talent recruitment. During this workshop, we will share gender pay gap market research, negotiation tactics and strategies, and build confidence to overcome barriers. Attendees will participate in mock negotiations and role-playing exercises while practicing assertiveness. Noelle Paige \| Vice President, Project Development at Aspen Power Cameron Benton \| Principal Recruitment Consultant, SolSearch Energy
2:00 - 4:00 PM	WRISE 101 WORKSHOP ▾ 3:00 - 4:00 PM WRISE Above! WRISE is Here to Support Your Career Learn how to leverage WRISE programs, events, and membership to support your career! Hear more about the ways you can get involved in leadership opportunities in our committees and chapters and uplift the WRISE mission. Rachel Petry \| O&M Strategy and Support Manager, Southern Power	Branding Yourself Personally and Professionally ▾ 2:30 - 3:45 PM Note - this workshop is offered twice and will be the same content during both sessions. Please only register for one. The "Branding Yourself Personally and Professionally" workshop is a transformative experience aimed at individuals seeking to align their personal values and professional identity. Personally, it encourages self-reflection and introspection, helping participants identify their unique strengths, passions, and values that define their personal brand. Through exercises and discussions, attendees learn to articulate their authentic story, enhance self-confidence, and build genuine connections with others based on shared values and aspirations. Professionally, the workshop focuses on strategic personal branding techniques that resonate in professional settings. Participants learn to craft a compelling personal brand narrative, define their professional goals, and leverage their strengths effectively. It emphasizes the importance of consistency across digital platforms, networking strategies, and cultivating a strong online presence that authentically reflects their personal and professional ethos. Ultimately, this workshop empowers individuals to project their authentic selves confidently in both personal and professional spheres, fostering authenticity, trust, and credibility among peers, clients, and employers. By embracing authenticity, participants are better equipped to navigate career transitions, seize opportunities, and achieve fulfillment in their professional endeavors. Hema Gupta \| Director of Procurement Operations, Onyx Renewable Partners	Projecting Credibility and Confidence ▾ 2:35 - 4:00 PM Note - this workshop is offered twice and will be the same content during both sessions. Please only register for one. The Projecting Credibility and Confidence seminar examines the power of "subtextual" conversation -- body language, vocal patterns, and mannerisms that can raise or lower one's status in the workplace. Using 20 years of data, Principal Trainer Megan Timpane will outline the explicit "codes of conduct" for projecting credibility, especially when the stakes are high. Participants can expect to discover how to: - Cultivate personal presence - Recognize and prevent the "tells" of nervousness and intimidation - Strike a balance between authority and approachability - Demonstrate composure under pressure - Avoid unintentional behaviors that could be negatively perceived Whether an individual is looking to enhance their one-on-one meeting or group presentation skills, appearing credible and confident will significantly increase effectiveness. Megan Timpane \| Principal Trainer, SpeechSkills	Tribal Sovereignty ▾ 2:30 - 4:00 PM Lets go deep into understanding Tribal Sovereignty and the reason why it is important. How Tribes approach energy projects and the why behind decolonial work. Emphasis on the cultural, ecological, spiritual side. "How do we work with Tribes today" and including historical knowledge and partnerships. Alisha O'Connell \| Vice President 7Skyline, LLC Sheiyenne Baloo Seegmiller \| Finance and Tax Project Manager, 7Skyline, LLC
2:00 - 5:30 PM	Tours Sign up coming soon!
	A Tour of Her Own Custom Bus Tour (Hop-on/Hop-Off) The Women's History Mile ▾ 2:30 - 5:30 PM Starting/Ending location: Omni Shoreham Hotel Includes: Licensed tour guide, private transportation vehicle, professional driver with bottled water, custom curated itinerary Description: Discover women's history and DC culture through the lens of public art, tourism, preservation, social justice, and service. This guided tour experience uncovers hidden histories about women's leadership and participation in government, entrepreneurship, military, activism, science, medicine, sports, art, and beyond. From American history at federal sites to local culture in DC’s neighborhoods, a licensed professional tour guide will lead you safely and quickly around the city while providing interpretive commentary about the nation’s capital.	Signature Walking Tour: The Women's History Mile ▾ 2:00 - 5:00 PM Starting location: Navy Memorial 701 Pennsylvania Avenue Ending location: Freedom: Plaza 1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 A city vibe with a history focus and local culture twist Discover local DC’s thriving neighborhoods rich with theaters, restaurants, shops, and the Capitol One Arena. Weave through the streets of unassuming neighborhoods like Gallery Place and Metro Center to explore women's history on the most unexpected corners. Get a glimpse of Pennsylvania Avenue where feminists have marched in support of suffrage, abolition, temperance and labor rights. Be introduced to public art and bustling small businesses, demonstrating that DC is full of people and creativity - and more than traditional marble monuments honoring Presidents. Engage with your licensed professional tour guide for insight into life like a local as your group discovers historical markers and cultural gems. The sites and stories of women like Mary Church Terrell, Clara Barton, and America's beloved first ladies will illustrate how women have been essential to the growth of Washington, DC and the prosperity of the United States.	[SOLD OUT] Right Proper Brewing: Tour & Tasting at Solar-Powered, Woman-Owned Brewery ▾ 3:30 - 5:30 PM Join us in touring Right Proper Brewing. A woman-owned and funded solar powered brewery. A well-known name in the DC beer scene, Right Proper Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery focused on community and committed to producing soulful, balanced beers for our neighbors in Washington, DC. Solar means a return to the roots of brewing. Beer starts with grain grown in the sun. By powering the brewery with sun power, we are closing the solar circle. The Brookland Production facility is equipped with a 65.4kw solar system, producing 72,500 kw hours of energy per year. This exclusive experience includes tour and tasting room beverages. Tour Meeting Point: 920 Girard Street NE Please note: Closed-toed shoes will be required to tour the production facility. Sponsored by	[SOLD OUT] Solar on Campus I: Howard University PV Rooftop/Canopy Tour with Volt Energy and Solar on Campus II: American Catholic University's Community Solar Farm with Standard Solar ▾ 2:30 - 5:30 PM Join us for two university campus solar tours starting at .5 megawatt (MW) West Campus Solar Array at American Catholic University’s Community Solar Farm. Developed in collaboration with Standard Solar, a leading commercial and community solar developer and asset owner based in Rockville, MD, this initiative marks a significant step towards an eco-friendly future for the university and the broader district community. The solar array contributes significantly to the district’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Part two will feature Howard University’s 1.2 megawatts (MWs) of solar photovoltaic (PV) with alumni-founded Volt Energy. Upon its completion was the largest on-site solar project in Washington, DC. The project spans multiple rooftops and parking canopies at the University’s main campus, Service Center, and Howard University School of Law. The total project will produce more than 30,000 MWh of electricity during the 20-year contract; equivalent to the average amount of electricity consumed by 3,113 U.S. homes per year. Additionally, the project will avoid the creation of nearly 21,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent during the project’s span.
4:30 - 5:30 PM	Brave Spaces
6:00 - 7:30 PM	Dine Arounds
	Thursday, October 10, 2024
7:00 AM	Yoga Sponsored by
7:00 AM	Guided Walking Loop Start the morning with a walk to get outside and get to know your fellow attendees! This walk is open to all attendees, and will be a casual 1.5-mile loop through the Adams Morgan and Woodley Park neighborhoods. Meet at the Leadership Forum Registration Desk at 6:55 a.m. Come dressed comfortably.
8:00 AM	Breakfast and Registration Breakfast sponsored by
9:00 AM	Welcome Address Doseke Akporiaye \| Executive Director, WRISE
	Kacie Peters Award
9:20 AM	Keynote: Answering the Call ▾ This keynote will address the challenges and opportunities of embedding justice in the fight to tackle the climate crisis, and the need for women to face the fight with courage. This presentation challenges women in renewable energy and sustainabilty to answer the call of the moment unapologetically and with their unique voices and lived experiences. Welcome and Keynote Introduction: Constance Thompson \| Senior Vice President, Equity and Justice Shalanda Baker \| Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action, University of Michigan
9:50 AM	PLENARY: Amplifying Our Voices With Federal Agencies ▾ With the burst of government-driven clean energy investment, we will highlight the roles of federal agencies and how to engage best and amplify our voices with them on renewables. Moderator: Becky Diffen \| Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP Nicole Sitaraman \| Director, Office of Public Participation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Jetta Wong \| Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, U.S. General Services Administration Sara Moffat \| Senior Policy Advisor, Bureau of Land Management Emily Stiever \| Senior Solar Equity Program Analyst and Technical Advisor, contractor to U.S. Department of Energy
10:45 AM	Break Sponsored by
11:00 AM	Breakout Sessions
	Entrepreneurship (Women Owned Businesses) as a Catalyst for Community Solutions ▾ The clean energy transition has spurred investments and become the vehicle for regenerative economic opportunities. Innovation is at an all-time high with women entrepreneurs are paving the way, launching businesses ranging from consulting and communication firms to project development, finance, and data analytics. Meet and hear from extraordinary entrepreneurs who are working in deep relationships with communities to drive forward an equitable, decarbonized, and resilient energy ecosystem. Moderator: Kameale Terry \| CEO & Co-Founder, ChargerHelp! Laura Zapata \| CEO & Co-Founder, Clearloop Tonya Hicks \| President/CEO, PowerSolutions Int. and Founder/Managing Principal of Women Do Everything Dana Redden \| Founder and CEO, Solar Stewards	Federal Programs & Tax Provisions supporting wealth building and project deployment in Environmental Justice Communities- a discussion ▾ A discussion of the opportunities to bring wealth to our environmental justice communities by leveraging a variety of inflation reduction policies and programs, especially LIDAC focused programming, the deployment of innovative development and financial models and cross marketing of LIDAC focused programming. We will cover Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, Solar for All, the Low Income Tax Credit, and HOMES, among other policies that will help support wealth building in our communities through project deployment. Monisha Shah \| Division Director, Solar for All, EPA Karla Loeb \| CEO, Loeb Consulting LLC Anisha Steephen \| Senior Advisor to the Counselor for Racial Equity, Department of Treasury	The New Supply Chain: Trade Challenges and Domestic Manufacturing Trends ▾ Tariffs, domestic content requirements, scope 1, 2, and 3 decarbonization initiatives, and local jobs are just a few considerations in an evolving supply chain. The panel will unpack the trends impacting the new clean energy supply chain landscape so you and your company can make informed decisions. Becca Ward \| Chief of Staff for the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, Department of Energy Stacy Ettinger \| Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Trade, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Liz Reicherts \| Global Head of Government Affairs, SolarEdge Technologies Jessica Lawrence-Vaca \| Chief Commercial Officer, Array Technologies	Towards a New Future: Exploring Emerging Technologies in the Clean Energy Transition ▾ Emerging technologies in the clean energy and climate sectors represent a diverse array of cutting-edge innovations poised to drive significant advancements in sustainability, resilience, and affordability, ultimately accelerating the global transition towards a low-carbon, renewable energy future. Come hear from speakers about the potential for advancements in machine learning, AI, and other grid-enhancing software to revolutionize the energy sector. Sanjna Malpani \| Chief of Staff, Weavegrid Mansi Kansal \| Senior Product Manager, Google	Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition: A Focus on Human Systems and Adaptive Leadership ▾ The Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) is a people accelerator for mission-driven practitioners in the clean energy ecosystem. We believe that the most effective pathway to making change is to invest in the people powering transformation in our current energy systems. Human systems are the social, cultural, and organizational frameworks that govern how people interact and make decisions. They are distinct from technology, policy, and markets, but are deeply interconnected with these elements. Addressing climate change effectively requires a leadership approach that considers not just technological innovation, policy supports, and economic mechanisms, but also the human systems that enable or hinder progress. Join us for an interactive and participatory, rapid deep dive into adaptive leadership. Esther Morales \| Executive Director, Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) Kelly Velazquez \| Managing Director, Energy Leadership, Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI)
12:00 PM	Lunch Sponsored by Introduction by Samantha Mullin \| RWE Offshore Wind Operations Manager, Power Looks Good on You Role Model
12:00 - 1:00 PM	Executive Panel and Table Breakout Discussions - Leading and Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders ▾ Sponsored by Introduction by Maryam Brown \| President, SoCalGas Join a panel of executive women as they discuss how we ensure women leaders remain at the forefront of shaping a renewable/clean energy industry we desire. What do the critical components of this envisioned future look like? They will explore what we need to do to deliberately and actively cultivate the next generation of leaders to take over from the present guard as well as what it takes to build and leave a legacy for the next generation? Do not miss the opportunity to engage with these executive women in small groups during the break outs, where they will share their personal journeys, learnings and the challenges they have overcome and continue on their respective paths. Moderator: Traci Scott \| Vice President of Workforce Development, National Urban League Maryam Brown \| President, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) Liane Randolph \| Chair, California Air Resources Board Abigail Ross Hopper \| President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Asssociation (SEIA)
1:15 PM	Keynote Address Sandhya Ganapathy \| Chief Executive Officer, EDP Renewables North America Sponsored by Introduction by Johnelle Brown \| Operations Chief of Staff & Vice President of Operations, American Clean Power Association
1:45 PM	Break Sponsored by
1:55 PM	A Message From GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan Robin Carnahan \| Administrator, US General Services
2:05 PM	Improv Interactive Activity: "Bring a Brick Interactive Keynote" Amanda Austin \| Organizational Psychology, Founder, ComedyHouse
3:15 PM	Break Sponsored by
3:30 PM	Breakout Sessions
	Climate Investing: Energy as Part of the Big Picture ▾ For most, investing in clean energy is only part of a larger climate investment strategy. Listen as expert panelists discuss how clean energy fits into larger climate investments, company ESG goals, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and DEI impacts. They’ll also discuss how investors navigate the complexities of capital markets and climate goals. Moderator:Danielle Hughes \| VP Impact, Churchill Stateside Securities Denise Tait \| Chief Investment Officer, Arevon Julia Bell \| Chief Investment Officer, CleanCapital Jean Nelson-Houpert \| Chief Financial Officer, Volt Energy Utility Cornelia Ogendo \| Vice President and Impact Capital Manager, Environmental Finance	Break the Cycle of Bad Management ▾ This session will be a facilitated participant driven discussion on breaking the cycle of bad management and recognizing your own management style. Providing tools to broach the subject of management training with your HR and Senior Leadership Team, and lifting the burden of career trauma. Karen Nashiwa \| Acting General Counsel, Triple Oak Power Ayanna Nibbs \| Chief Marketing Officer, CRC-IB Staci Schwartz \| VP Human Resources, Primergy Solar	Artifical Intelligence: The Fuel for a Patriarchal Society ▾ Artificial Intelligence is informed by existing resources and materials on the internet. The resources and materials used to inform AI algorithms are from modern society, which is for the most part, patriarchal at best, and misogynistic at worst. How might AI reinforce these societal predispositions? What can we do to avoid systematically reinforcing these cultural norms? Shubi Rao \| Founder and CEO, Uplevyl Dustin Homer \| CGO, Farym	Project Life Cycles Post-Development - Challenges and Opportunities ▾ There are many challenges and opportunities during the post-development phases of renewable energy projects through to decommissioning. This panel will explore areas for optimization and improved efficiencies, as well as sustainability initiatives leading to a circular economy approach for projects. Specific topics will focus on initiatives around recycling, repowering, reengineering, and decommissioning. Miriam Athmer \| Director, Sustainability, RWE Clean Energy Eileen Mendoza \| Engineer, Wind Technology Group, DNV North America Tasha McCarter \| Vice President, Cleantech Innovation, RWE Clean Energy Lucie Dupas \| Chief Delivery Officer, PowerFlex Evelyn M. Butler \| Vice President, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)	The Role of Hydrogen in the Energy Transition and Fighting Climate Change ▾ The use of clean hydrogen is projected to be a key driver of the energy transition. More industry participants are responding to a projected increase in demand for clean hydrogen. This panel will explore expected headwinds and tailwinds as clean hydrogen gradually becomes more competitive and rises to become one of the leading sources of energy across sectors such as the transportation sector and others. Moderator: Leanne Russell Fate \| Director, Sales & Marketing Operations at Ambient Fuels Shannon Angielski \| President & Founder, Clean Hydrogen Future Coalition Jenny McTague \| Senior Associate, Hydrogen Development, Invenergy Manka Khanna \| Chief Commercial Officer, NovoHydrogen Kristine Wiley \| Vice President, GTI Energy Ashleigh Cotting \| Director of Origination & Development, Stormfisher Hydrogen	Realization of Justice 40 ▾ In 2021, Executive Order 14008 marked the first time in our nation’s history, that the Federal government prioritized communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Justice 40 made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Where do we stand now? This session will explore how environmental justice has been incorporated into clean energy projects, explore community action plans, workforce development, and the evolution of the Justice 40 initiative. Moderator: Mary Palmer \| Director, Energy Equity & Inclusion, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) Pamela Fann \| Founder & CEO, Integrated Solutions Quinn Parker \| CEO, Encolor
4:15 PM	Break Sponsored by
4:30 PM	Breakout Sessions
	Energy Storage Solutions: National Deployment Trends ▾ This panel will explore the regional differences with storage deployment and why pricing and appetite can be so variable. Questions to answer include, which RTO/ISOs do we see storage development moving forward and being held up? What are the main obstacles to storage deployment at utility scale? What advances are we seeing in storage technology? Will costs come down? Moderator: Madeleine Ray \| Project Manager, Permitting, AES Clean Energy Darleen DeRosa \| Vice President, Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Stem Joan White \| Director of Storage and Interconnection Policy, Solar Energy Industries Association Tanya Murphy Willacy \| Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, esVolta LP Angie Daoud \| Chief Operating Officer, ONYX	Transmission: the Crux to Building Everything, Everywhere, All At Once ▾ According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 680 gigawatts of clean energy technologies will need to be deployed to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035. To meet this demand, the transmission and distribution systems are in dire need of support as queues continue to fill up. This session will look at some of the major technical and legal aspects that will guide this transformation in the coming years. Panelists will cover topics including interconnection, operations and asset management, and decommissioning; exploring how they intersect with greenfield development and community engagement. Moderator:Amanda Flores \| Project Development Director, Grid United Gretchen Dolson \| Vice President, Renewables Practice Lead, HDR Maureen Ochola \| Director, Transmission & Interconnection, Lightsource BP Yamit Lavi \| Technical Advisor, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy	The Pandemic - Four Years Later▾ What does our "new normal" look like four years after the pandemic changed life as we knew it? This open discussion forum will explore how things have changed, what has gone back to the way it was before, and what does that mean for all of us going forward. Jillian Majka \| Head of HR, CleanCapital Heather Holland \| Founder & Chief HR / Diversity Consultant, The Holland Collective, LLC Kristine Janhunen \| Chief People Officer, Generate Capital Niki Tsaprazi \| Senior Project Manager, DNV	Impacts of Tax Guidance on Investment and Deployment ▾ An exploration with the different players both advising and making decisions on clean energy investments. Considerations shall include adders, technology, equity, and capital strategies to attract diverse players in the capital stack. This panel will focus on the adjustments created by IRA related to the adders including, 'tech-neutral', brownfield, and implications for sub-5 MW projects. In addition, topics may include leveraging direct pay and tax credit transferability that are being re-calibrated for existing pipelines. Moderator:Melinda Baglio \| General Counsel & Chief Financial Officer, Clean Capital Hilary Lefko \| Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright, US LLP Nicole Steele \| Director of Climate Banking, Amalgamated Bank Rebecca Glazer \| Senior Director, Energy Transformation, Walmart Vann Gupta \| Chief Development Officer, Brookfield Renewable NA	It's Ok if Your First Job Isn't Perfect and Other Hard Truths for Young Professionals ▾ For many young people, the transition from being a student to starting a first job can often be intimidating. Further, the transition from a trajectory that was in one way or another characterized by the impact of a global pandemic can be a difficult one to navigate. For these and many reasons, the presence of mentors and sponsors at the beginning of one's career has become even more significant. In this session, we will explore the importance of resources that early career professionals can take advantage of as they work to develop their careers. Moderator: Lauren Friedman \| Senior Manager, Programs and Events, WRISE Esther Kamau \| Capital Management Analyst, 8 Rivers Evelyn Chavez \| Senior Project Engineer, SOLV Energy Aditi Passalacqua \| Talent Acquisition Manager, Clearway Kristin Dugas \| Operations Engineering Manager, Scout Clean Energy
6:30 - 8:30 PM	Reception Sponsored by Introduction by Carly Battin \| Chief of Staff, Clean Capital The Mezzanine at The LINE DC - 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009
	Friday, October 11, 2024
7:00 AM	Yoga Sponsored by Join us for "Morning Flow" Yoga! Yoga Mats will be provided. Plan to arrive a little early to secure your yoga mat, and consider only attending one day to allow all attendees an opportunity to practice yoga during the conference. Start your day with our fun and energizing Morning Flow, designed for all levels. This class will wake up your body and mind, helping you find strength and balance while leaving you feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to take on the day with a smile.
7:00 AM	Guided Walking Loop Start the morning with a walk to get outside and get to know your fellow attendees! This walk is open to all attendees, and will be a casual 1.5-mile loop through the Adams Morgan and Woodley Park neighborhoods. Meet at the Leadership Forum Registration Desk at 6:55 a.m. Come dressed comfortably.
8:00 AM	Breakfast and Registration Sponsored by
9:00 AM	Welcome Address
	Celebrating WRISE Board Members Raheleh Folkerts \| Head of Global Digital Marketing at Lightsource bp Elizabeth Kaiga \| Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Systems, DNV North America
9:15 AM	Fireside Chat: Becoming Moderator: Elizabeth Kaiga \| Chief Commercial Officer for Energy Systems, DNV North America Kelly Speakes-Backman \| Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Invenergy
10:00 AM	PLENARY: Election Outcome Implications On Our Industry ▾ The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Justice40 Initiative have been some of the most transformational federal clean energy policies and investments in history. In anticipation of the upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections, this session will discuss the potential ramifications of a leadership shift. How can individuals wield their power to shape our clean energy future? Sponsored by Introduction by Kristen Quoy-Hain \| Director, HR, Primoris Moderator: Marta Tomic \| Managing Director, National Programs, Vote Solar Erin Duncan \| Vice President of Congressional Affairs, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Alana Duerr \| Principal Consultant, M&A Advisory, Energy Systems, DNV North America Suzanne Swink \| Vice President of Government Relations, KORE Power Steph Speirs \| Board Director, Vote Solar, Sierra Club Foundation, Clean Energy for America
11:00 AM	Break Sponsored by
11:15 AM	Breakout Sessions
	What if Things Get Ugly - Addressing Legal Roadblocks▾ Renewable energy development is facing ever more legal and regulatory challenges—from NIMBYism to permitting disputes, disparate regulatory treatment and environmental restrictions, and competing state, local, and federal interests. This session will explore some of the non-technical headwinds for implementing new generation and transmission, and will foster discussion surrounding strategies and technologies for reducing and overcoming these hurdles. Priscilla Barbour \| Director, Policy & Communications, Primergy Solar Shirley Chin \| Head of Tax Insurance, WTW Kara Herrnstein \| Partner and Solar Co-Chair, Bricker Graydon LLP Leslie Elder \| Vice President of Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Summit Ridge Energy	Transitioning to a New Role in Renewable Energy ▾ Transitioning into a new role can be challenging, whether that involves changing industries or companies, a promotion, or changing disciplines. That journey looks different for all of us. This panel will talk about finding the right fit for you and embracing the change and uncertainty that comes with new opportunities. Moderator: Catherine McLean \| CEO & Founder, Dylan Green Bri Hamilton \| Vice President, Human Resources and Marketing, Javelin Capital Stephanie Bosh \| Vice President of Communications, Solar Energy Industries Association LaTisha Phillips \| Manager, Origination, Policy, and Corporate Affairs, Onyx	Unleashing Your Inner Leader to Moblize your Network ▾ Leadership is inherent in all of us; we do not have to be managers or hold positions of authority to be leaders. In small group roundtables, we will name and surface each of our natural leadership tendencies and styles. Together, we will discuss how these leadership moments can be applied to our continued professional growth. Moderator: Carina Federico \| Partner, Crowell & Moring Dawn James \| Managing Director \| Sustainability, ESG Strategy & Transformation Deloitte Consulting LLP Kerry Duggan \| Founder & CEO, SustainabiliD Jessica Ennis \| Managing Director, Invest in Our Future	Changing Landscape of DEI & ESG Jackie Murphy \| Chief Legal & ESG Officer, Pivot Energy Caitlin Mixter \| Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations, Reactivate Sarah Watts Martin \| Vice President, Tetra Tech, Inc. Jade Garrett \| Executive Director, Northwest Xcelerator & Owner, Positive Deviancy Erika Symmonds \| Vice President of Equity and Workforce Development, SEIA	Renewing You, Sustaining You ▾ Many of us joined the clean energy industry because we had a passion to make the world a better place. How do we sustain and renew that passion in the midst of day-to-day work demands? This session will focus on tools to address your whole self, renewing yourself professionally, physically, and emotionally. Kamaj Bailey \| Founder & Managing Director, Apeiron Leadership Wanda Lee Florestine \| Sr. Director, Outreach (People Development), GRID Alternatives, Inc.
12:15 PM	Letters to Self
12:30 PM	Lunch Sponsored by Introduction by Suely Saro \| Manager, Stakeholder Relationships, AES
1:30 PM	Roundtable Networking Sponsored by Roundtables are dynamic, 20-minute sessions where participants can choose from a variety of topics that interest them. Each session encourages open discussion and collaboration, allowing attendees to connect with others in small groups, share insights, and exchange ideas in a focused and engaging environment. This format is designed to foster meaningful conversations and networking opportunities. A list of topics will be provided for participants to choose from.
3:00 PM	Afternoon Social

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