Make It in Brooklyn – Clean Energy Innovations Diversity and Access featured a panel of M/WBE founders and professionals leading in the clean energy sector in New York City. An audience of those in Brooklyn’s clean energy network gathered at Gotham Market at the Ashland to hear the panelists address the issues of diversity in the field. The event kicked off with opening words from Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Regina Myer, and Juliet Lewis from ConEdison, who spoke to the importance of M/WBE leadership in the clean energy field.
Moderator Kiana Michaan led a powerful discussion full of personal anecdotes, inspiring climate solutions, and advice for those already in the field as well as budding entrepreneurs looking to enter into climate tech. Panelists, Laura Fox of Streetlife Ventures; Melina Acevedo from Latinxs in Sustainability & D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments; itselectric founder Tiya Gordon; and Martine Lunis of Wildgrid each shared their stories and inspiration behind entering the clean energy workforce as well as the various challenges they’ve faced.
The conversation also addressed topics around raising and distributing capital and issues in creating access in each panelist’s respective field – spanning electric vehicles, transportation, workforce development, solar energy, and venture capital. The thoughtful comments from the audience resonated with our panelists who stayed after to continue the conversation and network over drinks and delicious bites from Peaches Prime.
Make It in Brooklyn supports entrepreneurship and strengthens Brooklyn’s innovation ecosystem with its series of pitch contests, meetups, panels and more. These events have brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs across industries and have provided over $120,000 in seed money and pro-bono professional services.
Thanks to our event sponsor, ConEdison and our partners at The Gotham Organization.
