Recap of the Women in Clean Energy Symposium
Storified by Energy Department ·
Thu, Oct 04 2012 07:25:09
On Friday, September 28, a group of accomplished leaders across the clean energy field gathered for the first-ever Women in Clean Energy Symposium.
This is one of the hallmark events of the Energy Department's Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) initiative -- designed to leverage the skills and talents of women worldwide to advance the global clean energy economy.
Content from Women in Clean Energy SymposiumHosted by the Energy Department and MIT Energy Initiative, the Women in Clean Energy Symposium celebrates the accomplishments of leaders ...
At Friday's event, MIT president emerita Susan Hockfield gave the opening remarks, “The most important challenge for this generation,” she said, “is building a sustainable energy system for the future.”
So thrilled with the line up of amazing women in clean energy today at the #C3E2012 symposium
The event continued with a series of panel discussion with energy leaders across the government, non-profit, and private sectors. Panelists discussed a wide range of topics -- including a discussion on challenges and opportunities for energy policy.
Excellent first panel of women energy leaders @ #C3E2012
So inspired by the conversation in the room -- and on this Twitter thread! Keep up the great work, ladies! #c3e2012
Many of the panel discussions were led by C3E ambassadors -- a group of leaders from across the clean energy landscape. These ambassadors are highlighted in the new compendium, Pathways to Leadership: C3E Ambassador's Careers in Clean Energy.
South Africa Energy Minister, H.E. Dipuo Peters, led the morning keynotes with a speech on "Women as Energy Decision-Makers in Africa":
Agree MT @MWEnergy: 2day is 1 of those days that makes life wrth living and career wrth doing. #C3E2012. Inspired. Included. Impressed.
After the morning keynotes, students from Boston-area universities presented their clean energy research projects as part of a Clean Energy Student Poster Session.
Attendees reconvened for the C3E Women in Clean Energy Awards Ceremony, recognizing six mid-career individuals with outstanding accomplishments in the clean energy field. Awards were given out in a range of categories.
Francis Beinecke presenting the first #C3E2012 award for Education & Mentorsip to Tracey Holloway U of Wisconson.
Tracey Holloway, Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison received a C3E Award for Education and Mentorship.
Chemistry and Chemical Biology Professor Jing Li was recognized for Innovation and Technology Development.
Marilyn Brown presents #C3E2012 award for tech and innovation to Jing Li, Professor at Rutgers University.
Rutgers Prof Jing Li:"a privilege to work with young women- I want them to know that they, too, can succeed and thrive" #c3e2012
Electrical engineer, Liz Porter, was recognized for her clean energy leadership at Lockheed Martin.
In the category of Advancements for the Developing World, WE CARE Solar founder Laura Stachel was recognized.
Inspiring speech by Laura stachel, WE CARE solar, who reduced infant mortality in Nigerian hospital by 70% with a solar suitcase #c3e2012
Judy Dorsey, President of Brendle Group, accepted her award in the category of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Business Models.
#C3E2012 awardee Judy Dorsey, key thought leader in creating Fort Collins net-zero energy districts: http://fortzed.com/
Last but not least, Margaret Downey, Assistant County Administrator, Barnstable County, Massachusetts won a C3E Award for Policy and Advocacy.
Maggie Downey of the Cape Light Compact “I wanted to see the work that I was doing reflected in my community” #C3E2012 http://bit.ly/TNn2d0
#c3e2012 Massachusetts' own Maggie Downey of the Cape Light Compact and creator of CVEC wins the award for Policy & Advocacy. Well deserved!
The symposium continued with a fascinating speech from MacArthur winner Angela Belcher on the role of basic research in energy science and technology.
What if we could grow solar cells? MacArthur Genius, Angela Belcher, details fascinating research at #C3E2012 http://youtu.be/4Y8pGBfNNDs
Here's Angela giving a Ted Talk on her groundbreaking research:
Angie Belcher #C3E2012 Improving on nature, creating genetic blueprints for self correcting materials controlled at the nano level.
One of the most poignant moments of the symposium was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mildred Dresselhaus, Institute Professor Emerita of Physics and Computer Science and Engineering.
#C3E2012 speakers celebrating Millie Dresselhaus. Her achievements in science and with her students are incredibly moving.
Earlier this year, President Obama named Mildred S. Dresselhaus as a winner of the Enrico Fermi Award, one of the government’s oldest and most prestigious awards for scientific achievement.
MIT President L. Rafael Reif presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dresselhaus, citing her significant accomplishments in developing thermoelectric devices. “Everyone who spends a few minutes with her,” he said, “knows the brilliance of her mind.”
Dr. Dresselhaus at #C3E2012: when you work in the #energy field you get a chance to have some impact http://go.usa.gov/YrD9
Closing remarks were given by David Sandalow, Acting Under Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Policy & International Affairs at the U.S. Energy Department.
#C3E2012 David Sandalow @ENERGY We have the potential to change the world but it depends on having all not half of the population.
#C3E2012 David Sandalow: We need to do more than just have the door to clean energy jobs open. We need to nurture talent.
The event left attendees inspired while reinforcing the key role women leaders are playing in advancing the development of clean energy technologies.
#c3e2012 It is no exaggeration to say that today's @C3E_EnergyWomen event makes me want to do more, better. Thanks @ENERGY, @mitenergy!
#c3e2012 it's been a great symposium
Let's think broadly about what C3E can be and do - send ideas to c3eawards@mit.edu #C3E2012
To learn more about the Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Initiative, visit the website:
Overview Thirty distinguished women, three energy ministers, and eight governments came together to launch the Clean Energy Education & E...
