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RESILIENCE & EQUITY IN THE
CLEAN ENERGY
SECTOR SUMMIT

This global summit gathers Black People, Indigenous People, and People of Color who are shaping the future of the clean energy sector. Together with a distinguished cadre of champions, allies, sponsors, and collaborators, we are advancing a shared journey towards sustainable and equitable change.

October 30-November 1, 2023 | Detroit, Michigan

NEW LAB @ MICHIGAN CENTRAL

Registration is now closed!

For questions regarding existing registrations, please call 313-633-4815

ABOUT

As we enter a once in a lifetime clean energy transition, the inaugural Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS23) will gather essential players from the industry to amplify a clean energy vision centered in equity.

The summit presents an empowering platform for Black and Brown leaders to spearhead   positive change and open a gateway for those aspiring to join an industry .where we are grossly underrepresented and have few organic connections. 

RECESS23” is not just another conference. This is a transformative movement which propels the clean energy industry towards equitable change at an accelerated pace. We are on a mission to take a permanent break from “business as usual” and embark on a bold journey that empowers historically excluded and marginalized voices. Together, we will seize unprecedented opportunities to ignite clean energy businesses, create lucrative careers, and forge a path toward a sustainable future that transcends the ravages of climate change.

RECESS23 will recognize and advocate for the resourcefulness, creativity, and resolve of those who have been traditionally marginalized in past economic transformations.   Concurrently, the summit seeks to confront and address the disparities that have hindered Black and Brown communities from reaping the full range of economic, health and safety, and environmental benefits that have emerged from this country’s progress. By doing so, RECESS strives to create a future where everyone has an equal stake and role in our clean energy revolution. 

Join us at “RECESS 23” as we shape a clean energy future that leaves no one behind. 

Inspiring Keynotes & Engaging Panel Discussions

Join us as we welcome a distinguished lineup of Black and Brown leaders and their allies and supporters in the climate and clean energy sector. These trailblazers will share their innovative visions for a more sustainable future and engage in critical conversations through an equity-focused lens. Anticipate thought-provoking discussions on a breadth of topics, including:

  • Facilitating an Equitable Energy Transition
  • Harnessing the Power of Renewable Energy
  • Exploring Cutting-Edge Energy Storage Solutions
  • Prioritizing Energy Efficiency in a Changing World
  • Charting the Course for Clean Mobility
  • Unearthing the Intersection of Clean Energy and Social Justice

INTERACTIVE BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
Empowering Progress

We've curated an impactful breakout session program that equips participants with practical tools and resources to propel their clean energy goals. These sessions are designed to be dynamic and hands-on, providing a unique learning experience that inspires action and drives meaningful change. Participants can expect engaging activities such as interactive workshops, group discussions, and problem-solving exercises led by industry experts.

INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY EXHIBIT HALL:
A Showcase of the Future

Our exhibit hall is more than just a display – it's an immersive experience that brings you face-to-face with the latest projects and technologies in the clean energy sector. Engage in meaningful dialogues with entrepreneurs and corporations as they discuss strategies for scaling initiatives, fostering diversity, and driving the commercialization of clean energy solutions.

WELCOME

Walker-Miller Energy Services and Real Times Media are proud to unveil the first-ever Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS23) in Detroit. This groundbreaking event is intended to inspire, connect, and empower those who are tirelessly working towards equity for People of the Global Majority within the clean energy sector, reinforcing that their mission is a shared endeavor.


RECESS23 is set to be a vibrant and dynamic gathering that unites diverse thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The spotlight will be on the latest innovations in clean energy, with a strong emphasis on fostering opportunities for equitable economic growth.

We anticipate a diverse and enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 attendees from all corners of the globe, spanning academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. This collective will serve as a testament to the far-reaching interest and commitment to clean energy and its potential to drive equitable economic development.

Conference Chairs

Carla Walker-Miller

Carla Walker-Miller
Founder & CEO
Walker-Miller Energy Services

Hiram E Jackson

Hiram E. Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
Real Times Media

PROGRAM TRACKS

Through illuminating keynotes, breakout sessions, and deep-dive workshops, RECESS23 will address key topics, common pain points, and actionable solutions in the clean energy sector. Programming for the Summit will be categorized into three tracks.

Business Innovation:
Clean Energy Entrepreneurship
This track will focus on fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and enabling business expansion within the clean energy sector. This track will also discuss the role of legislative and regulatory policies and explore how a supportive policy environment can catalyze innovation, remove barriers, and drive business growth in clean energy.
Upskilling & Education:
Empowering the Clean Energy Workforce
Dedicated to cultivating skill development and promoting educational opportunities, this track aims to build a robust and future-ready workforce in the clean energy industry. We will delve into how policy measures can contribute to shaping curricula, driving workforce training programs, and creating opportunities for talent in the clean energy sector.
Sustainable Development:
Driving Equity and Environmental Justice
This track champions the cause of promoting sustainable development practices and advocating for environmental justice within the clean energy context. The discussions will include how green policies can facilitate sustainable development, address disparities, and ensure equitable distribution of clean energy benefits across communities.

SPEAKERS

Mike Duggan
Hon. Mike Duggan
Mayor
Detroit
Shalaya Morissette

Shalaya Morissette
Chief, Minority Business & Workforce Division
U.S. DOE

Donnell Baird

Donnel Baird
Chief Executive Officer
BlocPower

Dug Song

Dug Song
Co-Founder & President
The Song Foundation

Laura-Zapata

Laura Zapata
Founder & Co-CEO
Clearloop

Trista Van Tine

Trista Van Tine
Founder
Michigan Founders Fund

Michael Nutter

Michael Nutter
Former Mayor
Philadelphia

Maria Thompson

Maria Thompson
Venture Partner
Arsenal Growth Equity

Robyn Grange

Robyn Grange
Director
Office of Community Engagement, Argonne National Laboratory

Nicole Sherard-Freeman

Nicole Sherard-Freeman
COO
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Michelle Sourie Robinson

Michelle Sourie Robinson
CEO
Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

Rick Jones

Rick Jones
Executive Director
Neighborhood Defender Service

Maggie Tallmadge

Maggie Tallmadge
Co-Chair
Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians’ Energy Committee

Dr.Tanya Das

Dr. Tanya Das
Sr. Associate Director
Energy Innovation Bipartisan Policy Center

Regina Strong

Regina Strong
Michigan’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate

Natalie King
Natalie King
Founder & CEO
Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC
Ali Dirul

Ali Dirul
CEO
Ryter

Brett Isaac
Brett Isaac
Founder and Executive Chairman
Navajo Power
Esther Morales

Esther Morales
Executive Director
Clean Leadership Institute

Henry McKoy

Dr. Henry McKoy
Director
DOE, SCEP

Kimberly Andrews Espy

Kimberly Andrews Espy
President
Wayne State University

Tremaine Phillips

Tremaine Phillips
Former Commissioner
MPSC

Donele Wilkins

Donele Wilkins
CEO
Green Door Initiative

Johnnie Turnage

Johnnie Turnage
CEO
Black Tech Saturday

Deeana-Ahmed

Deeana Ahmed, PhD
Chief Strategy Officer
Our Next Energy

Kameale Terry

Kameale C. Terry
CEO
Charger Help

Joi Harris

Joi Harris
President and COO
DTE

Dr. Cavaliar

Dr. Crystal Cavalier Keck
President
7 Directions

Kerry Duggan

Kerry C. Duggan
Founder & CEO
SustainabiliD

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