Sept. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- The first annual Women In Green Forum successfully brought together over 400 leaders in sustainability, emerging as the nation’s largest conference for women in environmental careers. Held on September 1st and 2nd at the Pasadena Convention Center, the Forum not only recognized trailblazers who have already shifted the paradigm in their respective industries, but also served as an unparalleled networking opportunity for women beginning their green careers.
Kicking off the two-day event was a memorable call to action from John Picard, the Forum’s only male speaker. Weaving his way through tables of female professionals, Picard described how he transitioned from a traditional career in real estate development to become a Founding Member of the United States Green Building Council. Picard’s motivation for making the switch hit close-to-home with many attendees: he wanted to make a positive impact on the world that his daughters would grow up in.
Forum highlights also included powerful addresses by Maggie L. Fox, President and CEO of The Alliance for Climate Protection, and Gloria Reuben, a well-known actress and activist. An additional crowd favorite was the Keynote Luncheon Panel, which featured inspiring presentations from top decision-makers from throughout California: Jan Perry, Councilwoman of the City of Los Angeles and Board Member of the South Coast AQMD, Bonnie Reiss, California Secretary of Education, Dr. Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles and Sandra Berg, Board Member of the California Air Resources Board. After discussing key successes within the environmental realm as well as challenges that lie ahead, these female trailblazers were presented with special certificates for their extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to environmental policy.
In addition to a roster of over 80 speakers, attendees at the first annual Women In Green Forum included corporate sustainability officers, policymakers, and industry leaders ranging from eco fashion designers to green building experts. The Forum’s rich program reflected the diversity of its audience members, with breakout sessions focused on topics such as energy efficiency, clean technology finance, clean transportation, renewable energy, organic food and beverage, eco fashion, environmental media, waste diversion, natural health/beauty, urban planning, and consumer products.
“We are thrilled with the tremendous response for the first annual Women In Green Forum,” said Jaime Nack, Director of the Women In Green Forum and President of Three Squares Inc. “As was very clear by the high level of attendee engagement, lively discussion, and overflowing passion throughout the two-day conference, there is a strong demand for this type of network. We see the first annual Women In Green Forum as a starting point that will lead to future collaboration among these leaders and the formation of a community that will open doors for women who wish to enter the expanding green workforce.”
In addition to offering an extensive lineup of panels and general session speakers, the first annual Women In Green Forum boasted a vibrant expo hall that showcased the most cutting-edge green products and services. Clean vehicles were also positioned among the booths, which many attendees took for a test drive during the Ride-and-Drive portion of the program. Vehicles included a Lexus RX Hybrid, a biodiesel Ford F350 Crew Cab, an Electric MINI, and a Chevy Fuel Cell.
Given its successful launch, the Women In Green Forum has emerged as the premier platform from which environmentally conscious women can stay abreast of the latest clean tech innovations, develop powerful professional networks, and build upon each other’s successes. Forum organizers have committed to expanding next year’s event beyond the 2010 program in an effort to inspire even more collaboration between members of its passionate, green-minded community.
For more information on the Women in Green Forum, please visit http://www.womeningreenforum.com.
