Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)

Dear WRISE Community, The recent #election results have sparked diverse reactions—hope, uncertainty, and determination. Through it all, WRISE remains unwavering in our mission to drive the transition to an equitable energy future by advancing ALL women and gender identities across renewable and sustainable energy industries. Challenges may arise, but they will not deter us. WRISE is a politically neutral, inclusive space where diverse identities and lived experiences are celebrated. Our shared values—Equity, Courage, and Authenticity—guide us and strengthen our community. We hear your concerns about potential shifts in climate policy, clean energy incentives, and equity-focused initiatives. Earlier today, on November 21st, we hosted an engaging discussion on the election’s impact on clean energy policy. If you missed it, no worries; there’s plenty to look forward to in the new year with additional programming on workplace rights and continuing our regular events; stay tuned! Together, let’s lead with hope, empathy, and respect. By embracing our diverse perspectives, we can build a renewable energy ecosystem where all people and the planet thrive. WRISE Community, we want to hear from you! Share with us how WRISE can best support you and accelerate the advancement of our mission! Please share your thoughts by emailing us at info[at]wrisenergy.org or engaging with us on social media. With determination, we continue to RISE! Doseke Akporiaye Executive Director, WRISE and on behalf of the WRISE Board of Directors

WRISE partners are integral to our mission, enabling our work to reach more people across North America and allowing us to further accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future by igniting the collective power of community. Interested in becoming a WRISE partner? ??Learn more here: https://ow.ly/G0U850Uawcj

?? We’re Nearly at Capacity! Join us for our final webinar of the year, Post-Election Reflection: Impacts on Our Industry, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT. Our expert panel will dive deep into anticipated policy shifts, discussing what’s on the horizon for project development, energy credits, equity and access, and the outlook for industry investment and market confidence. Secure your spot today:?https://lnkd.in/giYaTQ8j If you’re unable to attend, don’t worry. This #webinar will be recorded and available to?WRISE Members?in the Webinar Archive. ?? Not a WRISE Member yet??JOIN TODAY?and gain access to the archive, networking opportunities, and more: https://lnkd.in/guig3abW

We're proud to honor two extraordinary leaders, Elizabeth Kaiga, Chief Commercial Officer, Energy Systems, North America at DNV, and Raheleh Folkerts, Head of Global Digital Marketing at Lightsource bp, for their years of dedicated work. They have been pillars of #WRISE for over eight years, consistently advocating for the empowerment of women and underrepresented groups in the renewable energy sector. Though they are stepping down from their roles on the WRISE Board, Elizabeth and Raheleh will remain an integral part of the WRISE community. Read the news: https://ow.ly/FFXk50U7yUC

After last week’s election results, many in our community are feeling the weight of uncertainty and wondering how it may impact our work in renewables. As part of our commitment to supporting each other, we’re making our 2020 webinar recording, "Dealing with Burnout and Mental Health in the Workplace," available to everyone. We hope this serves as a valuable resource for those who may need it. At WRISE, we’re dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive space where members feel heard, supported, and empowered. Watch the webinar here and let’s keep lifting each other up: https://lnkd.in/gVBHWJ-X

The WRISE team is already hard at work planning an unforgettable #WRISE2025 Leadership Forum. But here’s the catch… we need YOU to help choose the perfect dates! ?? Picture yourself gathering with industry powerhouses, diving into inspiration, and building connections that will shape the future. Now, tell us: ?? When should we meet in Atlanta, GA, for the #WRISE2025 Leadership Forum? ??? October 14th - 16th, 2025 ??? October 28th - 30th, 2025 (P.S. Halloween is the next day!) Cast your vote below, and help us plan an amazing event! ??

Can you believe it’s already been a month since our unforgettable Executive Women Summit at the #WRISE2024 Leadership Forum? Time flies when you’re sparking change! ?? We’re so grateful for the incredible support from our sponsors and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from all who attended. The Summit was a powerful gathering of trailblazing leaders and change-makers in renewable energy – filled with dynamic discussions, meaningful networking, and inspiration to last a lifetime. ???? Want to make a difference before the end of the year? Here’s how you can fuel our mission: https://ow.ly/pYjF50U0Yoj

On this #VeteransDay, WRISE proudly recognizes the dedication and service of veterans in the renewable energy workforce. We are grateful for their service and commitment to both our country and clean energy. Did you know veterans make up 9% of the U.S. energy workforce, and their unique skills and perspectives are vital to our industry’s growth? Among them, women veterans stand out as powerful contributors to building a sustainable future. Check out this essential guide by Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) to help industry employers recruit, hire, and retain military veterans and their spouses: https://ow.ly/smek50U0YwE

WRISE recognizes this week’s #election results have elicited many emotions and questions in our community especially as it relates to our industry and the work we do. At WRISE, we pride ourselves on our emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion and we will continue to work towards our vision of a transformed energy ecosystem where ALL people and our planet thrive. We remain committed to a just, fair and equitable energy transition. We will have more to say on the expected implications for clean energy and specifically women and other marginalized people in the coming weeks. For now, as we always have, WRISE will use this network not to despair, but to stay diligent and honest in the pursuit of our values and mission. We will therefore continue to build and ensure this community serves as a safe space for our members to feel heard, supported, equipped and empowered and that it keeps us grounded for any challenges that come our way. To help us explore the possible implications of what the change in administration may mean for our industry, our final webinar for the year will focus on what these election outcomes mean for the future of clean energy. Join us Thursday, Nov 21, 2024, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST for an exclusive conversation with industry leaders: Olivia Nedd of Vote Solar, Erin Duncan of Solar Energy Industries Association, and moderator Sierra Jackovics of Aspen Power. Our expert panel will discuss anticipated policy shifts and their possible impacts on project development, energy credits, the evolving landscape for equity and access, and how industry investments and market confidence may be affected. ?? Register now to secure your spot: https://ow.ly/c7LO50U0Nl2

An inaugural moment at the WRISE Leadership Forum. It's what so many of us have been working towards! One of the key reasons I was so excited to attend this year’s Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) Leadership Forum was because it marked the kickoff for the new leadership track. WRISE is creating a structure and program aimed at fostering and encouraging more leaders in our industry. And let me tell you, the group of women they've brought together is seriously impressive. Women from renewables across the U.S. shared their experiences and insights. It was inspiring to be part of this inaugural conversation, working on a program that can genuinely serve women, help them advance, and provide them with the real-life tools they need. From the beginning, WRISE has been about supporting and promoting women in renewable energy, but this new leadership track takes it to a whole new level. It's not just about networking anymore; it's about equipping women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to step into leadership roles. The sessions were interactive and engaging, covering everything from effective communication to strategic decision-making. We tackled real-world challenges and brainstormed solutions together. What struck me most was the sense of community and mutual support. Something that’s always been apparent in these types of groups. Being part of this movement feels incredible. It's about empowering each other, sharing knowledge, and paving the way for more women leaders in renewable energy. What do you want to see from this journey? I can't wait to see where this journey takes us.