WISE 2024: A Year in Quotes & Photos
In Building Energy Exchange’s (BE-Ex) 2024 programming, our Women in Sustainability and Energy (WISE) series shone, attracting diverse audiences through its dedicated mission of advancing equity in the workplace.
Started in 2015 by the women of BE-Ex who often found there to be a lack of female leader representation in industry events and meetings, WISE strives to serve as an inclusive platform that connects people of all backgrounds and career stages to learn from experienced women leaders in the sustainability and energy industries, exchange knowledge and ideas, and be a source of empowerment for emerging professionals.
BE-Ex and WISE extend our gratitude to our WISE sponsors, whose generous support—in conjunction with the diligent effort of BE-Ex team members—make WISE programming possible: Con Edison, EN-POWER Group, Environ Energy, New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, Sive Paget Riesel, Voltus, and Vornado. Help WISE flourish in 2025 and play a key role in our efforts to expand the network of women leaders in conversations about energy efficiency solutions—sponsorship opportunities are available.
As we look forward to the new year, we at BE-Ex and WISE have much to reflect on. Here are some amazing highlights from an incredible year full of connection and conversation!
WISE in Numbers
In 2024, we…
- Organized four events;
- Featured 25 #WISEWomen leaders, industry professionals who participated in WISE programming throughout the year;
- Welcomed 350+ in-person and online attendees;
- Connected with 1,400 LinkedIn group members;
- Reached 900+ “word to the WISE” quarterly newsletter subscribers; and
- Engaged 860 Radio BE-Ex listeners
2024 Highlights
April 4th: Sustainable Career Showcase
We kicked off the 2024 season of WISE in April with our Sustainable Career Showcase, which featured six panelists from a range of industries, who shared insights into their industry, company, and professional journey.
Nell Jacobson, speaker from EN-POWER GROUP, poses with audience.
“I’ve seen this industry really evolve, and, being in the industry for over a decade, I think there’s room for all of us—especially for us women—and where there isn’t a role that you can find today, there’s always something that you can create.
“I…believe that fostering meaningful relationships is how you continue to be inspired, but you can also learn about opportunities that you may have never heard of. So I always tell people don’t take it for granted, especially when we have networking opportunities like this today.
July 10th: Wine with WISE Networking Evening
In the midst of the summer heat, our WISE community gathered for an evening of informal networking. Over 100 attendees—students and professionals of all backgrounds across sustainability and energy industries—enjoyed refreshments while engaging in a bingo-style networking activity, walking away with fun prizes in addition to meaningful connections with peers!
September 25th: Get WISE to EJ: Bridging the Gap Between Equity and Electrification
To celebrate Climate Week NYC, we held a moderated panel discussion on the intersection of equitable electrification and environmental justice (EJ). Female EJ leaders from different sectors of the climate industry discussed critical issues while engaging with over 100 in-person attendees!
“When you silo [issues like housing justice, criminal justice, and economic justice], you…are really missing the intersectionality of some of these issues and some of these solutions. A perfect example is when we’re talking about buildings—we talk about buildings from a clean energy space, but buildings are people’s homes…We’re in a climate crisis[, but] we’re also in a housing crisis.
Left: An audience member sharing questions during the live Q&A portion of the event.
Right: BE-Exers Hailey Moll (far left) and Kaylee McGowan (far right) and pose with our expert lineup.
November 10th: WISE Networking Lunch
Wrapping up our 2024 WISE season, our fifth annual networking lunch—a fan-favorite amongst our community—brought together eight, seasoned industry experts to share career insights and professional guidance to 40 students and emerging and transitioning professionals across the sustainability and energy industries.
“Every WISE event I attend leaves me feeling more grounded, confident, and motivated as a woman in the energy industry!
“It was my first WISE event—loved the format and met so many interesting people. Several attendees I chatted with felt the same way, so congrats on such a strong program!
Radio BE-Ex
This year, Radio BE-Ex, our live podcast series, entered its fifth season and spotlighted three female industry leaders and their impactful sustainability work in the building industry.
Ep. 1: Scaling Climate Innovation with Pat Sapinsley
“[On her transition from architecture to venture capital:] It was a steep learning curve…I was learning a new thing; it was terrifying. And there was always that little voice in my head that said ‘What are you doing? You know nothing about finance.’ And I would tell that little voice to shut up, and I would go to work everyday and I did have value…You have to be careful not to pre-judge yourself, especially as a woman…Your thoughts are valuable, and an intelligent person has something to contribute no matter what.
“What we [at Passive House for Everyone] have found over and over again is that the hands-on approach and the creative ways that we’ve explored, [whether it is] through singing, through model-making, through collage, spoken poetry, you name it…[when] the creative input is there for any child—or even adults—it’s a very enjoyable way for them to learn.
“We know that city decision-making over centuries has resulted in the environmental injustice that we see today. We understand that the way government has been structured over decades is leading to disenfranchisement, or some communities having a stronger voice than others, [which is why] we need to make change within the processes of how the city works and how decisions are made to even come close to righting past wrongs and creating a New York that really is for all of the people who live and work here.
Looking to the Future
The remarkable impact of WISE and the extraordinary growth of its community are truly deserving of recognition—and celebrate we shall! Join BE-Ex and WISE for our 2025 Winter Soiree on February 4, 2025 for an evening of reflection and refreshments as we celebrate the progress we’ve achieved and espouse our goals for the future.
2025 will mark a decade of our WISE series, and we have many exciting plans to honor this milestone. Stay connected and engaged with WISE throughout the year by joining our WISE LinkedIn group and subscribing to our quarterly “word to the WISE” newsletter.
Wishing the best to our inspiring WISE community in the upcoming year!
Written by Stephanie Le, Associate, Education & Engagement