WISE 2015: Women in Sustainability and Energy

This March, in honor of women’s history month, the Building Energy Exchange is launching WISE – Women in Sustainability and Energy. This series of four breakfast symposia features inspirational women thought-leaders who are accelerating sustainability programs and energy agendas. WISE will provide a forum for knowledge sharing and inspiration, supporting the leaders of today and providing a platform for the next generation of women in this critical industry.

Taking place every Friday morning, each session features high-level speakers and a moderator facilitating a lively discussion of their professional experiences and achievements, how they created opportunities within a male-dominated field, and insights on building a strong and supportive network for women in the industry. Each session will feature a brief presentation about the session topic, followed by a discussion led the moderator with curated questions submitted by the audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to network before and after the presentations.

The WISE series is an open conversation for men and women in the sustainability and energy community to learn from these leaders’ experiences and how to advance equality in the workplace.

For individual session information including registration, click the title links
below.

CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION:
Public and private sector leaders on the continual evolution of the green building movement
Session 1:  March 6, 2015 – 8:30 to 10:00 am

MODERATOR:
Jill Anderson, SVP Public & Regulatory Affairs and Chief of Staff at NYPA

SPEAKERS:
Christina Ho, General Manager of District Energy Services at Con Edison
Ozgem Ornektekin, Deputy Commissioner at NYC DCAS
Dale Bryk, Director of Programs at NRDC

STICKS AND BRICKS:
The challenges and triumphs of constructing green buildings
Session 2:  March 13, 2015 – 8:30 to 10:00 am

MODERATOR:
Fiona Cousins, Principal at ARUP

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Beatty, Founder and President at Green Depot
Gina Bocra, Chief Sustainability Officer at NYC DOB
Amanda Kaminsky, Sustainable Construction Manager at The Durst
Organization

DOLLARS AND SENSE: 
Exploring the role of enlightened finance in driving green building
Session 3:  March 20, 2015 – 8:30 to 10:00 am

MODERATOR:
Sukanya Paciorek, SVP of Corporate Sustainability at Vornado Realty Trust

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Buchta, Managing Director in Debt Capital Markets and Head of Green Bonds at Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Kate Burson, Chief of Staff to Energy and Finance Chairman at Office of the
Governor of New York
Charlotte Kim, Partner at WSGR

THE BIG TENT:
Bringing sustainability and resiliency to the broadest set of communities
Session 4:  March 27, 2015 – 8:30 to 10:00 am

MODERATOR:
Ariella Maron, Principal at Buro Happold Engineering

SPEAKERS:
Dana Bourland, Vice President of Environment Program at The JPB Foundation
Bomee Jung, Senior Director & NY Deputy Director at Enterprise Community Partners Inc.
Kit Kennedy, Director of Energy and Transportation Program at NRDC

BRIEFING WITH NILDA MESA
Incorporating technology, financing, and green building innovation into NYC’s sustainability plan
Summer Fireside Chat: July 28, 2015 – 6 to 7:30 pm

SPEAKERS:
Nilda Mesa, Director, NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
Jill Anderson, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Business Development, NYPA