The disparities that minority communities have experienced due to institutional racism and environmental injustices have not only contributed to the health decline of residents in these communities, but also wealth and employment gaps. Energy has been one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, but as the industry transitions it must strengthen its racial diversity. According to the latest U.S. Energy and Employment Report, while there were job losses in the industry during the pandemic, there is a steady growth in employment in wind energy, battery storage, and hybrid and electric vehicles. Increased work in energy efficiency and electrification--together with retirements--have created a need for more skilled workers. Investing in programming and uplifting communities with workforce development initiatives can create a monumental impact as we transition to a clean energy future.
In this webinar, we will explore how engaging with disadvantaged and environmental justice communities though investments and workforce development can right some of the wrongs of systemic racism and environmental injustice in energy while bringing economic stability, empowerment, and wealth.
Moderator: Reuven Sussman, Director, Behavior & Human Dimensions Program, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Dr. Sussman conducts research on energy efficiency behavior change and co-chairs the annual conference on Behavior, Energy and Climate Change (BECC). He joined ACEEE in 2016. He has authored numerous academic papers and book chapters on the psychology of climate change, behavioral interventions to encourage energy efficiency, and the psychological determinants of pro-environmental behavior. Dr. Sussman has been an advisor for organizations, including the G20, that implement energy efficiency behavior change programs, and an expert reviewer for academic journals and large-scale grant opportunities. Reuven is an adjunct professor and member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Victoria (Canada). He is the winner of the 2019 Early Career Award from the Environmental, Population and Conservation Psychology division of the American Psychological Association, and currently sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Environmental Psychology and Journal of Social Psychology. Dr. Sussman earned a doctor of science in social and environmental psychology from the University of Victoria.
Speakers
Pamela Fann, CEO, Integrated Solutions | BECC DEI Coordinator
Pamela, an award-winning diversity specialist and speaker, develops frameworks to successfully and sustainably implement diversity within organizations. Integrated Solutions’ mission is to drive industry transformation through organization cultural competency, workforce development, caring conversations, and additional diversity advisory services. Pam is also an Owner/Principal of Impact Energy, a minority women-owned energy services company that helps organizations build strategies for their diverse spending to create economic empowerment.
Pam has a degree in Marketing, a certification in Human Resource Management, and is a Certified Cultural Diversity Professional and Trainer (CDP, CDT). She also holds a certification in Understanding Diversity and Inclusion from Perdue University.
Jasmine Johnson, MPA, MBA, President, Sparrow Energy Services
Jasmine created Sparrow Energy with a focus on operational excellence, strategic national expansion implementation, multi-million-dollar energy efficiency program management and corporate culture creation. Jasmine serves the energy industry by holding board positions with nonprofits and industry organizations; the most recent appointment being with the Association of Energy Service Professional (AESP)’s inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council.
Jasmine founded The Sparrow Foundation, a foundation dedicated to closing the racial, gender and age gaps in STEM industries; Dasia’s Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young girls see themselves the way God sees them; and most recently the development of 8:32, a legal advisory organization.
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