Paving the Way for Equity in Clean Energy
The Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS) is a transformative event that brings together key industry players and visionaries who are committed to reshaping the clean energy landscape through a lens of equity and inclusivity. The summit, led by Walker-Miller Energy Services, is designed to address the underrepresentation of historically marginalized communities in the clean energy sector and open doors to leadership, innovation, and sustainable development.
RECESS24: A Platform for Transformative Change
RECESS24 isn’t just another industry conference; it’s a catalyst for real change. By bringing together Black and Brown leaders alongside industry experts in Detroit, MI this week, the summit seeks to empower those who have been excluded from the clean energy sector. It offers a dynamic platform for participants to network, learn, and engage with the latest developments in clean energy innovation.
The summit features a variety of activities including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. These sessions aim to provide practical resources and insights to help attendees advance their clean energy goals. One highlight of the summit is the Innovation and Opportunity Exhibit, where participants can explore cutting-edge technologies and discuss scaling up sustainable initiatives.
Why Argonne National Laboratory IS Participating
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is an Equity Innovator Sponsor at RECESS24. The Sustainable Transportation Education and Partnerships (STEP) team from Argonne is there to promote clean energy job opportunities and raise awareness about the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs), including the EcoCAR Challenge and the Battery Workforce Challenge. As a key sponsor of these initiatives, Argonne is dedicated to creating a more diverse and equitable workforce within the clean energy sector.
Attendance from Argonne included Robyn Wheeler-Grange – Director, Office of Community Engagement, Rao Kotamarthi – Director, Center for Climate resilience and Decision Science, Thomas Wallner – Director, Transportation and Power Systems, Natalia Zuniga –Computational Transportation Engineer, Kristen Wahl – Director, Energy Justice and Workforce Programs and the Sustainable Transportation Education and Partnerships Department Director, Trista Smith – Vocational Program Manager, and Richard Ezike – Clean Technology Project Manager.
The Role of the Ohio State/Wilberforce University EcoCAR Team
The Ohio State University/Wilberforce University (OSU/WU) EcoCAR team brought their Cadillac LYRIQ to the summit as part of their exhibit. Their presence provides attendees with a unique opportunity to explore the work happening in the EcoCAR EV Challenge, which focuses on developing connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies while promoting equity in mobility.
Ohio State University students, Brandon Verley and Kat Zepeda-Romero, who attended the summit, shared their thoughts on the experience. “It was a pleasure to present at the RECESS24 convention and to share our progress on our BEV project,” Verley said. “Showing our vehicle to the conference was an all-around great experience, and we hope to be back again soon!”
Zepeda-Romero, the team’s Equity in Mobility Lead, also expressed her enthusiasm: “The RECESS24 Conference has been an extraordinary experience! I enjoyed talking with members who are motivated and passionate about sustainability, as well as gathering a unique perspective and approach for my position as the Equity in Mobility Lead.”
What Can Attendees Learn from Argonne and the EcoCAR Team?
At the summit, attendees have the opportunity to learn about AVTCs and how they promote clean energy innovation and workforce development. By showcasing the work of the OSU/WU EcoCAR team, RECESS24 offers a window into the real-world application of clean energy solutions in transportation, with a focus on advancing equity.
Argonne representatives, including leaders in transportation, climate resilience, and community engagement, are sharing their knowledge and insights. Trista Smith, Vocational Program Manager at Argonne, said, “This conference was a breath of fresh air to see equity mobilized. I am definitely inspired by the collective efforts of the sponsors, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and those providing STEM outreach to youth that exposes them to green technologies.”
Richard Ezike, Clean Technology Project Manager at Argonne, added, “I truly appreciated the opportunity to attend RECESS and educate attendees about clean energy and the many great programs being led at Argonne. The networking was amazing and just learning about all the outstanding individuals promoting a just and equitable society through energy was truly inspiring.”
A Future of Inclusive Innovation
RECESS24 sets the stage for a future where clean energy innovation is driven by equity. By providing underrepresented voices with a platform to lead and thrive, the summit accelerates progress toward a more sustainable and just clean energy sector. With the support of organizations like Argonne National Laboratory and initiatives like the EcoCAR Challenge, the path toward an inclusive clean energy future is brighter than ever.
This year’s summit in Detroit is just the beginning—RECESS is a powerful reminder that equity and sustainability go hand in hand in the pursuit of a greener world.
