Getting In the Front Door—The Many Pathways to a Career in Decarbonization

This one-hour webinar will highlight entry-level and advanced opportunities in the green workforce, with a focus on expanding access and inclusion.

Hear from leaders and emerging professionals about workforce training, professional development, and hiring practices that open doors to careers. Featured perspectives will include utility contractor training, undergraduate career development, and hands-on technical training programs. This discussion will be valuable for job seekers, students, career changers, and employers alike.

Panelists

Monica Guevara, Senior Program Manager of Economic Inclusion, Emerald Cities Collaborative | America Empowered
In her role at Emerald Cities Collaborative, Monica oversees the delivery of the signature E-Contractor Program and manages contractor development programming. She is an economic development professional with over 15 years’ experience assisting underserved communities in achieving their small business dreams. Monica’s experience includes implementing and developing educational programs for entrepreneurs as well as underwriting and overseeing small business lending for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Dewi Ali, Community Engagement & Policy Manager, Emerald Cities Collaborative | America Empowered
Dewi will talk with us about the HVAC Academy as a career pathway for trainees from all walks of life and highlight graduates with very different backgrounds who started successful careers directly after completing the program.

Emma Ricardi, Project Manager, New Buildings Institute | Next Gen
Emma is a project manager for NBI’s leadership and market development team. Her efforts include coordination of Next Gen, a professional development program offered by NBI since 2021 to prepare students for careers in energy and green buildings, with a particular focus on participants from communities historically underrepresented in the building industry. She will be joined by a Next Gen participant, who will talk about their experience in the program.

Caitlin Peerson, Workforce Development Manager, Earth Advantage
Caitlin has a background in sustainability, non-profit management, and workforce development. She has led workforce development projects that train new workers on green and sustainable construction practices and established work based learning programs to build career pathways between training and employment. She is passionate about working with mission-driven organizations committed to social equity, environmental sustainability, and responsible management and specializes in program and relationship management. She will be joined by a program participant, who will talk about their experience.

Moderator: Susan Harris, Communications Project Manager, Building Innovation, New Buildings Institute
Susan focuses on communications and strengthening stakeholder relationships with project documentation, outreach, and management that enables tech transfer of research and guidance.

Supported by

Explore free courses on energy efficiency and electrification with The LEARN Program. LEARN’s interactive learning hub covers topics like building design & construction, HVAC and hot water systems, renewable energy, and more resources to help you electrify your own home. Start learning today at sandiegolearn.com.