September 9 - 11 | Detroit, Michigan

Marriott @ The Renaissance Center | 400 Renaissance Dr. W. | Detroit, MI 48243

What to Expect

In response to the massive clean energy transformation, Resilience & Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS) will convene key stakeholders to expedite equity. The summit will help empower Black and Brown leaders to drive positive change by providing a platform for those already operating in the clean energy space. Most important, we are inviting the previously excluded to participate in this unprecedented economic revolution.

Keynote Sessions &
Panel Discussions

Prominent Black and Brown leaders in the climate and clean energy sector will share their visions for a decarbonized future. Through a lens of equity, discussions will cover a range of topics, including:

The $100 Million Question: Virtual Power Plants, Carbon Capture and Sequestration and Energy Storage

Making Clean Mobility Work for Historically Excluded Communities

Show Me the Money: Activating Justice 40 in the Clean Energy Transition

The Energy Health Nexus: Building Resilience in All Communities

The Economic Imperative for Decarbonization

Interactive Workshops and Breakouts

Impactful programming that provides practical tools, resources and examples to help participants advance their clean energy goals.

Innovation and Opportunity Exhibit Hall

An exhibit will showcase the latest projects and technologies as entrepreneurs, community leaders, and corporations engage in meaningful discussions on scaling initiatives to drive acceptance, adoption and commercialization.

Awards and Recognition

Join us in celebrating the success of recent Workforce Development participants from across the industry! We're excited to host a Clean Energy Workforce Development luncheon and honor over 20 new graduates of certified clean energy programs

Featured Speakers

Meet our distinguished line-up of featured speakers who are leading the charge towards a more equitable and sustainable future in the clean energy sector.

Shalanda Baker

Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action | University of Michigan

Shalanda Baker

Director, Office of Economic Impact and Diversity

U.S. Department of Energy

Shalanda Baker formerly served in the Biden-Harris Administration as the director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy. A leading expert on environmental and energy law, she is the architect of the DOE strategy for Justice 40. In 2018, she co-founded the Initiative for Energy Justice to support the delivery of equity-centered energy policy research and technical assistance to policymakers and frontline communities across the country.

Recess24 conference speaker Kerrie Duggan

Kerry C. Duggan

Founder and Managing Partner

SustainabiliD

Kerry C. Duggan

Founder & Managing Partner, SustainabiliD

Kerry C. Duggan is a Founding & Managing Partner of SustainabiliD, a sustainability expert, corporate board director, angel investor, faculty member, national political advisor, and the former climate advisor to President Joe Biden.

A Strategic integrator, she builds bridges and makes connections across disparate sectors and communities, finding creative new paths for the speed of implementing robust and equitable climate action plans.

Hon. LaToya Cantrell

Mayor

New Orleans, LA

Hon. LaToya Cantrell

Mayor, City of New Orleans, LA

In 2018, LaToya Cantrell made history as New Orleans' first woman mayor in its 300-year history. After that historic victory, Mayor Cantrell was inaugurated to a second term on January 10, 2022. Her passion for the City of Yes and her dedication to its residents remains stronger than ever.

Sheldon Neeley

Mayor

City of Flint

Sheldon Neeley

Mayor, City of Flint

On Nov. 5, 2019, the residents of Flint elected Sheldon Neeley mayor based on his pledge to bring transparency and fiscal responsibility to Flint City Hall. Within just a few months, Mayor Neeley spearheaded an operational audit to ensure City Hall operates better and more efficiently, successfully led the city’s proactive response to limit the spread of COVID-19, launched a major initiative to Fight Blight, and continued his lifelong fight for equity with multiple local reforms. The voters returned Neeley to Flint City Hall for a second mayoral term in November 2022.

Mike Duggan

Mayor

City of Detroit

Mike Duggan

Mayor, City of Detroit

Mike Duggan is the 75th mayor of the City of Detroit. He has been in office since January 2014 and currently is serving his third four-year term, which will expire at the end of 2025. Born in Detroit, Duggan has spent his entire career working in the city to solve some of the most complex issues facing Detroiters, including crime, blight, transportation, health care and access to jobs.

Dr. Janell Hills

Director, Workforce Programs

Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Dr. Janell Hills

Director, Workforce Programs

IREC

Dr. Janell Hills of Houston, TX is the Director of Workforce Programs at Interstate Renewable Energy Council. IREC builds the foundation for rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency to benefit people, the economy, and our planet. Dr. Hills joined IREC to support the growth of a highly trained and inclusive clean energy workforce that empowers individuals and communities.

Garlin Gilchrist

Lieutenant Governor

State of Michigan

Garlin Gilchrist

Lieutenant Governor

State of Michigan

Garlin Gilchrist has dedicated his career to solving problems. An engineer by training, he uses thoughtful and fact-based practices to solve real problems and make government work better for Michigan families.

Robert G. Riney

President & CEO

Henry Ford Health

Robert G. Riney

President & CEO

Henry Ford Health

Bob Riney has more than 40 years of experience at Henry Ford Health, as well as in the Detroit metro community, making him the ideal leader as Henry Ford Health continues to lead the nation in providing innovative, compassionate care. Bob, a graduate of Wayne State University, joined Henry Ford Health in 1978 and has had the privilege throughout his career to work in almost every business unit in the System.

Natalie King

Founder & CEO

Dunamis Charge

Natalie King

Founder & CEO | Dunamis Charge

Natalie King, Founder and CEO of Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC, and Dunamis Charge, leading 150+ workers, was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2021 Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Dunamis Charge is an alumni of the Stellantis National Black Supplier Development Program and Apple Impact Accelerator Program. The Electric Vehicle charger manufacturer is part of the Cummins CARE BOA (Black Owned Enterprise) Supplier Program and is a Tier One Vendor to DTE Energy.

Johnnie Turnage

Co-Founder

Black Tech Saturdays

Johnnie Turnage

Co-Founder

Black Tech Saturdays

With nearly 15 years of experience, Johnnie is an award-winning grassroots activist and tech entrepreneur. Johnnie began his career in social justice and grassroots organizing early on working for Get Out the Vote where he led local youth in neighborhood canvasses and voter registration efforts. He founded EvenScore in 2021, bringing his passion for community organizing to the world of technology.

Kenneth Kelly

CEO

First Independence Bank

Kenneth Kelly

CEO, First Independence Bank

Mr. Kelly has been part of the First Independence Bank team in different capacities for several years. He was named Chairman and CEO in February 2017. Mr. Kelly is also the Chairman of MAC Leasing, the Bank's majority owned subsidiary.

Darnell Johnson

Chair

Urban Efficiency Group

Darnell Johnson

Chair, Urban Efficiency Group

Darnell Johnson is a spiritual and social architect committed to engineering solutions that humanizes the socio-economic existence of disadvantaged communities. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience and a fixation on advancing energy equity, his emergence as an “ecopreneur” is evolutionary. Darnell is the CEO and President of Urban Efficiency Group, a utility implementation contractor and community sustainability design firm.

See Complete List of Speakers and Agenda

Become A Sponsor of RECESS24

Support the RECESS24 Clean Energy Summit as a sponsor to empower and elevate vital conversations on equity and sustainability in the clean energy landscape.

Learn More

Thank You Sponsors

EQUITY VISIONARY PARTNERS

INNOVATOR PARTNERS

ADVOCATE PARTNERS

STEWARD PARTNERS

CONNECTOR PARTNERS

SUPPORTER PARTNERS

Exhibit at RECESS24

Networking Opportunities

Exhibiting at RECESS24 provides a unique platform to connect with other key stakeholders, potential clients, and collaborators from across the globe.

Access to Latest Industry Insights and Trends

Exhibitors at RECESS24 have the advantage of being part of a cutting-edge discourse on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in clean energy.

Brand Visibility

By showcasing your products, services, or technologies at RECESS24, your organization gains significant exposure to a diverse and engaged audience passionate about advancing equity and sustainability in clean energy.

Market Expansion

Exhibiting at RECESS24 allows organizations to tap into new markets, reach underserved communities, and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability in their business practices, potentially opening doors to new business opportunities and consumer bases.

Learn More

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