About this organization

Organization Information : founded in 2011, by Lisa Ann Pinkerton as a Bay Area network, is now a global nonprofit (501(c)(6)) championing the advancement of women in the green economy With over 8,000 members across chapters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and New York, WCS empowers professionals—from students to executives—through networking, mentorship, events, and pitch competitions.Key initiatives include a three‑month cohort-based Mentorship Program (running virtually) for early- to mid-career participants, and Executive Leadership Workshops designed to cultivate negotiation, resilience, and strategic skills. WCS also organizes the annual WCS Talks conference and pitch competitions to spotlight women‑led cleantech startups.WCS publishes a monthly events calendar and builds community through topics spanning renewable energy, sustainable buildings, smart cities, and carbon reduction. Volunteer-led committees—such as Career Development and Entrepreneurship—ensure diverse programming and mentorship access to help members succeed in sustainability careers.

Other Information: founded in 2011,Women in Cleantech & Sustainability is a nonprofit 501(c)6 organization made up of more than 5,000 professional women and men building the green economy. Our members range from students and entry-level professionals to Founders, C-Suite executives, and investors.Lisa Ann Pinkerton founded Women in Cleantech & Sustainability in 2011, to create a Bay Area community to give women a sisterhood to thrive in and spotlight the remarkable women (and men) whose work is building our future green economy.By 2013, Women in Cleantech & Sustainability was officially established as a nonprofit 501(c)6 organization, and a board formed to grow the organization beyond its early stages.In 2014, the first WCS Talks was held. The TED-style conference established a top-tier stage for women to share their professional stories, career tips, and industry expertise.In 2016, the Jobs Board and Mentorship programs were established to further foster Women in Cleantech & Sustainability members on their career paths.Women in Cleantech & Sustainability aims to meet once a month to network and learn the latest industry developments, as well as to attain new business and personal skills from speakers and panelists. Topics covered include renewable energy (solar, wind biofuel, etc), water, smart grid, biomass, carbon reduction, sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, sustainability, green buildings, and many other technologies that aim to make our world a cleaner, more sustainable place.