ICWS North American Chapter
4th discussion Special Women Leaders

ICWS SERIES Supporters

ICWS Industry Blitz

The International Climate Webinar Series Industry Blitz! A fast, ten-minute Q&A series featuring industry leaders from Africa, Europe, and North America who are advocates for the green transition and experts in key industries: energy, water, transportation, and climate solutions- and much more.

SEGEMENT 1

Session 1: Shifting to a sustainable energy landscape

Advancing Urban Progress: A Collaborative Effort As the world transitions towards a sustainable future, various industries are collaborating to drive urban progress. The energy sector is at the forefront, transitioning to renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen, energy storage, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and microgrids are promising solutions for a clean and reliable energy supply. Beyond energy, the transportation, construction, and manufacturing sectors are also embracing sustainable practices. Electric vehicles, green building materials, and circular economy principles are shaping the future of these industries. By working together, we can create vibrant, resilient, and environmentally friendly cities.

SEGEMENT 2

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Session 2: Grid Modernization. Harnessing Storage for a Resilient, Reliable Grid.

Integrating Energy Storage into Existing Grid Infrastructure, operation and costs. Advanced battery chemistries, virtual power plants, and demand-side response programs. Potential role of energy storage in grid resilience against natural disasters.

SEGEMENT 3

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Session 3: Investment and Private Capitals: A Path to a Renewable & Sustainable Energy Future.

Private Capital Investment in Renewable Energy, successful project and scaling: discussion will focus on the role of private capital in funding and supporting renewable energy projects, and how these investments can be scaled up to achieve significant impact.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Karen Wayland, a national energy and environmental policy expert, leads kW Energy Strategies, consulting on grid modernization, coalition building, and communications for clean energy entities. During the Obama Administration, she built a team at the DOE, contributed to the Quadrennial Energy Review, and authored its grid modernization chapter. She also advised Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid on key energy and climate legislation. Currently, Dr. Wayland serves on DOE’s Electricity Advisory Committee, chairing the Smart Grid subcommittee, and holds board positions at the Energy Futures Initiative Foundation, Keystone Policy Center, and the Center for Sustainable Energy.

karen wayland

Chief Executive Officer at Gridwise alliance

Dr. Karen Wayland, a national energy and environmental policy expert, leads kW Energy Strategies, consulting on grid modernization, coalition building, and communications for clean energy entities. During the Obama Administration, she built a team at the DOE, contributed to the Quadrennial Energy Review, and authored its grid modernization chapter. She also advised Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid on key energy and climate legislation. Currently, Dr. Wayland serves on DOE’s Electricity Advisory Committee, chairing the Smart Grid subcommittee, and holds board positions at the Energy Futures Initiative Foundation, Keystone Policy Center, and the Center for Sustainable Energy.

Cecilia Kushner, Chief Strategy Officer, guides teams in developing equitable emerging sectors and fostering economically thriving neighborhoods. She brings over a decade of experience in NYC city planning, including her recent role as Executive Vice President for Planning & NYC Ferry at NYCEDC, and earlier positions at the Department of City Planning. Before moving to NYC in 2005, Cecilia worked in London on economic analysis for historic preservation. She holds a master's degree from University College London and Hunter College.

Cecilia Kushner

Chief Strategy Officer at NYC Economic Development Corporation

Cecilia Kushner, Chief Strategy Officer, guides teams in developing equitable emerging sectors and fostering economically thriving neighborhoods. She brings over a decade of experience in NYC city planning, including her recent role as Executive Vice President for Planning & NYC Ferry at NYCEDC, and earlier positions at the Department of City Planning. Before moving to NYC in 2005, Cecilia worked in London on economic analysis for historic preservation. She holds a master's degree from University College London and Hunter College.

Jana Gerber, President of Microgrid North America at Schneider Electric, leads the region's microgrid business and supports customer sustainability and resilience efforts. She has 20 years of experience, including roles in sustainability consulting and building segments. Jana holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Washington State University and lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and two children.

Jana Gerber

North America Microgrid president at Schneider Electric

Jana Gerber, President of Microgrid North America at Schneider Electric, leads the region's microgrid business and supports customer sustainability and resilience efforts. She has 20 years of experience, including roles in sustainability consulting and building segments. Jana holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Washington State University and lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and two children.

ICWS Host

Salima H. Steven holds an agronomy and crop science diploma and is a trilingual event producer, marketer, and communicator with twenty years of experience. Over 50 global events focusing on energy, environment, water, smart cities, and climate change have been organized and produced from small to large in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, Salima has over seven years of experience managing communication for a non-profit association of very large power grid operators (GO15).

Salima Hebbache Steven

Event One Solutions International Founder & ICWS Commissioner

Salima H. Steven holds an agronomy and crop science diploma and is a trilingual event producer, marketer, and communicator with twenty years of experience. Over 50 global events focusing on energy, environment, water, smart cities, and climate change have been organized and produced from small to large in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, Salima has over seven years of experience managing communication for a non-profit association of very large power grid operators (GO15).