The Dalai Lama said last year in Vancouver that western women will save the world. I think most of them were at the Women in Green Forum in Pasadena earlier this month. A two-day conference and networking gala filled with women on the forefront of the green movement. I was fortunate to be there and in good, no great, company.
Some of the women leaders that christened the first annual forum include Geraldine Knatz , Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles), Mary D. Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board; Maggie Fox, CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection; Mariel Hemingway, Author, Actress and Activist; Vonda Lockwood, Director, Operations Support and Sustainability at Walmart; and Sarah Backhouse, Anchor of Planet Green’s daily news show “Planet 100”.
For a glimpse of the kind of conversations that went on there, here’s what Sarah said to Ms. Magazine:
“Women are driving the green movement. As the key decision makers at home, they are responsible for the rise in consumption of organic products, the banishment of toxic toys and chemicals from homes and increased adoption of everyday eco practices. Armed with a natural propensity towards sustainability, women also have a potentially huge contribution to make as business leaders in the new green economy. It’s our duty to ensure we execute on this, and encourage other women to do so too.”
This podcast is recorded live from the hallways of the Women in Green Forum. I wanted to shine the light on the woman who made it all happen, Jaime Nack of Three Squares. Her efforts in green and sustainability are wide and notable — including Greening the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Jaime is a woman to watch. She’s on my radar. You might want to put her on yours.
About my guest: Jaime Nack is the President of Three Squares Inc., a cutting edge sustainability consulting firm specializing in producing environmentally sustainable high profile events and offering effective marketing and communications services. Ms. Nack was contracted as Director of Sustainability and Greening Operations for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, marking the first time in DNC history where measures were taken to reduce the environmental impact of the event on the host city. The greening effort was unprecedented in scale and has evolved into an industry case study for best practices in event greening.
Ms. Nack has a Master’s degree in Public Policy/International Trade from UCLA, where she also earned her B.A. in International Economics with a minor in Urban Planning. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the APEX/GMIC Green Meetings & Events Practices Transportation Committee establishing national green meeting standards. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Westside Special Olympics.
Jaime’s favorite links:
Women In Green Forum Photo Gallery
Women in Green Forum Facebook Page
Ms. Magazine Blog Post: Can Rosie Get a Green Collar Job?
Want to be part of the ongoing conversation with other WOGs around the world? Become a fan of Women Of Green on Facebook.
Here are other ways to connect too.
Carolyn’s LinkedIn Profile
Mind Over Markets, A Strategic Green Marketing Communications & Design Company
Green Marketing Blog, Effective Messaging for the Maturing Green Market
I attended the Women in Green Conference in Pasadena and I can’t even begin to describe how worthwhile it was.
The speakers were well informed and a wide range of topics were covered. The exhibitors ranged from alternative energy suppliers to alternative vehicles and personal health products.
The ability to network with other women was invaluable.
Great conference, well organized and well attended.
I look forward to next year’s event.
I couldn’t agree with you more Susan. I will see you there next year too. Jaimie Nack, the organizer of the event, hit a home run. Women, if you are serious about sustainability and want to surround yourself with women who are making a BIG impact on the planet, make sure you make it to the Women in Green Forum too.