It's no secret that women worldwide have been instrumental in protecting the earth. This International Women's Day, we at San Diego Green Building Council are celebrating the women in our community who continuously blaze the trail for others to step up, raise their voice and push for environmentally responsible building standards. While several committees are headed by women, we would like to highlight our Women In Green (WIG) committee this week as they share their experiences driving the team forward.
When asked about their impressions of WIG, co-chair Tina Angeles of Miller Hull Partnership says "I love working with other women, elevating and empowering them. We would like to continue doing that this year, support our emerging and evolving professionals". Co-chair Jennifer Owens of GBCI says "WIG isn’t just about activating our careers – it’s about fostering one another to activate our leadership, elevate our voices, and further our contributions."
What does 2020 look like for WIG? They certainly have plans on the table that are ready to be set in motion. Angeles says, "We are taking a leap this year by launching our annual Women in Green Scholarship. We also want to get more leaders in the room and not just women to inspire change in our community." Owens adds, "The WIG Scholarship will support women in furthering their knowledge in the field of sustainability by funding their participation in cutting edge educational and professional development opportunities." Co-chair Jennifer Montgomery of Schmidt Design Group explains, "This selected recipient will be funded to attend the 2020 Greenbuild Conference and Expo + Women in Green Leadership Luncheon! This year, we are extremely excited to take our work to the next level with a new opportunity for women looking to advance their education, connections and career path in green building and sustainability."
Jane Goodall is arguably the modern world's most famous primatologist. Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate degree. Erin Brockovich took down a $333 million case against PG&E for environmental/public health damages (breaking a national record). Swedish Greta Thunberg sets Twitter abuzz with her School Strike For Climate, which has gained such momentum that the 17-year-old is now the youngest person ever nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Women are, and have been, doing the necessary protesting, educating and innovating against climate change and we at SDGBC are honored to celebrate them!
The San Diego Green Building Council wishes you the happiest International Women's Day- and just like how we feel about Earth Day, we believe these celebrations should not be limited to just once a year. Rather, we should celebrate women and their ample contributions to our world (and its protection) every day.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women – while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality. The first International Women’s Day occurred in 1911, supported by over one million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific. The 2020 theme for International Women’s Day is #EqualForEach.
An equal world is an enabled world. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive. A gender equal world can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious.
Interested in getting more involved with Women in Green?
Visit their Committee Webpage here.
Please note that while our events are labeled 'Women in Green' - all gender identities and expressions are welcome. We hope to see you at the next one!
