Ken Young
President & CEO
Apex Clean Energy
Great companies are built by strong leaders.
CLEANPOWER in Color is a forum designed to equip mid-level professionals with the skills, connections, and confidence to advance American energy.
In an industry where people of color are often underrepresented, CLEANPOWER in Color addresses the unique challenges and opportunities professionals encounter while building successful careers in clean energy. Over four impactful days, attendees gain tailored tools, actionable strategies, and meaningful insights designed to help them excel, advance, and make a lasting impact in the industry.
In 2026, the second-annual event welcomed a record number of attendees who participated in sessions focused on strengthening leadership presence, overcoming barriers to career progression, fostering authenticity in professional settings, and building confidence in spaces where representation is limited.
Join the LinkedIn group for regular updates and to be notified when registration opens for CLEANPOWER in Color 2027.
2026 Featured Speakers
Jason Allen
CEO
LRE
Jason Grumet
Chief Executive Officer
ACP
Kelly Veney Darnell
Chief Operating Officer, ACP
President, Clean Power Institute
Artealia Gilliard
Chief Communications Officer
ACP
Frank Macchiarola
Chief Advocacy Officer
ACP
JC Sandberg
Chief Policy Officer
Shalanda Baker
Professor of Environment and Sustainability; Vice Provost for Sustainability and Climate Action
University of Michigan
Keynote Speaker
Christine Platt
Author & Wellness Strategist
Everyday Freedom Co.
Closing Keynote Speaker
Sherhara Burrell
2026 CLEANPOWER in Color Emcee
Robert Blake
CEO
Solar Bear MN
Erin Greeson
Founder & Principal Consultant
Climate Line LLC
Tricia Hersey
Founder
The Nap Ministry
Robert Tabb
CEO
Signal Energy
2027 Advisory Committee
Mauricio Garcia
Unidos
Amanda Koonjbeharry
Leeward
Tasha McCarter
RWE
Carl Poole
Ørsted
Chelsea Stone
Vestas
Josette Souza
DC Byte
Robert Tabb
Signal Energy
Constance Thompson
Transformational Equity
Grow, Connect, and Lead
CLEANPOWER in Color equips every attendee with confidence needed to break barriers, build resilience, and thrive as leaders in the clean power movement by providing the following resources and experiences:
- Interactive CLEANPOWER in Color workshops and powerful keynotes with influential speakers.
- Access to the full CLEANPOWER conference exhibit hall.
- Dynamic CLEANPOWER in Color networking sessions.
- Access to CLEANPOWER networking, including happy hours, opening reception, and closing reception.
Participants gain insights to increase their visibility, expand their influence, and strengthen their leadership presence within the industry. Through mentorship, peer connections, and professional development, attendees will be equipped to navigate career growth opportunities and position themselves for leadership roles.
Who Attends?
- Mid-to-senior career professionals seeking advancement
- Executives committed to high-impact industry influence and growth
- Companies building strong leadership pipelines
Built for clean energy professionals of color. Open to all.
Join the LinkedIn group to be the first to hear about next year’s event!
2026 Schedule At A Glance
The 2026 program included facilitated workshops, strategic insight sessions, and intentional networking, plus full access to CLEANPOWER sessions and exhibits on Wednesday and Thursday.
CLEANPOWER in Color Champion Award
The CLEANPOWER in Color Champion Award recognizes a professional in clean energy who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to expanding access to opportunity — opening doors, sharing knowledge, and bringing others into the rooms and conversations that move careers forward.
Congratulations to Brittainny Jones, winner of the inaugural CLEANPOWER in Color Champion award!
2026 Sponsors
