Laura Hickernell is the Executive Director of Colorado Cleantech Industries Association, bringing a unique blend of nonprofit leadership and private sector expertise to this pivotal role since September 2023. With a career that spans strategic planning, program management, and relationship building, Laura has positioned Colorado Cleantech as a vital bridge organization connecting traditional and advanced energy solutions while fostering collaboration among Colorado’s diverse ecosystem partners.
Colorado Chapter
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Colorado Chapter is to foster a regional WCS community of professionals that connects, cultivates and creates new opportunities for participants through events focused on the Denver and Boulder areas.
Description
The Colorado Chapter organized virtual and in-person events that cater to people living in the greater Denver and Boulder metropolitan areas, as well as feature topics important to its environment and people living in this region. We collaborate with a variety of community organizations, industry leaders and volunteers to host regular events. We are known for our social outing events such as hikes, nature clean ups, and other excursions.
Chapter Leadership
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Jo Ann Hair Colorado Chapter Co-Lead
Jo Ann, Executive Director, 1000 Gretas, is a consultant, unleashing the potential of organizations and leaders for a sustainable, resilient future. She is a strategic change leader and trusted advisor working at the intersection of sustainability, organizational transformation, and systems change. Jo Ann has led global initiatives across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America, and supporting organizations including Ball Corporation, PepsiCo, AT&T, and the WK Kellogg Foundation in advancing transformational, systems change.
Upcoming Events
WCS CO Fall Happy Hour - Acreage Cider Gardens Happy Hour and Cidery Tour
From October 21, 2026, 4:00 pm to October 21, 2026, 6:45 pmMore Information
WCS CO Fall Happy Hour - Acreage Cider Gardens Happy Hour and Cidery Tour
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 6:45 pm
Location: Acreage by Stem Ciders, Lafayette, CO
Carpool with Crewz! Save time, money & CO₂ · Find a ride →
Fall Outdoor Happy Hour and tour of Colorado’s beautiful cidery with Front Range views.
Ticket price:
- $65 ticket — Cidery Tour + Happy Hour
- $75 ticket — Cidery Tour + Happy Hour + $10 Student Membership Contribution
- The additional $10 will be pooled with other contributions to help fund future WCS Student Memberships for local women pursuing further education.
- Interested in becoming a member? Learn more here
Colorado is a hub for Innovation, Energy, CleanTech, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. We’re gathering 20 women and allies to a private Happy Hour with WCS CO leads, members and our ecosystem to connect, and discuss the state of the State’s Energy ecosystem, in an election year. What might we as WCS CO prioritize collaboratively?
We’ve invited a special guest, Lu Cordova, CO State Governor’s Office, Director Energy and GloPark to join us and share her reflections.
We’ll start with a 30-45 minute tour of Acreage’s Cider manufacturing operations and facility, with ample opportunity to engage and ask questions. Dress appropriately for unpredictable CO weather! After the tour, we’ll gather at the outdoor cider gardens at two reserved tables of 10 each, where we’ll have cider, non-alcoholic beverages, Cidery appetizers and cider donuts for two hours. Dietary needs accommodated gf / df / vegan.
Limited to 20 attendees to allow for private tour and an intimate experience.
Please note: photos and videos may be taken during the event.
EVENT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! Please email us at info@womencleantechsustainability.org if you have any questions.
Past Events
Powering Your Startup Through the Science of Happiness
From September 16, 2026, 4:00 pm to September 16, 2026, 6:00 pmMore Information
WCS CO Coffee Meetup at the NSS 2026 Conference
From August 19, 2026, 8:00 am to August 19, 2026, 9:00 amMore Information