BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteers make an impact on Women in Cleantech & Sustainability while strengthening their professional skills and growing an invaluable network.
Create Impact, strengthen your network and grow professionally.
Interested in getting involved with Women in Cleantech & Sustainability in a meaningful way?
Volunteer for WCS
-
"Volunteering with WCS has been hugely impactful for me. My volunteering led to me becoming a committee co-chair which then led to me becoming a board member. It's given me an immense amount of leadership, personal growth, and career development opportunities. Volunteering is a great way to tap into the WCS network and all that it offers."
Career Development Committee
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The Career Development Committee helps women expand their networks and develop leadership skills by offering programs and events that equip our community with effective business skills to advance in the green economy.
Description
The Career Development Committee is responsible for managing the WCS Mentorship Program and the WCS Executive Leadership Workshops (ELW). The mentorship program is a 3-month, cohort-based program which supports early stage women in advancing their careers through 1:1 guidance with an established mentor in the industry. The program helps guide mentees who are navigating career transitions and building new skill sets to advance in their roles or take on new responsibilities.
The Career Development Committee also organizes Executive Leadership Workshops, which are a series of educational events designed to impart effective leadership skills to women and help them tap into their maximum potential as women in the cleantech space. Past ELWs have focused on negotiation tactics, effective communications, resilience, and how to join corporate boards.
Key Activities
- Marketing and recruitment for the mentorship program for both mentees and mentors
- Assist in program design, mentor matching, cohort guidance, and event production
- Market research on key mentorship topics for Career Dev events
- Marketing, outreach, speaker recruitment, and event management for ELW events
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
Entrepreneurship Committee
- Entrepreneurship Co-Chair
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The WCS Entrepreneurship Committee cultivates activities and resources to encourage and support founders, inventors, and anyone who aspires to drive cleantech solutions to market.
Description
The Entrepreneurship Committee is responsible for managing the Entrepreneurship Circle (E-Circle) and the annual Pitch Competition. The E-Circle program consists of ongoing monthly events with Entrepreneurial leaders in Cleantech and Sustainability, which allows women to share advice, discuss challenges, offer support as a community, and engage with investors, mentors, coaches, and industry experts.
The Entrepreneurship Committee also organizes the Pitch Competition, which brings together women-led startups and Venture Capital opportunities. The competition is application-based and is focused on spotlighting companies led by women, either as CEOs or in the C-suite.
We use the words ‘women/woman’ in an expansive and inclusive way to include any persons who identify with the word. We invite allies and accomplices to join us.
Key Activities
- The committee will design and host various events and workshops to convene our innovative community. Activities include, but are not limited to:
- WCS Entrepreneurship Circle
- Investor Reverse Pitches (biannual)
- Annual Virtual Pitch Competition
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
Committee Leadership
Anna Yee
Entrepreneurship Co-Chair
Events Committee
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The Events Committee’s goal is to amplify the impact that WCS has on our community by facilitating high-caliber events that create opportunities for education, career development, and networking.
Description
The Events Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of WCS’s in-person and virtual events. We host a wide array of events including (but not limited to) workshops, educational panels, and happy hours. Delivering both high-volume and high-caliber events creates many opportunities for people to benefit from WCS and our community. Our events engage volunteers, attendees, speakers, sponsors, and co-hosts alike. Whether you are job hunting, looking to grow your personal network, gain new skills, transition into cleantech, or just give back to your community — the WCS Events Committee has programming to help you achieve your goals.
Key Activities
- Developing event topics that align with current trends within target industries
- Planning, management and executing multiple events each month
- Partnering with outside organizations as co-hosts
- Securing speakers to participate in our events
- Creating a platform for our attendees to network and learn
Volunteering Time Expectations
- 1 year long commitment
Committee Leadership
Lael Giebel
Events Co-Chair
-
"I joined WCS as a member shortly after graduating from college. At that point I was working as the only female employee at a small start-up. WCS was an amazing outlet for meeting female leaders in the industry. I started volunteering on the events committee which led to an opportunity to join the board. As a co-chair of the events committee, I had the opportunity to meet the inspiring women behind the organization. It was clear to me that I had hit a jackpot of women who were not only pushing their own limits, but eager to carry me along on their achievements. I am certain this involvement with WCS so early in my career will have lasting impacts as I progress in the industry."
Executive Committee
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The Executive Committee’s mission is to facilitate the growth and operations of the organization as it pertains to programs, volunteers, and employees.
Description
The Executive Committee is responsible for leading the organization’s strategy, including current and future initiative, as well as providing oversight of board policies and compliance. On an ongoing basis, the Executive Committee tracks budget and goals, manages operations, and provides leadership to the broader community, among other activities. It also develops board members through training and development and an annual board retreat to create a fun environment for women to volunteer in. On an ad-hoc basis, the committee creates and implements new board projects and initiatives.
Key Activities
- Creating and maintaining high-level processes and procedures
- Recruiting volunteers for the committees and hiring of paid coordinators
- Facilitating board and leadership meetings and recording meeting minutes
- Monitoring financial performance and tracking against goals
- Leading weekly management meetings with paid coordinators
- Foster fun and collaborative organizational culture
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
Executive Committee
Finance Committee
Mission Statement
The Finance Committee works with the WCS Board of Directors (BOD) on the day-to-day finances and the financial strategic plan. It coordinates and delivers on the WCS budget for events, membership, and board committees. The committee also manages investments, contracts, and accounts payable and receivable for WCS. This committee reviews financial statements and reports while being accountable for educating the board to conduct proper oversight to ensure the strong financial health of the organization.
Description
This person is explicit in directing the Finance Committee members and their functions. The Treasurer guides financial policies, assesses risks, determines funding opportunities, leads board discussions on financials, and advises on investment opportunities. As a Board Member, the Treasurer is part of the Executive Committee and is the Chair of the Finance Committee.
Key Activities
- Serves on the Board of Directors Executive Committee to develop and support WCS mission and strategies
- Provides strategic financial advice and oversight
- Directs Accounting, Bookkeeping, Planning/Budgeting, and Asset Management functions during Finance Committee meetings
- Leads the annual budgeting and approval process alongside the Budget Manager
- Leads regular financial statement reviews with the board of directors and committees
- Proactively directs quality and timely oversight of finance activities (e.g., financial statement inputs, reports, significant variances, actual versus budget, etc.)
- Accounting
- Works with a third-party accountant to make sure the books are up to date and compliant with regulating agencies. Answer the accountant’s questions on the nature of the expenses.
- Reviews and approves with WCS Chairwoman:
- Yearly tax filings
- Accounts payable (payments) and reimbursements
- Audits books quarterly, shared/alternated with the Finance Director
Time Commitment & Expectations
- Fundraising goal of $2,500 for corporate membership/sponsorship
- Lead monthly Finance Committee meetings, attend monthly Executive Committee meetings, and attend quarterly Leadership meetings and quarterly Board meetings (via video-conference) and annual in-person leadership retreat
- 5 hours per week dedicated to WCS
- 2 year commitment
- Successful candidates will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement
- Annual board dues $100
How to Apply
If interested, send your resume and a 1-paragraph summary of why you are interested in this role to volunteer@womencleantechsustainability.org (300 words max). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please put the finance position you are interested in in the email subject line. If you require any support applying online, please contact us at volunteer@womencleantechsustainability.org.
Marketing Committee
- Marketing Co-Chair
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The mission of the marketing committee is to expand the brand awareness and standing of WCS in the cleantech and sustainability sectors and to contribute to the growth of WCS through strategic marketing and the promotion of programs, events, and sponsors.
Description
The Marketing Committee works with the Board of Directors (BOD) on the WCS marketing and communications strategic plan, and coordinates and delivers on the marketing needs of the organization’s BOD, events, membership, and mentoring committees. The committee handles the marketing, public relations, and media relationships for WCS. This includes working with the organization’s coordinators and volunteers to deliver a robust, creative, and systematic approach and delivery of marketing services.
Key Activities
- Marketing and promotion of the organization
- Membership program marketing and promotion
- Event marketing and promotion
- Social media strategy and execution
- Ad hoc content development, such as blogs, press releases, etc.
- Sponsor and cross promotion program marketing support
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
Committee Leadership
Joanna Rogers
Board Member
Tracy Huynh
Marketing Co-chair
-
"Volunteering with WCS has been a great opportunity for my personal and professional growth. Although I do not have a marketing background, I was able to volunteer as part of the marketing committee, build marketing skills and then become the Marketing co-chair and a board member of WCS. I've built a network that has allowed me to meet wonderful leaders in the cleantech space, develop new skills, and learn about important and relevant topics in today's world."
Membership Committee
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The Membership Committee’s goal is to provide a seamless, meaningful, and engaging membership experience with a focus on diversifying as we scale and connect members to the local and international cleantech community.
Description
The Membership Committee is responsible for managing all the different membership types and sponsorship levels at which companies and individuals wish to support the cause and get involved with this amazing community of women in the cleantech space, regardless of the stage of their career they’re in. We work with three main different membership levels: Chapter membership, Virtual membership and Corporate membership. At all levels, we manage, provide and coordinate the benefits of each corporate membership level and ensure each and every single member gets the most out of their membership and benefit from officially being a part of us, a win-win situation for everybody.
The Membership committee also runs projects that innovate and improve the networking process among its members, like when we launched MemberClicks last year (which we also handle to ensure its smooth operation on a daily basis) and when providing monthly corporate member onboardings to ensure a good kickstart into the community. We make sure the organization and the Board are up to date with the number of active renewing members each month, as well as the finance committee. We also take part in handling external partnership and tech support queries if required.
Key Activities
- Support recruiting, onboarding, and retention of members
- Support the growth of the WCS member base via membership promotional projects and programs
- Track and report on membership data
- Drive engagement and connection through initiatives like the membership survey, MemberClicks membership portal, and WCS Scholarship
- Coordinate with other committees to ensure cross-communication across functions (including events and marketing)
- Author stories on outstanding WCS members to be featured in “member of the month”
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 2-5 hours per month
- 6 months – 1 year long commitment
Committee Leadership
Cathy T. Zhang
Co-chair, Membership Committee
Marine Dajunts
Co-chair, Membership Committee
Volunteer Committee
- Volunteer Committee Co-Chairs
- Volunteer Committee Members
Mission Statement
The Volunteer Committee is responsible for our volunteers across all committees and programs at WCS. This includes recruiting, onboarding, training, retaining, and developing our volunteers.
Description
We are so grateful for our wonderful volunteers who embody WCS’s mission of advancing people working in the green economy by fostering our volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, and we are dedicated to the continuous training and development of our volunteers. In joining our dedicated team, you’ll find a community of like-minded friends with shared values.
Our committee strives for a smooth, robust, and engaging volunteer experience. This committee also secures volunteer staffing and support for events throughout the year. Lastly, we work closely with our volunteers to empower them to achieve their own development goals within WCS.
Key Activities
- Recruit of new volunteers
- Lead and refine the volunteering onboarding and training process
- Ensure volunteer success and satisfaction
- Liaise with all committees to identify volunteering needs
- Support existing volunteers with resources and questions
- Staffing of volunteers for Events
Day of Event Volunteering Time Commitment
- Attend an orientation/training events (when offered)
- Must support 3 events a year (facilitator, producer)
- 6 month commitment
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
Committee Leadership
Kirpa Grewal
Volunteer Co-Chair
Oakley Jennings-Fast
Volunteer Co-Chair
WCS Talks Committee
Mission Statement
The WCS Talks Committee seeks to give a voice to the successes women have achieved in the Cleantech & Sustainability industry and highlight their ideas, stories, and vision to help provide representation to others across all stages of their career. The goal is to create an inclusive, energetic event in which attendees come away informed and inspired.
Description
The WCS Talks Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of WCS’s flagship event – WCS Talks- whether in-person or virtual. Our event follows a TED Talks format with speakers from varied backgrounds and industries. Our talk topics focus on relevant issues on cleantech & sustainability as well as personal growth & motivational stories. Whether you are a student, in the middle of a career transition, or simply looking to grow your personal network, & gain new skills, WCS Talks is the right platform to help you achieve your goals.
There are multiple ways to help plan for this flagship event and be a part of the WCS Talks Committee. Each month, committee members meet to organize marketing details, find and communicate with speakers, as well as create/approve event content; we encourage members to take on roles that appeal to them. Additionally there are day of roles and responsibilities to ensure the event runs smoothly and on time. These include leadership roles to guide volunteers throughout the day to focused, smaller group roles like setting up SWAG and welcoming attendees at the check in table.
Key Activities
- Assist WCS Talks core team in planning, managing and executing WCS Talks
- Securing speakers and sponsors for the event
- Securing a venue with appropriate AV capabilities
- Assisting with event operations on rehearsal day and on day of main event
- Marketing WCS Talks with outside organizations to spread awareness and increase visibility to the event
- Organize marketing requirements and content needed
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
Committee Leadership
Los Angeles Chapter
Mission Statement
The mission of the Los Angeles Chapter is to build a regional WCS community of professionals that connects, cultivates and creates new opportunities for participants through events focused on Southern California.
Description
The Los Angeles Chapter organized virtual and in-person events that cater to people living in the greater LA metropolitan area, 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 annual book club events.
Key Activities
- Developing event topics that align with current trends within target industries
- Planning, management and executing multiple events each month
- Partnering with outside organizations as co-hosts
- Securing speakers to participate in our events
- Creating a platform for our attendees to network and learn
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Mission Statement
The mission of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is to foster a regional WCS community of professionals that connects, cultivates and creates new opportunities for participants through events focused on Northern California.
Description
The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter organized virtual and in-person events that cater to people living in the greater metropolitan area, 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, beach clean ups, and other excursions.
Key Activities
- Developing event topics that align with current trends within target industries
- Planning, management and executing multiple events each month
- Partnering with outside organizations as co-hosts
- Securing speakers to participate in our events
Volunteering Time Commitment
- 1 year long commitment