Midwest Chapter

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Mission Statement
The Midwest Chapter brings together women working across clean energy, sustainability, climate, policy, technology, and related industries throughout Minnesota and the greater Midwest. Through both virtual and in-person gatherings, we create space for meaningful conversation, relationship building, and collaboration across sectors that don’t often intersect naturally.

Description
Our events are designed to be welcoming, practical, and community-driven ranging from networking and panel discussions to social gatherings, site visits, and outdoor activities that reflect the people and priorities of this region. We collaborate with industry leaders, community organizations, and volunteers to foster connections, broaden perspectives, and strengthen the growing clean economy ecosystem across the Midwest.

Upcoming Events

MN WCS Meet the Fed

From August 4, 2026, 10:00 am to August 4, 2026, 12:00 pm

More Information

Chapter Leadership

  • Cynthia Bennett
    Cynthia Bennett Chapter Lead

    Cynthia Bennett works at the intersection of clean energy strategy, policy, and market development, helping organizations turn complex ideas into practical, actionable plans. With more than 15 years of experience across the electrical and solar industries, she brings a systems-level perspective shaped by work with contractors, developers, manufacturers, trade associations, and policymakers. Through Cynergy Consulting, Cynthia supports strategic planning, business development, grant strategy, distributed energy initiatives, workforce development, and industry partnerships. Her strength lies in bridging policy, market dynamics, and real-world implementation to align people, partners, and pathways for meaningful progress. Outside of work, she is a commercial cold-hardy grape farmer and viticulturist, adventure seeker, conservationist, and avid outdoorswoman.

  • Jessica Fishman
    Jessica Fishman Communications Lead

    Jessica Fishman is a strategic marketing and communications leader with 15 years of experience in the clean energy industry. She combines value-first messaging, creative strategy, and data-driven execution to help high-growth companies scale. Her expertise spans team and department building, international communications strategy, thought leadership, policy advocacy, and marketing for a wide range of clean energy technologies, including solar, storage, EV charging, DERs, VPPs, and SaaS platforms. Jessica has spoken at industry conferences, appeared on clean energy podcasts, testified in support of pro-solar legislation, and led policy advocacy efforts in Minnesota and Maine to support clean energy priorities.

  • Ilana Loett
    Ilana Loett Membership Lead

    Ilana Loett is a detail-oriented environmental science professional with experience in aquatic toxicity testing, chemical analysis, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. As a Wet Toxicity Lab Analyst at RMB Environmental Laboratories, she supports audits, develops and revises SOPs, and ensures adherence to EPA, NELAC, TNI, and state standards. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences, a minor in Sustainability, and a Certificate in Computational Life Sciences from Arizona State University, combining laboratory, data analysis, and research skills with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, leadership, and community engagement.

  • Nancy Ballou
    Nancy Ballou Partnership Lead

    Nancy Ballou is a Chief Revenue Officer with extensive experience driving strategic growth and revenue operations across procurement, finance, and project management. She delivers value to solar developers, installers, and industrial-scale project teams through innovative solutions, competitive pricing, and exceptional client care. With deep expertise in commercial and industrial renewable energy, Nancy strengthens partnerships and advances strategies that support the clean energy transition.

  • Megan Holz
    Megan Holz Chapter Ambassador

    Megan Holz is a creative communicator and intersectional environmentalist with a strong interest in energy policy. As Director of Marketing & Engagement at the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, she leads marketing strategy, member communications, and industry events that support solar and energy storage across Minnesota. With a background in biology and environmental science, Megan brings a sustainability-focused perspective to her work connecting members, elevating industry visibility, and supporting clean energy collaboration. She also contracts with Done & Done Events, blending her experience in conferences, logistics, and digital platforms across industries.

  • Madison Diller
    Madison Diller Events Lead

    Madison Diller is a Project Manager at Centauri, where she helps bring solar projects to life by guiding customers through the process with care, precision, and clear communication. Since entering the solar industry in 2024, Madison has focused on keeping projects on track, solving challenges, and supporting strong collaboration between customers and the Centauri team. She is passionate about making renewable energy more accessible and reliable for homeowners and businesses, and she especially values working on local projects that create meaningful community impact, including the Looking Glass Farms installation. Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children, reading, crocheting, knitting, and keeping up with her German Shepherd.

GET INVOLVED

Become a Chapter Ambassador
A Chapter Ambassador is a recognized local leader in cleantech or sustainability who lends their voice, credibility, and connections to the chapter. Ambassadors typically participate in 1–2 events annually as a speaker or guest and help champion the WCS mission locally.

Time commitment: Flexible (~2 hours/quarter)

Email volunteer@womencleantechsustainability.org

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