San Francisco 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.

Chapter Leadership

  • SARA EVE FUENTES
    SARA EVE FUENTES Chairwoman

    Sara Fuentes is the Founder and President of SmartWaste. With 10 years of experience in the Waste and Recycling Industry, Sara is a leader in abating commercial waste. A passionate advocate for women and a tenacious leader, Sara is setting out to alter the cleantech landscape and finding her own niche. Sara draws on her experience working as an educator and Vice-Chair of the Women in CleanTech and Sustainability organization, where she is an impactful mentor and friend.

    Smart Waste is a Minority Women-owned and operated start-up with a focus on Waste Technologies, Waste Systems and Vendor Management for Zero Waste programs. Our core values are Transparency, Circularity, and People. Transparency to establish trust. Circularity to explore and validate the downstream community. People are the heart of sustainability. Our Impact will influence our communities to practice a zero-waste lifestyle. We are looking to work with companies that are in alignment with our values and goals.

  • Parul Sharma
    Parul Sharma SF Chapter Co-Chair

    Parul is a digital strategy and product management leader with more than 20 years of experience driving innovation across the nonprofit and private sectors. She is passionate about using technology to address climate, environmental, and social justice challenges while fostering inclusive, collaborative, and equity-focused cultures. Parul serves on several environmental nonprofit boards and is known for bridging technology, data, business, and community engagement to create meaningful impact. She is the CEO of the Zero Food Waste Project, an organization dedicated to reducing food waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and building a more sustainable and resilient food system through education, partnerships, and community action.

  • Diya Prajapati
    Diya Prajapati SF Chapter Membership Lead

    Diya Prajapati is a Mechanical Engineering student at San Francisco State University who is passionate about cleantech, sustainability, and data-driven solutions to real-world energy challenges. She is a (student) energy engineer with the Department of Energy–affiliated Industrial Assessment and Training Center (ITAC), where she supports energy audits for industrial facilities and helps develop financially and technically informed recommendations that improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

    Beyond academics, Diya is actively involved in leadership and outreach, working to connect students with opportunities in engineering and sustainable industries. She also has a strong interest in finance and analytics.

GET INVOLVED

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

Email volunteer@womencleantechsustainability.org

Upcoming Events

WCS SF Lakeside Picnic & Networking: Connect, Recharge, and Grow

From July 24, 2026, 2:00 pm to July 24, 2026, 5:00 pm

More Information

WCS SF Lakeside Picnic & Networking: Connect, Recharge, and Grow

Date: Friday, July 24, 2026

Time: 2 - 5 PM PST

Location: Quarry Lakes Recreation Area, Central Park, Fremont, CA

Join fellow women in cleantech, sustainability, climate, and environmental innovation for a relaxed afternoon picnic and networking event.

Ticket price:

  • Free
  • Interested in becoming a member? Learn more here

Please note: photos and videos will be taken during the event.

This casual gathering is an opportunity to build connections, share ideas, and enjoy community in an outdoor setting.

Program:

2:00 PM – Arrival & networking

3:00 PM – Picnic, walk & small-group conversations

4:30 PM – Group photo & wrap-up

5:00 PM – Event ends

What to Bring: Picnic blanket or chair, snacks or refreshments, water bottle.


EVENT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! Please email us at info@womencleantechsustainability.org if you have any questions.

Past Events

WCS Trellis Impact Networking Happy Hour

From June 22, 2026, 6:00 pm to June 22, 2026, 8:00 pm

More Information

Budding Connections: Women in Green & Stem Networking Mixer

From May 20, 2026, 5:00 pm to May 20, 2026, 7:00 pm

More Information

WCS Karaoke Night

April 25, 2026, 9:00 pm
More Information