RECESS, WRISE, and Celebrating Black Women Join Forces for a Week of Leadership, Learning, and Community
For the first time, RECESS, WRISE, and Celebrating Black Women are partnering to create one coordinated week of leadership, learning, and community for clean energy professionals.
Nicole Blanton
Marketing and Communications Consultant
Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (August 3, 2026) — RECESS, Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), and Celebrating Black Women today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that will bring together their signature events into a shared week of leadership, networking, and community for clean energy professionals.
Taking place Sept. 27 through Oct. 2, 2026, the partnership connects RECESS, the WRISE Leadership Forum, and the Lift As We WRISE Forum, hosted by Celebrating Black Women, into one week-long experience. While each event maintains its own distinct identity, audience, and programming, together they create new opportunities for attendees to build relationships, engage across communities, and continue conversations throughout the week.
Experience the Week
RECESS
Sept. 27–29, 2026
Detroit, Michigan
RECESS convenes professionals, innovators, and changemakers to connect historically marginalized communities with opportunities in the clean energy economy through networking, collaboration, and thought-provoking conversations.
“RECESS is rooted in the belief that transformational change happens when people of good will come together,” said Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and CEO of RECESS. “Partnering with WRISE and Celebrating Black Women expands opportunities by inviting different voices, perspectives, and experiences into the conversation. Our collaboration normalizes the presence of all women in renewable energy. When we unite around a shared purpose, we create stronger networks, deeper collaboration, and space that drives innovation, inspiration, and growth.”
WRISE Leadership Forum
Sept. 29–Oct. 1, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
With over 750+ attendees, the WRISE’s Leadership Forum is the largest convening of women in clean energy and it brings together professionals from across the renewable energy industry for leadership development, technical learning, and meaningful connections designed to advance women and underrepresented leaders at every stage of their leadership journey – from entry level to the Board Room.
“This partnership creates a continuous leadership journey that extends beyond a single conference,” said Doseke Akporiaye, Executive Director of WRISE. “Together, we’re demonstrating what true collaboration looks like by connecting professionals across multiple experiences that inspire learning, foster belonging, and strengthen the clean energy workforce. We hope attendees leave the week energized, connected, and ready to lead.”
Lift As We WRISE Forum
Oct. 2, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
Hosted by Celebrating Black Women, the Lift As We WRISE Forum honors the leadership, creativity, and everyday work of Black women shaping their communities. The forum creates an inclusive space where stories, insights, and experiences are centered with care while fostering meaningful connection, celebration, and collective growth.
“The Lift As We WRISE Forum was created to honor the leadership, creativity, and everyday contributions of Black women,” said Quinn Parker and Pamela Fann, Co-Founders of Celebrating Black Women. “Partnering with RECESS and WRISE allows us to extend that spirit into a week of connection and collaboration, where our communities can build new relationships and celebrate the leaders shaping the future of clean energy.”
Additional details about collaborative programming, attendee opportunities, and ways to engage throughout the week will be announced in the coming weeks. The organizations will share updates, stories, and highlights throughout the campaign using #LeadingTogether.
Whether attendees participate in one event or experience the full week, they will have the opportunity to connect with leaders across the industry, strengthen their professional networks, and be part of a collaborative effort to build a more inclusive clean energy future.
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About Walker-Miller Energy Services
Walker-Miller Energy Services (W-M), headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is a Certified B Corporation committed to empowering people and enriching communities as implementers and thought leaders in clean energy. As the convener of RECESS, Walker-Miller is intentional about increasing the number and the diversity of people in clean energy, while reducing energy burdens, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities. Learn more at wmenergy.com.
About Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy
Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future by igniting the collective power of its community. Through leadership development, mentorship, education, networking, and community-building initiatives, WRISE equips professionals at every career stage with the connections and resources to thrive while helping build a more inclusive clean energy workforce. For more information about WRISE and how to get involved, visit wrisenergy.org or contact info@wrisenergy.org.
About Celebrating Black Women
Celebrating Black Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Black women through fellowship, professional development, and meaningful networking opportunities. Through events like the Lift As We WRISE Forum, the organization creates spaces where Black women can connect, share experiences, and celebrate leadership while building lasting community. Learn more at celebratingblkwomen.org.