Women Who Charge at Colorado Climate Week

Monday, March 30th 

This session explores the legislative roadmap for SB26-003 and how advocacy leaders and the retail automotive sector are collaborating to build a sustainable, circular lifecycle for EV components in Colorado.

Moderator: Stephanie Knight | President & CEO, MPMSDC (2024 Sisters in Energy Winner)

Stephanie connects minority-owned businesses with corporate opportunities, ensuring diverse entrepreneurs lead the way in Colorado's green economy and sustainable supply chains.

Panelist: Aaron Kressig | Transportation Electrification Manager, Western Resource Advocates (WRA)

Aaron leads policy efforts to decarbonize the West through regulatory strategy and clean energy advocacy, instrumental in shaping Colorado’s transition to electric vehicles.

Panelist: Matthew Groves | President & CEO, Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA)

Matthew represents over 300 franchised dealers, providing essential perspective on the operational realities of managing evolving vehicle components at the local business level.

Tuesday, March 31st

A deep dive into community-led resiliency projects that provide emergency backup power and energy savings to disproportionately impacted low-income neighborhoods.

Moderator: Naomi Amaha | Director of Policy & Gov. Affairs, The Denver Foundation (2024 Sisters in Energy Winner)

Naomi specializes in centering equity within climate policy to ensure environmental investments yield meaningful results for Colorado’s most disproportionately impacted neighborhoods.

Panelist: Jim Gilbert |  Community Resilience Advocate 

Jim focuses on the intersection of energy resiliency and social equity, bringing emergency backup power and solar solutions to low-income communities.

Panelist: Clay McCombe | Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)

Clay focuses on regional planning and environmental initiatives, helping local governments navigate the transition to smart, resilient energy systems that prioritize resident needs.

Tuesday, March 31st 

This panel bridges the gap between available state and utility funding and the practical implementation of EV charging as a must-have amenity for multifamily residential developments.

Moderator: LaSheita Sayer | Founder, Women Who Charge  

A veteran in marketing and transit-oriented development, LaSheita is an advocate for accessible EV infrastructure and bridging the gap between technical policy and community needs.

Panelist: Zahra Al-Saloom | Program Manager, Transportation, Colorado Energy Office  

Zahra manages state-level grant programs and technical assistance that help property owners deploy accessible and efficient charging solutions in multi-family housing.

Panelist: Dana R. Winchell | Electric Vehicle Team, Xcel Energy  

Dana is an expert in utility-side EV programs, helping developers navigate grid integration and maximize rebate opportunities for reliable infrastructure.

Panelist: Haroun Cowans | Founder, Goshen Development  

A visionary developer and Board Chair for the Five Points BID, Haroun provides a critical perspective on the ROI and challenges of integrating EV amenities into urban housing.