RSVP: solwomen.org/round-table-2016

Here are a few ways #NationWISE is advancing women in every local market:
1.) We set the bar high for diversity goals, and collaborate for local solutions. 16 weeks paid maternity leave would be ideal to ensure women advance in their careers, but only a few of the top national firms can afford the expense. It can be hard to think outside the box when presented with a strong requirement like this, so how can we help? Last year, we received feedback from cities that flexible work schedules and/or job sharing can make sure that a valued employee doesn't lose her job, and a small company can keep expenses in check. We started the #NationWISE pledge as a way to help encourage companies to embrace female friendly policies without requiring that they adhere to strict mandates that may discourage them from hiring or advancing women. By taking the conversation to the industry, we listen to the needs of each market and think more creatively.

2.) We're actively encouraging men to enter the conversation. A few months back, I published a blog post about the need to incorporate men into "women's events." Often, national events can feel like echo chambers where women identify issues with no solutions. By bringing the event to the local level and encouraging men to attend, we can directly address the specific concerns and collaborate to problem solve.

3.) #NationWISE is still a national dialogue. I've been so impressed with my counterparts at the national firms, and my colleagues on the local and regional levels. There is so much we can learn from each other as mentors and friends. #NationWISE happens at the local level, but it should encourage a national conversation as well. Each city and firm that participates raises the bar for others in the industry. When we act under the organized banner of one event, we become a more powerful force for change.

So I encourage you to attend your local #NationWISE event on February 23rd. Don't have a local event? Join our social media conversation. Or better yet organize an informal #NationWISE gathering near you! The more discussions that we hold, the more impact we'll have. Let's grow the industry for women in every local market.

1. Are men invited?

Yes! We’d love to have representation from all folks in the industry. It would be especially helpful if female (or male!) heads of companies could attend to be a part of the discussion and learn what women want out of a workplace.

2. What is the purpose of the event?

Our goal is to discuss stories of women in different areas of the solar industry to show our diverse career paths and experiences and to prompt open discussion about female-friendly work environments. We will have canned questions and other resources to focus the discussions and receive feedback (on the industry, on WISE, on life...). WISE is hoping to use this discussion to base-line our “best practices” that solar companies can adopt for HR guidelines, female recruitment, and opportunities for women to excel in the solar energy industry.

3.. Can non-members attend the event?

Yes! The more the merrier. If you have someone that you think would like to join the industry, please invite her (or him)! If you know someone who is in another energy industry, invite her! If you have friends who care about professional women, invite them!

4. Do we have a structure for the event?

Yes! We celebrate diversity at WISE and each city is bringing their local flavor, however we have provided each city host with guidelines, a rough agenda and timeline for how the night should run.