Tackling Environmental Challenges Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Impacting People, the Planet, and Profits
At Bethesda Green’s Innovation Center, we are constantly on the lookout for leaders who are building for-profit business models around innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges.
This summer, we are excited to once again welcome founders, industry experts, and policy makers to join us for exciting conversations designed to inspire, motivate, and educate all who attend.
Scroll down for additional information about each panel, including links to register, session summaries and recordings, and panelist bios. Missed past sessions? Check out information from our 2022 and 2023 speaker series, too!
Session #1 – Advancing Solar Energy Solutions in DC, MD, & VA – Wednesday, July 31st, 3pm ET
About 3.4% of the electricity generated in the United States is powered by solar energy, which has become the fastest-growing electricity source as a whole. In this session, we will explore how solar energy is implemented locally in the DMV region, through entrepreneurship, friendly financing, and partnerships with local utilities that advance solar energy solutions.
Panelists:
- Justin Aydelotte: Founder and CXO, Good Idea Solar
- Will Ellis: Director of External Affairs, Pepco
- Cindy McCabe: Director of Renewable Energy, Montgomery County Green Bank
Session #2: Building Resilient Communities through Environmental Justice – Date TBD
Environmental justice ensures equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, allowing all communities to thrive in a sustainable environment. This session explores how sustainable businesses and nonprofit organizations work with and advocate for underserved communities, educating them on environmentally-just practices. We’ll delve into community-driven approaches that promote inclusive decision-making for a sustainable future.
Session #3: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Entrepreneurship – Date TBD
Artificial Intelligence is being leveraged across large companies to expedite their processes, but how can small businesses and startups use this incredible tool? How can we ensure the use of AI is ethical and sustainable? In this session, we will explore how AI is driving innovation and efficiency within our startup ventures, universities, and impact-focused organizations.
Speaker Bios
Justin Aydelotte started Good Idea Solar to help families preserve small family farms and brings over 15 years of experience in finance and operations to the Good Idea Solar team. Before starting Good Idea Solar, Justin began his career at Corning researching organic solar cells before joining the US Navy in 2008. He served in the Navy for nine years as an F/A-18 Instructor Pilot. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business and an MA in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. (Linkedin)
Will Ellis is the Director of External Affairs at PEPCO, where he specializes in stakeholder relations with state and local officials, community leaders and businesses, consumer and nonprofit organizations. Will has an MBA from Georgetown University, a Master’s and PhD from Catholic University in Electrical Engineering, and a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. He also serves as a Board Member for Bethesda Green. (Linkedin)
Cindy McCabe is the Director of Renewable Energy Programs for the Montgomery County Green Bank. Cindy comes to the Green Bank after working as Residential Solar Sales Manager with Tesla in Maryland and as Residential and Commercial Solar Project Manager with Ipsun Solar in Washington, DC and Virginia. Cindy brings a wealth of experience in solar customer acquisition, contract management, and utility relations, as well as high level knowledge of solar project design, operations and maintenance. Cindy has a Master’s in Public Policy from American University and a Master’s in Education & Public Administration from Rutgers University. (Linkedin)
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