Green Conference 2026
On February 27, 2026 the REC will host the 12th Annual Green Careers Conference to energize students around the breadth of environmental career possibilities and to foster discussions on key environmental issues and solutions. Panel presentations by alums in the green industry will highlight the opportunities and challenges facing green jobs today in environmental law, policy, tech, finance, media, and more.
Our goal for the Green Careers Conference is to give students a broad perspective of the careers available in the environmental field, and to start conversations that provide guidance for students looking to break into the industry. Ultimately, we hope to motivate students to pursue careers that contribute to positive environmental change and foster community in the 5C green space.
Panelists
10A Private Sector Solutions
- Brian Chmelik, Senior Director, Riveron
- Adam Rush, Senior Environmental Planning Project Manager, MNS Engineers, Inc.
- TJ Askew, Advisor, Global Carbon Resources
- Garrett Jansma, Environmental Lawyer, Allen Matkins
Ethan Gilbert, Director of Sustainability, STACK Infrastructure
11A Government and Policy
- Jennifer Najjar, Trial Attorney, DOJ
- Andy Byrne, American Indian Environmental Office Policy and Partnership, EPA
- Daniel Klaus, Environmental Specialist, Office of Compliance, EPA
Leah Benton, Environmental Planner, SF Public Utilities Commission
12:15P Watt’s Next? A Roadmap for Energy Evolution
- Robert Owlett, Director of Origination, Pathway Power
- Philip Trapp, Limited Senior Sales Manager, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.,
Hilary A. Haskell, Low Carbon Fuels Manager, TRC Companies, Inc
1:30P Applied Research and Strategic Insights
- Nicole Dobroski, Chief of division of environmental science, planning, management, CA state lands commission
- Kazandra Esperanza Zelaya, Data Scientist, Salt River Project & AZSA Board Member
- Mariah Tso, GIS Specialist/Public Administration Analyst, UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies
- Sasha Shunko, Partnerships Associate, Tradewater
Isabela Overturf, Environmental Research Assistant, Houston Advanced Research Center
2:30P Civic & Community Engagement
- Lizzie Carrade Stein, Program Manager, Special Districts at San Mateo County Sustainability Dept
- Sara Guiltinan, Pacific Regional Tribal Liaison, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
- Todd Sax, Assistant Division Chief and Senior Enforcement Advisor, California Air Resources Board and CalEPA
- Gordon Algermissen, Customer Programs Manager, Pasadena Water and Power