Building the Cleantech Workforce: Skills for a Sustainable Future

As climate challenges intensify, the demand for a skilled, future-ready workforce in the cleantech sector is only accelerating. Join Yes SF for a dynamic panel discussion designed for students and early career professionals interested in breaking into this rapidly evolving field.

This conversation will feature startup founders who are already driving change on the ground, including Helen Yang, founder of Clement Packaging, a mission-driven company pioneering compostable alternatives to traditional plastic foodware. Their stories will offer firsthand insight into the skills, values, and adaptive thinking required to thrive in the climate innovation economy.

Alongside these entrepreneurs, we’ll hear from Courtney Masterson, Associate Dean at USF, who will speak to how higher education is evolving to meet the demands of climate-era careers. A representative from the Coro Fellowship will also share perspectives on the role of cross-sector leadership and how public service intersects with clean technology.

The panel will explore:

• The technical and digital skills cleantech companies are hiring for today
• The career pathways emerging across climate startups, infrastructure, policy, and education
• What students can do now to prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist
• How higher ed institutions and leadership programs are adapting for this moment

This is a chance to connect the dots between classroom learning, hands-on leadership development, and the urgent, real-world work of building a livable future. Students, educators, and aspiring changemakers welcome.

Date: August 29, noon

Location: Yes SF HQ (inside Red Bay Coffee)

Free to attend. Open to students and young professionals.

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