The EV revolution is growing. With support from the current administration, the adoption of transportation electrification is accelerating. As more car manufacturers announce new electric vehicles to be offered to the public and charging infrastructure is being planned for and built in the country, we need to make sure the people who benefit the most from driving electric do not get left out of the future of electric transportation.
In historically underserved communities, residents will benefit greatly from improved air quality and health. These communities currently are the most polluted due to their location near highways. There are advocacy groups that are fighting for more equitable distribution of charging stations in areas that benefit most from driving electric vehicles and ensuring that grants and other financial incentives reach these underserved communities first. There are also companies forming that focus on training and employing residents of these communities.
Our panelists will discuss the issue of electric vehicles and equity, solutions for underserved communities, as well as reasons why we all need to adopt electric transportation now.
Our Speakers
Jenna Canseco is a Vice President at DNV and leads the company’s Transportation Electrification practice in North America. For more than 20 years, she has focused her career on promoting clean energy and combatting climate change. In her current role, she partners with energy utilities, regulators, and private companies to advance equitable clean transportation policies, programs, technologies, and markets.
Dr. Shelley Francis, a former Medical School Faculty member, is a public health executive, entrepreneur and transportation disruptor. Dr. Francis is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of EVNoire. EVNoire’s work focuses on two pillars: E-Mobility Best Practices and Equity Best Practices. The EVNoire Team specializes in providing business solutions to enhance electrification strategies for Utilities, Non-Profits, Municipalities, Government Agencies, Public Health Organizations, and Regional and National organizations to expand this market share. EVNoire also engages communities on workforce development opportunities in the alternative fuel/electric vehicle economy.
The EVNoire Team provides opportunities to engage with multi-modal, clean transportation through education and outreach, expanding charging infrastructure, marketing/launches, workplace charging, workforce development and beneficial policies. Dr. Francis and Terry Travis’ vision led to the Co-Founding of the nation’s largest network of diverse EV drivers and enthusiasts, EVHybridNoire, a 501c3 Nonprofit. EVHybridNoire, is a national, award winning, multicultural organization focused on increasing EV adoption and awareness in diverse communities.
EVHybridNoire is a membership based organization with thousands of members and chapters across the United States, Canada, Europe and beyond. The EVHybridNoire Team is intentional about providing resources and access to under-resourced, diverse and frontline communities, around affordable, clean and sustainable energy vehicles and platforms. Dr. Francis is recognized as a national thought leader in Best Practices, E-Mobility and Public Health Disparities. Dr. Francis serves as a Board Director for the Electric Auto Association, a National 501c3 advocacy group.
Kameale Terry is the Co-Founder and CEO of ChargerHelp, Inc. an app that enables on-demand repair of electric vehicle charging stations. As the former Director of Programs at EV Connect, an electric vehicle charge station network provider, Kameale structured and led teams to execute electric vehicle infrastructure projects and programs in the United States, Australia, and Canada for commercial and government entities. Her most notable projects include the Electrify America - Phase One Program, the Southern California Edison Charge Ready Pilot, and the New York Power Authority portfolio.
Prior to this role Kameale created, hired, and oversaw the Customer Experience Department at EV Connect, by partnering with the Southbay Workforce Investment Board to employ candidates from the local community. As a South Central Los Angeles native, Kameale believes that an equitable green economy can be achieved through impactful workforce development and realignment.
Moderator
Michelle Pierce is an Electric Vehicle Consultant who formed her company, EV Nirvana, in 2016 to encourage the use of plug-in electric vehicles. EV Nirvana offers consulting and outreach services to enlighten the public on the benefits of driving emission-free, personal transportation. Services also include consulting on siting of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Michelle believes that education on the benefits of electric vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure is key to its development.
She has over 20 years of experience in the municipal electric utility industry. She received her BS in Electrical Engineering from California State University at Long Beach in 1993. Her experience includes project management, energy efficiency and renewable energy program management, and electric vehicle strategic planning. She retired from municipal employment in 2015.
Michelle leased a Nissan Leaf in 2012 and joined the ranks of the early adopters of Electric Vehicle technology. She now drives a 2020 Chevy Bolt and is enjoying driving the long distances that this most recent generation of Electric Vehicles affords. She helped form the Inland Empire Electric Vehicle Association, a member club of the Electric Auto Association. Michelle is also a Board Member for Grid Alternatives Inland Empire.
Registration
Registration is free for AWWEE members and up to two guests
$20 non-member registration fee