Net Impact Austin presents a FREE panel discussion on the professional and personal pursuit of ‘being green’. Our panelists are intimately engaged with the sustainability movement in central Texas and around the world. Combined, they have successfully performed many roles including community leader, corporate policy setter, small business CEO, consultant, and non-profit founder. On this evening, the panel will share their experiences in regards to the pursuit of environmental stewardship, sustainability, green business practices, and greater public awareness. The event will include a question and answer period.

6:30 PM ... Sign In, Networking (light refreshments provided)
7:00 PM ... Panel discussion, Q&A

RSVP: http://is.gd/RZu

 

PANELIST PROFILES

JAN TRIPLETT
Jan is Owner and Chief Operating Officer for Business Success Center (BSC), a virtual incubator program for second stage businesses. For over 20 years, Jan has been active in the sustainability movement and is proud to note that BSC was one the original founders of Earth Day Austin. Today Jan continues to strongly encourage manufacturing, retail, restaurant and service clients to "go green" internally and externally. Active in the natural food industry since the 90’s, BSC has helped companies to sustain and grow by achieving Organic certification and promoting the benefits of going organic. In addition to furthering environmental sustainability, BSC also strives to institutionalize balance between life and work through a systematic approach to business development.

Jan spent several years as moderator for the nationally syndicated "The Next 200 Years" on KUT 90.5 where her first, and favorite show, focused on the benefits of composting. Jan is currently active with Choose Austin First, Austin Independent Business Alliance, Responsible Growth for Northcross, Students Involved in Free Enterprise and a volunteer for the Downtown Austin Farmer’s Market.

More information: http://www.bscusa.com

RENE GENEVA
In 1997 Rene founded René Geneva Design LLC, an eco-chic women's apparel company. Rene’s sophisticated designs, ranging from streetwear to bridal gowns, are made exclusively with eco-friendly materials such as certified organic fabrics, hemps, and "Peace Silks". Her products are sweat-free, manufactured only using fair trade labor. The company has ‘greened’ its operations by using wind to power the office and bio-diesel to fuel the company car.

Rene has personally trained a certified women’s cooperative in Nicaragua and is in the planning stage with Whole Planet Foundation to employ several communities in need. Her efforts have resulted in several social and environmental initiatives including: The Sun Power Project™ to install solar electricity in Nicaragua, Scraps for Schools™ that donates fabric scraps to local schools for children's art projects, and the Fashionably Neutral Carbon Program™ that offsets the carbon footprint of individual garments.

More information: http://www.renegenevadesign.com; http://mycorset.com

SHARI CARLE
During her 11 year career at Dell, Shari was an active participant in the startup of the Fortune 50 Company’s Corporate Responsibility organization. This included engagement with investors and activist stakeholders on a wide range of issues including HIV/AIDS, forest product stewardship, stakeholder engagement and sustainability reporting.

Shari is now founder and Executive Director of Carle West Group (CWG). CWG aims to build a more sustainable future through support of indigenous cultures, the environment, and social justice. Using a triple-bottom-line business model, CWG measures success through financial metrics in conjunction with evaluation of environmental and social impacts. CWG’s current project is the Picuris Pueblo Community Project supporting a movement to restore and preserve the health, language, and culture of the Picuris people.

More information: http://www.carlewestgroup.org

About Ventana del Soul Café and Cultural Center:
Ventana del Soul Cultural Center provides a safe place for youth to complete court-ordered community service. Participants achieve food handling certification; serve food to members of non-profit and community organizations (great role-models); and learn they can make a difference by contributing to society. Ventana del Soul Café operates out of the ground floor of the Ventana del Soul Cultural Center. The Café serves local foods in addition to providing a children’s reading space, board games and local art exhibits. All proceeds from the Café support the Cultural Center’s social mission.