QUEER DECARB SUMMIT

WEST

JULY 6-8, 2026

“Delightfully unpretentious, diverse, genuine and productive.”

“An incredible brain trust of fired up, smart as a whip, fierce climate warriors sharing knowledge, laughs, connection, and fun—who all happen to be queer.”

SPEAKERS

  • Carrie Tongarm

    VP & Associate General Counsel
    Convergent Energy & Power

  • Chad Reed

    VP Strategic Initiatives, Sustainability and Impact
    HASI

  • Chelsey Evans

    Climate & Sustainability Lead
    Expedia Group

  • Grant Mack

    Former Deputy Legislative Secretary - Energy, Climate, Natural Resources & Telecommunications
    Former Governors Office - State of California

  • Gwen Migita

    Founder and Managing Director
    Migita Vu Collaborators

  • Janson Mao

    VP, Structured Finance and Deputy General Counsel
    Catalyze

  • Jeff Bishop

    Operating Partner
    Vision Ridge Partners

  • Jeff Riles

    Director of Energy Markets, Americas
    Microsoft

  • Jenny Oorbeck

    Co-Founder and Managing Partner
    Fresh Coast Climate Solutions

  • Joanna Klitzke

    Head of Procurement & Ecosystem Strategy
    Stripe & Frontier

  • Kati Kallins

    Global Head of Sustainability
    Adobe

  • Katie Knue

    General Counsel, Corporate Secretary
    NorthStar Clean Energy

  • Kealy Herman

    VP, Net Zero Strategy
    Arcadis

  • A man with short dark hair, wearing a light blue dress shirt and a dark blazer, stands against a light blue gradient background.

    Mark Miness

    Global Head of Investor Partnerships
    Galvanize Climate Solutions

  • Mike Cipresso

    Chief Commercial Officer
    Rubicon Carbon

  • Noah McQueen

    Director of Science & Policy
    Carbon180

  • Patrick Taylor

    Commercial Lead, Advanced Energy Technology
    Google

  • Paul Snow

    Managing Director | Head of Renewables, Americas
    HSBC

  • Scott Zimmermann

    Partner, Energy and Climate Solutions
    Wilson Sonsini

  • Shereen D'Souza

    Senior Program Officer, Climate
    Skyline Foundation

  • Stephen Goldstein

    Operating Partner
    Keyframe Capital

Interactive sessions, meaningful connections, and curated breakouts that enrich personal, professional, and business growth.

SCHEDULE

Monday, July 6

  • 11 a.m.–Noon | 1440 Multiversity Lobby

    Welcome to the Queer Decarbonization Summit! We're so happy you're here. Please check-in at our table in the lobby to receive your name tag, program information, and room assignment.

  • Noon–1 p.m. | Kitchen Table

    Once you've settled into your room, head to the dining hall for a welcome lunch! Join other attendees for a casual meal featuring seasonal, locally-sourced delights.

  • 1:15–2:30 p.m. | The Cathedral

    It's official! The conference will kick off with a warm welcome from the QDS team. Get ready for a round of introductions.

  • 2:30–3 p.m. | The Cathedral

    Janelle Kellman, former mayor of Sausalito, discusses sustainability in the public sector.

  • 3–4 p.m. | The Cathedral

    Two pithy panels, including Q&A.

    • Panel 1: Corporate Sustainability

      Featuring Jenny Oorbeck, Chelsey Evans, Kealy Herman and Kati Kallins

    • Panel 2: Climate Investing & Capital Markets

      Featuring Chad Reed, Mark Miness, Stephen Goldstein and Jeff Bishop

  • 4–5 p.m. | Sanctuary

    In this group class, we’ll learn about fascia—the connective tissue around your muscles, organs, nerves and vessels—and how to use therapeutic balls and functional movements to release tension throughout your body.

  • 5–6 p.m. | Your Choice

    In order to keep most of the summit tech-free, please take this moment to check your devices, jump on a call and complete outside business.

  • 6–7 p.m. | Kitchen Table
    Join us for a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. It's a perfect opportunity to get to know fellow attendees and discuss the day's sessions.

  • 7–9 p.m. | Redwood Terrace
    Wind down your day with a cozy and captivating outdoor networking reception! A selection of treats, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and build new relationships under the starry sky.

Tuesday, July 7

  • 7–7:45 a.m. | Sanctuary

    Good morning! Start your day with an optional yoga session designed with everyone in mind. With a strong connection to the breath you will flow through sequences that keep a steady pace, bring attention to physical alignment and leave the mind refreshed.

  • 8–9 a.m. | Kitchen Table

    Fuel up for a day of learning!

  • 9–10:30 a.m. | The Cathedral

    Dig into three short panels, each followed by Q&A:

    • Panel 1: Clean Energy (Deals & Development)

      Featuring Carrie Tongarm, Janson Mao and Paul Snow

    • Panel 2: Clean Energy (Procurement & Grid)

      Featuring Katie Knue, Patrick Taylor and Jeff Riles

    • Panel 3: Carbon Removal

      Featuring Noah McQueen, Mike Cipresso and Joanna Klitzke

  • 10:30–11 a.m. | Common Grounds Cafe
    Stretch your legs, grab a coffee and follow up on loose threads from the panels before we jump into curated conversations.

  • 11 a.m. – Noon | Outlook Learning Center Breakout Rooms

    Join your preselected small group breakout session on one of the following topics:

    • Corporate Sustainability, Room 201

    • Clean Energy, Room 202

    • Climate Finance, Room 203

    • Carbon Removal, Room 204

  • Noon – 1 p.m. | Kitchen Table

    Head back to the Kitchen Table for delicious cuisine and company.

  • 1–1:30 p.m. | The Cathedral

    Gwen Migita and Shereen D’Souza explore equity & justice in the field in this talkback.

  • 1:30–2:15 p.m. | The Cathedral

    Hear from experts Scott Zimmermann, Grant Mack and Jeff Riles on data center development in California, followed by live Q&A.

  • 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Various Locations

    Rejoin your group for a deeper dive into your industry—brainstorm, compare notes and connect!

    • Corporate Sustainability, Room 201

    • Clean Energy, Room 202

    • Climate Finance, Room 203

    • Carbon Removal, Room 204

  • 3:30–5 p.m. | 1440 Multiversity Grounds

    We promised you wouldn't spend all day in a conference room, so lace up your walking shoes! Explore the beautiful natural surroundings of 1440 Multiversity with an experienced local naturalist.

  • 5–6 p.m. | Your Choice

    In order to keep most of the summit tech-free, please take this moment to check your devices, jump on a call and complete outside business. 

    During this break, you can play a decarbonization-themed card game with Kealy Herman! This fun and energizing exercise takes 15-30 minutes to play and sparks great discussion around organizational decision-making.

  • 6–7 p.m. | Kitchen Table

    Enjoy dinner with a relaxed and engaging atmosphere for networking and informal discussion. Share your insights on the day's topics and deepen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field.

  • 7–9 p.m. | Redwood Terrace

    End your night with culinary treats and connections!

Wednesday, July 8

  • 7–7:45 a.m. | Sanctuary

    Good morning! Start your day with the profound benefits of this special meditative experience. The sound of crystal bowls expertly played soothes the nervous system, bypassing the intellectual mind to deeply relax the body.

  • 8–9 a.m. | Kitchen Table

    Enjoy breakfast while Janelle Kellman, candidate for Lt. Governor of California and former mayor of Sausalito, shares lessons on sustainability from the frontlines of government.

  • 9–10:30 a.m. | The Cathedral

    Share final reflections, exchange contact information and let us know what the Summit meant to you. Thank you for joining us!

  • 10:30–11 a.m. | Your Choice

  • "The Summit was a fantastic moment to step out of day-to-day life and connect with community about the important work we're all trying to do, plus feel supported personally as well. Also—fun! "

    Chelsey Evans
    Climate & Sustainability Lead
    Expedia Group

  • "One of the most impactful summits I've ever been to. It was so inspiring to meet so many fellow LGBTQ professionals who are passionate about climate."

    Igor Mitschka
    Manager
    Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

  • "An incredible and unique space for our community to find meaningful and authentic connection with other brilliant professionals passionate about decarbonization and energy resiliency."

    Katie Knue
    General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
    NorthStar Clean Energy Company