Throughout the year, Earth Team interns have impressed us with their in-depth research and skilled restoration work. It’s sometimes easy to forget that they’re still high school students, just beginning to develop their professional identities. That’s why professional development is a core part of the Earth Team experience, giving interns opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and expand their networks.
Last week, Castro Valley High School intern Angel had one such opportunity at the annual California Green Business Network (CAGBN) Conference. Each year, sustainability coordinators, certified green business owners, and government officials gather at this event to explore how we can build a greener future while still supporting small local businesses.
This year’s conference took place over three days, with Wednesday, May 14th open to the public. Thanks to an invitation from the incredible Rilynn Misa, Angel and Earth Team Program Coordinator Jamie were able to attend. Rilynn is a sustainability consultant with Environmental Innovations, a national organization that includes the CAGBN. She specializes in supporting individuals and organizations in achieving sustainability goals in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Just last semester, Rilynn presented green campus criteria to our San Lorenzo and Arroyo High School interns and has continued to uplift Earth Team by sharing resources and job opportunities for our students.
The event was held at the beautiful Fort Mason, overlooking the San Francisco Marina District. Staying true to Earth Team values, we took public transportation to minimize their carbon footprint, and were pleased to see many other attendees doing the same. Upon arrival, we were so warmly welcomed into the green business community. Every conversation was filled with encouragement and excitement about student involvement in sustainability.
After a light breakfast (thanks again, Rilynn!), the day began with two insightful panel sessions: building climate resilience and green financing opportunities. Angel was especially inspired by a presentation from Bryton Mays, a sustainability consultant for San Mateo County with a background as a military medic. Bryton’s positive energy and thoughtful answers made a lasting impression, and Angel appreciated the chance to connect with him one-on-one.
We enjoyed a sustainable lunch out on the lawn, taking advantage of the unusually sunny day in the city. Sustainability consultant and event specialist Dharma Bartram made sure the event was completely zero waste. From reusable dishware to cloth napkins and a cup return system, every detail was carefully planned to keep the event waste-free.
The afternoon featured three more sessions on equitable program design, opportunities to build a circular economy, and a video presentation on Intuit’s community partnerships and mini-grants. The day concluded with inspiring closing remarks from California State Senator Scott Wiener, who reminded attendees that California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, has the power and responsibility to lead in sustainable innovation.
Angel wrapped up the day by practicing her networking skills, connecting with sustainability professionals, government representatives, and local business owners. She even started her first business card collection and made her first LinkedIn profile to stay in touch with her new professional network. We are incredibly proud of how Angel represented herself and Earth Team at this event!
Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible! Thank you to Rilynn Misa, for your tireless support of our students and our county’s sustainability goals. Thank you to the California Green Business Network, for opening this conference to the public and investing in the next generation of green leaders. For Earth Team, this event was more than a conference, it was a glimpse into a future that Angel, and students like her, are already working to build.
