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Volunteer Steering Team & Leadership

How is HEWC planned and governed?  What roles are involved? What are the expectations?

Houston Energy and Climate Week Champions

Thank you for your commitment and enthusiasm in volunteering to make the 2025 Houston Energy and Climate Week (HECW) a success. Your passion and dedication are vital in driving our mission forward and fostering innovative solutions in the energy sector and beyond.  Houston Energy and Climate Week is focused on community collaboration and embraces grassroots efforts.  Together, we can create a meaningful and impactful event that enhances awareness and collaboration around climate initiatives both locally and globally.  

This guide outlines the key roles, required skills, expected tasks, and time commitments for Houston Energy and Climate Week. Organizing such a significant event demands collaboration, dedication, and expertise in various areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each key role, ensuring clarity on responsibilities and timelines.

Houston Energy and Climate Week Steering Committee

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Purpose of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee for Houston Energy and Climate Week (HECW) is responsible for guiding the overall strategy, programming, and execution of the event. Members will lead specific thematic tracks, ensuring robust content and meaningful engagement for all participants.

  • General Responsibilities of Steering Committee Members
  • Provide strategic input to shape the vision and impact of HECW.
  • Act as a liaison between stakeholders, volunteers, and the broader community.
  • Participate in bi-weekly 1-hour virtual meetings and one in-person meeting per month:
    • Weekly Meetings
    • When: Fridays, 11 am-12 pm via Zoom
    • What to Report: Progress on tasks, any challenges encountered, and updates on team responsibilities.
    • Monthly Status Reports
    • When: By the end of each month leading up to Climate Week
    • What to Include: A summary of completed tasks, upcoming deadlines, and support needed from other organizers or teams.
  • A summary of meetings will be provided to the steering committee team.
  • If leading a program, allocate additional time as needed to develop and refine the program.
  • Work collaboratively with other committee members to ensure a cohesive and well-integrated event.
  • Promote Houston Energy and Climate Week to their networks to encourage participation and engagement.
  • Thematic Track Leads Responsibilities

Each Steering Committee member assigned as a Track Lead will:

  • Develop and oversee content, speakers, and sessions within their assigned theme.  
    • Note: If the programming is for opening or closing ceremonies, the Co-chairs and Events Manager will be involved.
  • As needed, recruit and manage volunteers to support program development and logistics.
  • Ensure that programming aligns with the overall goals and mission of HECW.
  • Identify key stakeholders and potential partnerships to enhance track's impact.
  • Monitor progress and report updates during Steering Committee meetings.
  • Work with co-chairs and the communications lead to publicize track-related events.
  • Commitment Expectations
  • Active participation in meetings and program development efforts.
  • Willingness to engage with volunteers and delegate tasks as needed.
  • Flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities and challenges.
  • Support & Resources
  • Track Leads are encouraged to build a volunteer base to assist with logistics and content development.
  • Access to shared resources and support from the broader Climate Week organizing team.
  • Regular check-ins with committee leadership to address challenges and share progress.
  1. Steering Committee Roles
  • HECW Chair/Co-Chair (2) 
  • HECW Digital Operations Lead (Intern)
  • HECW Advisors (2)
  • HECW Ecosystem Chair (1)
  • HECW Government Relations Chair (1)
  • HECW Media and PR Chair
  • HECW Lessons Learned & Feedback Lead
  • Opening VIP Dinner Leads
  • Opening Ceremonies Leads
  • Closing Ceremonies  Leads
  • Hack-a-Thon Leads
  • Career Fair & Workforce Leads
  • Volunteer  Reception Leads
  • Volunteer Leads
  • Communications & Brand Leads
  • Sponsorship & Funding Leads
  • Food &  Beverage Lead
  • Venue Lead
  • Community Engagement Leads
  • Academic Engagement - K-12 Lead
  • Academic Engagement - Colleges/Universities Lead
  • International Engagement Leads
  • Arts and Culture Leads
  • Health Chair/Co-Chair  (2)
  • Space Chair/Co-Chair (2)
  • Built Environment Chair/Co-Chair  (2)
  • Environmental Justice Chair/Co-Chair  (2)
  • Water Chair/Co-Chair (2)
  • Renewable Energy Chair/Co-Chair (2)
  • Food/Agriculture Chair/Co-Chair (2)By committing to these roles and responsibilities, each Steering Committee member plays a crucial role in delivering a successful, impactful Climate Week that fosters awareness, collaboration, and action on climate-related issues.

Thank you once again for your invaluable support!

  

2025 HECW Co-Chair      

Ingrid Velasco

  

President Allies in Energy Lindsay Roe

Help Requests

  • For general queries or assistance, feel free to contact the steering committee members via Slack.  If you are not on Slack, contact the co-chairs.
  • If you encounter any urgent issues, please use Slack to alert the team and request immediate support.  Channels have been created for this purpose.
  • Schedule one-on-one time with contacts if you need deeper discussions on specific topics.

Resources


Key Contacts - Special Areas of Focus & Engagement Leaders

  • Advisor (2024 co-chair): Katie Mehnert
  • Advisor (2024 co-chair): Juliana Garaizar
  • Communications: Brandy Obvintesva
  • Community Engagement: Jana Schey
  • Sponsorship & Funding: Katie Mehnert, Lindsay Roe
  • International: Fernando Hernandez
  • Health: Jason Fischer
  • Academic: Aline Pham
  • Arts & Culture: Peter Durand
  • Built Environment: Umair Surani
  • Environmental Justice: Tony Diaz
  • Water: James Rees
  • Renewable Energy: Tom Weirich
  • Volunteers: Raphael MacDonald
  • Food /Agriculture: Monica Kishnan
  • Space:  James Adams