In this episode, we dive deep into the energy transition and its intersection with workforce equity, particularly highlighting the role of women in traditionally male-dominated industries. Your host shares personal experiences working in I.T. and the energy sector, reflecting on the underrepresentation of women in these fields and why their contributions are vital to a successful clean energy future. Here are some key highlights during this episode: bridging the skills gap, community colleges as gateways, and democratizing climate impact investing. Women’s inclusion in energy is more than representation—it’s a necessity for progress. We discuss the need for diverse voices, sustainable funding, and innovative partnerships to meet the growing workforce demand and ensure that the benefits of the clean energy revolution are shared by all. Tune in to hear powerful stories of success and actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive clean energy future. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Overview of the episode and why women's inclusion is essential in the energy transition. [02:15] Host’s Career Experiences: Reflecting on the lack of women in I.T. and the energy sector and how equity-focused women are leading change. [05:30] The Energy Transition Value Chain: Discussing the roles of investors, founders, and workforce advisors in shaping the clean energy workforce. [08:00] Insights on Education Access: How community colleges are opening doors for women and underrepresented groups in clean energy. Resources: https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-and-gender https://www.unwomen.org/en https://nationalskillscoalition.org/ https://www.energy-transitions.org/ Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE to the SMART Inclusion: Energy Transition, Investing, & Sustainability Podcast for more episodes on creating a clean, sustainable future!

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion Podcast, host Todd discusses energy justice and empowerment with Brett Isaac, founder of Navajo Power Home, a pioneering energy development initiative based on the Navajo Nation. Brett shares the journey of creating a utility from the ground up, bringing sustainable, clean energy to homes that were historically excluded from power infrastructure. From the legacy of the 1936 Rural Electrification Act, which intentionally left tribal lands without access to electricity, to the innovative solutions Navajo Power Home is implementing, this episode takes a deep dive into the intersection of energy, equity, and culture. Brett discusses the role of equity economics, how his community is leading in renewable energy, and the challenges of accessing capital for energy solutions that serve marginalized communities. Whether you're interested in sustainable energy models, economic empowerment, or the future of energy independence in Indigenous communities, this episode is full of actionable insights! Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Todd introduces equity economics, energy justice, and Indigenous roles in energy transition. [01:45] Legacy of the Rural Electrification Act, Brett discusses how the Act's exclusion of tribal lands has fueled energy inequity. [04:30] Brett Isaac’s Story, Brett shares his background on the Navajo Nation and his drive to create Navajo Power Home. [07:15] Founding Navajo Power Home, Brett explains establishing Navajo Power Home in 2018 to build renewable projects. [10:10] Building a Tribal Utility, Challenges in accessing capital and navigating tribal limitations to create a utility. [13:00] Community Impact, How Navajo Power Home provides jobs, wealth, and community-owned energy solutions. [16:15] Equity Economics in Energy, Brett explains their model’s focus on social impact and sustainability. [18:45] Scaling for Growth, plans to electrify more homes through private investment and federal grants. Resources: Brett Isaac - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-isaac-816552219/ https://www.energy.gov/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/ https://www.transportation.gov/ https://www.navajopowerhome.com/ https://www.ncai.org/ https://www.apha.org/ https://gridalternatives.org/ https://www.policylink.org/ Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE to the SMART Inclusion: Energy Transition, Investing, & Sustainability Podcast for more episodes on creating a clean, sustainable future!

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion Podcast, we explore the intersections of equity economics, tribal justice, and energy independence. Our host delves into the historical exclusion of tribal nations from energy infrastructure development and how they are now at the forefront of innovative clean energy initiatives. Learn how Indigenous communities are shaping the future of renewable energy, building economic independence, and setting models for sustainability. We also discuss the U.S. government’s efforts to right historical wrongs, including grants from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which support tribal ownership of renewable energy assets. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction: Overview of the episode covering equity economics, tribal justice, and energy independence [02:15] Historical Context: Exclusion of Tribal Nations [05:30] Government’s Role in Righting Wrongs, Federal initiatives, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [08:00] Tribal Nations as Clean Energy Leaders Examples of Indigenous communities, such as the Navajo and Ho-Chunk, advancing energy independence through renewable projects. Resources: https://www.energy.gov/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/ https://www.transportation.gov/ https://www.ncai.org/ https://www.apha.org/ https://gridalternatives.org/ https://www.policylink.org/ Like and subscribe to the SMART Inclusion: Energy Transition, Investing, & Sustainability Podcast for more episodes on creating a clean, sustainable future!

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Lowe, Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. Together, they explore the deep connection between urban planning and equity economics, focusing on how thoughtful urban development can drive social justice in underserved communities. Dr. Lowe shares his personal journey from Howard University to becoming a leading expert in urban planning and environmental justice. The discussion dives into the transformative impact of the Justice 40 Initiative and how affordable housing, energy efficiency, and AI intersect to create more sustainable, resilient communities. [00:00] Introduction - Todd Q. Adams introduces urban planning’s link to equity economics in energy transition. [01:30] Guest Introduction: Dr. Jeffrey Lowe shares his background and role at Texas Southern University. [03:15] Dr. Lowe’s Journey into Urban Planning [05:45] The Intersection of Urban Planning and Social Justice [08:10] The Justice 40 Initiative [10:45] Affordable Housing and Artificial Intelligence [13:20] Distributed Energy Generation and Benefits [17:00] Public Health and Urban Planning Exploring [19:00] The Role of Urban Planners in Energy Transition [21:00] Conclusion Resources: Dr. Jeffrey Lowe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-lowe-38234b6/ American Planning Association - https://www.planning.org/ Brookings - Quality. Independence. Impact. - https://www.brookings.edu/ @SavingPlaces | National Trust for Historic Preservation - https://savingplaces.org/ Justice40 Initiative | Environmental Justice | The White House -https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/ Home | Urban Land Institute - https://uli.org/

In this premiere episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams introduces listeners to the pivotal Justice 40 initiative—a groundbreaking federal commitment that allocates 40% of the benefits from nearly $2 trillion in infrastructure investments to communities of color, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. Todd breaks down what Justice 40 means for the future of energy, workforce development, environmental justice, and equity in the U.S. Episode Notes: [00:00] Welcome & Introduction, Todd Q. Adams welcomes listeners to the first episode of SMART Inclusion [02:15] The Justice 40 Initiative [04:30] Workforce Investment & Community Engagement Resources: American Planning Association https://www.planning.org/ Brookings - https://savingplaces.org/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

Welcome to the SMART Inclusion podcast, where we connect the dots between urban planning, environmental policy, and equity economics. I’m your host, Todd Q. Adams. Each episode brings you powerful stories from thought leaders—like women, Indigenous people, and unsung heroes—who are driving the global energy transition forward. This podcast ties together the complex threads of sustainability, showing how the public can engage with new opportunities in energy transition and invest in their communities.