It’s been six months since our lives changed dramatically as a result of the pandemic. Our days are focused on infection control, cultural upheaval, a shifting professional world, the upcoming school year and so many more concerns. We are fighting to survive physically, mentally, fiscally and socially. We are also fighting to remain hopeful—to envision and action a future for the generations to come.

This month, we celebrate our USGBC Women in Green sheroes for their efforts to stand up for democracy and lead. We honor their efforts to turn democracy into action, because representation and leadership matter. Our voices are important, and the best way to motivate other women to rise up is to lead by example. We are excited to celebrate the following sheroes in our local USGBC communities across the nation and share the incredible goals they continue to achieve.

August 2020 sheroes

Gov. Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island - USGBC Middle Atlantic and New England regions

“People deserve to see progress,” says Gov. Gina Raimondo. During her service as governor of Rhode Island, people have seen just that. “We can just keep doing it the way we're doing it. Or we can embrace new things and try to be positive, and let everybody play a role,” states Raimondo. Her track record of getting things done and engaging people in the process makes her an exemplary shero for democracy.

In 2015, Raimondo signed an executive order mandating that state agencies reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions throughout their facilities. Recently, she made Rhode Island the first and only state to incorporate LEED, LEED for Neighborhood Development, and SITES into public law.

In her own words, Raimondo comments on the current COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "Here in Rhode Island, our response to COVID-19 is managed almost entirely by women—and a diverse group of women at that. We’re leading by listening to the experts, being transparent about the decisions we’re making, and focusing on facts, not frenzy."

She additionally addresses the current social tensions in America, saying, "There’s no question that we’re seeing a lot of unrest in our country right now. It’s more important now than ever before that we teach and promote equity and inclusion." Raimondo voices, "Most importantly, we need all people—especially young people—to get involved. Make sure you get counted in the 2020 Census and vote."

Gail Suzuki-Jones, Energy Analyst and Interim Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy—Buildings Program Manager, Hawaii Green Business Program, Hawaii - USGBC Pacific region

As a USGBC member for more than 16 years, Suzuki-Jones’s commitment to service, her community and various organizations speaks to her passion, leadership and inspiration. Dedicated to service, initiatives and standards, Suzuki-Jones oversees and manages many building efficiency initiatives in the Hawaii State Energy Office such as green business activities, technical assistance and training, and the green intern program.

As co‐coordinator of the Hawaii Green Business Program, an 18-year running program that assists and recognizes businesses and events operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, Suzuki-Jones has mentored over 40 inspiring interns from across the world during her 23 years at the Hawaii State Energy Office. She has a proactive leadership approach, and constantly serves as an inspiration to others. Suzuki-Jones is also the reason why so many of us have joined the local USGBC Hawaii community.

Suzuki-Jones quote

Suzuki-Jones actively participates in USGBC Hawaii’s Education and Green Schools committees coordinating continuing education and training activities such as the Hawaii Build and Buy Green Conf. and Site Tours and other seminars, workshops and webinars. She has worked closely with the USGBC Hawaii and Hawaii Green Business Program partners, to develop the Green Classroom Toolkit and Training. She has received an Environmental Achievement Award from the Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, Advocate of the Year from the Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network, and Sustained Superior Performance from the State of Hawaii.

Rose McKinney-James, Managing Principal, Energy Works LLC/McKinney-James & Associates - USGBC Mountain region

Rose McKinney-James is an experienced and seasoned small business leader, clean energy advocate and independent corporate director with a long history in public service, non-profit volunteerism and private sector corporate social responsibility.

When the LEED rating system surfaced, McKinney-James was on the board for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as well as on the board of directors for Mandalay Bay Resort Group, and felt there should be a marriage of this robust construction with sustainability. She became a vocal champion of the LEED program. McKinney-James’ recognized the barriers that existed from the economic and policy standpoints for the commercial industry to go solar and has strongly advocated for clean energy and helped to create a portfolio standard in Nevada.

McKinney-James also served as board chair for the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) from 2016-2018. Her experience with AABE provided insight into how different the conversation around climate and sustainability in tribal communities and communities of color is in comparison to the mainstream dialogue, emphasizing the importance of giving these communities a seat at the table.

In her own words, McKinney-James says, "Women have increased both visibility and engagement as leaders in sustainability and climate. We bring a fresh, unique perspective and the ability to encourage and mobilize a broader range of participation by relying on diverse and under-utilized voices."

Lindsay Constance, Shawnee City Council Member, Candidate for Kansas State Senate, Instructional Coach for Shawnee Mission School District - USGBC West North Central region

Lindsey Constance is an educator, a community leader and a mom raising fourth-generation Kansans. Constance is dedicated to creating a brighter future for all Kansans. She has taught for 16 years and is now an instructional coach and leader in the areas of science and engineering instruction, mentorship and teacher professional development for the Shawnee Mission School District.

Constance was elected to the Shawnee City Council in 2017. Her priorities have included smart, future-focused development, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and community health. Lindsey serves as a member of the National League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and the Council on Youth, Families and Education.

Constance is also Co-Founder and President of Climate Action KC, whose mission is to improve climate resiliency and generate corresponding economic, social and health, and quality of life benefits in the Kansas City region. She earned Master’s degrees from the University of Kansas in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Education, Leadership and Policy Studies. She is the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, the Global Hero Award, the League of Women Voters Making Democracy Work Award, and the Climate and Energy ChangeMaker Award. She was also selected as a National Science Foundation Mentor for K-State Engineering students.

Constance quote

Angela DeMonbreun, Regional Field Director, Solar United Neighbors - USGBC South Atlantic region

Angela DeMonbreun helps to bring solar energy education to thousands of Floridians each year, including fun youth programs. She not only advocates for solar energy, but more importantly, assists residents to advocate for their own rights. DeMonbreun is not only moving the needle but democratizing it as well. She supports and empowers residents to speak up and provides tangible ways in which they can accomplish real change. From lobbying toolkits to action outlets, such as writing an op-ed, calling a senator, or attending a city council meeting, DeMonbreun smashes the misconception that solar energy is only for the wealthy.

DeMonbreun includes everyone, empowering them to get involved in dynamic ways that meet their abilities and interests. A democracy includes all members, regardless of ability to buy into the idea. DeMonbreun is also responsive to Florida-specific needs and understands while our major cities are the forefront of climate change adverse effects, action and conversations, we must also include rural businesses, communities and agriculture producers in green action. This inclusive outreach ensures that her work is prioritizing energy equity and democracy as the foundation for the new energy system.

DeMonbreun quote

Sandra Henry, Senior Director, Energy and Sustainability, Elevate Energy - USGBC East North Central region

As a past board member, and board chair of Illinois Green, as well as the 2018 Greenbuild Chair, Sandra Henry has served the green building movement and women of the industry in so many ways. Henry has served in many professional leadership roles and has always brought more young women and women of color to the table to make sure their voices are heard.

As a leader of Slipstream's Chicago office, she introduced many young women in the energy efficiency industry to an executive career coaching network and encouraged women in her office to form a monthly women's leadership luncheon. When Henry was appointed as the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Chicago, she worked with a sustainability office of all women to advance clean energy jobs and highlight the environmental justice work happening in many Chicago communities. She started up a Chicago office of the Detroit-based, women-owned energy company, Walker-Miller Energy, and trained dozens of young professionals what it takes to make it in the energy efficiency industry. Most recently, she has taken on a policy leadership role with the thriving nonprofit, Elevate Energy, to further lift voices of Chicago communities in advancing clean energy policy in Chicago and Illinois.

Henry quote

Christi W. Branscom, Commissioner of the Department of General Services (DGS) - USGBC South Central region

Christi Branscom is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, where she began her career in public service. She served on the City of Knoxville administration as the Senior Director of Public Works before being promoted to Deputy to the Mayor/Chief Operating Officer—making her the first female in Knoxville history to be named to either position. During her tenure at the City of Knoxville, Branscom played a key role in the development of the new Public Works Complex, a $15 million, 45,560-square-foot facility that achieved LEED Silver certification.

Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Branscom enjoyed a successful career as COO/General Counsel and Principal Managing Real Estate Broker at Partners Development for 25 years. While at Partners Development, the firm developed The Residences at Eastport, an 85-unit affordable housing development for seniors, for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation. The development repurposed and expanded the first African-American school in Knoxville, and it was LEED Platinum certified.

As part of her philanthropic commitment to give back to her community, Branscom has served on the governing boards of many non-profit agencies and arts organizations, including her long-term involvement and support of the Cancer Support Community. Currently, she also serves on the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council, the Leadership Tennessee Advisory Council, the National Association of State Chief Administrators Executive Committee, the Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful Board of Directors, and the Leaders Council for the Women Business Collaborative, Nashville Chapter.

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Read more about our Sheroes recognition campaign

USGBC's August sheroes turn democracy into action