Episode 04: Empowering Diverse Businesses in California’s Clean Energy Future

In this episode, we are joined by Noemi Gallardo, the first Latina Commissioner on the California Energy Commission (CEC), appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in February 2023. Gallardo brings a wealth of experience, having worked with SunRun Inc. and The Greenlining Institute, and currently serves as the lead commissioner for the Clean Energy Hall of Fame Awards—an annual event that honors outstanding achievements in advancing California’s clean energy goals.

Gallardo shares insights into how the CEC is ensuring that small and minority-owned businesses have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the state’s ambitious clean energy goals, including reaching 100% clean energy by 2045. Through initiatives such as the Justice, Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JAEDI) program, the CEC is actively creating pathways for diverse businesses to engage in this transformative industry.

We also explore how state legislation and programs, such as supplier diversity and workforce development initiatives, are opening new doors for contractors, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. Tune in to learn more about how the CEC is working to foster an inclusive clean energy economy and what opportunities lie ahead for small businesses. The podcast was sponsored by Google.