In recent years, the clean technology sector has witnessed a remarkable surge in female leadership, with women driving pivotal innovations and shaping a sustainable future. Historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, women are now breaking barriers and leading transformative projects in clean technology. Their contributions are advancing environmental sustainability and fostering inclusive economic growth. In commemoration of International Women's Day 2025, this article highlights five inspiring women making a significant impact in the field.
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1. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – Championing Ocean Sustainability
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, and advocate for ocean conservation. With a Ph.D. in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, she has dedicated her career to addressing the intersection of climate change, ocean health, and social justice. She co-founded the Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank focused on coastal cities, and is the co-creator of the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for integrating ocean health into climate policy.1
Dr. Johnson’s work emphasizes the critical role of oceans in mitigating climate change. She has pioneered research on sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas, advocating for policies that balance ecological preservation with economic needs. Her leadership in the Blue New Deal has highlighted the importance of ocean-based solutions, such as restoring coastal ecosystems and promoting offshore renewable energy.1
Dr. Johnson has influenced policymakers and industry leaders to prioritize ocean health in climate strategies through her research, writing, and advocacy. Her efforts have helped address the gap between science and policy, ensuring that ocean sustainability remains a key component of global climate action.1
We Are One Ocean, with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Video Credit: World Surf League/YouTube.com
2. Dr. Ellen Williams – Advancing Renewable Energy Storage
Dr. Ellen Williams is a distinguished physicist and former Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). With a career spanning academia, government, and industry, she has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy technologies. Her expertise lies in materials science and energy storage, areas critical to the transition to a clean energy future.2,3
During her tenure at ARPA-E, Dr. Williams oversaw the development of groundbreaking energy storage technologies, including next-generation batteries and grid-scale storage solutions. Her work has focused on improving the efficiency, affordability, and scalability of renewable energy systems to enable greater solar and wind power integration into the grid.2,3
Dr. Williams’ contributions have accelerated the commercialization of energy storage technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing grid stability. Her leadership has inspired a new generation of researchers and entrepreneurs to tackle the technical challenges of renewable energy deployment.2
3. Emily Reichert – Fostering Clean Tech Startups
Emily Reichert is the CEO of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). Before joining MassCEC in 2023, Emily served as CEO of Greentown Labs, North America's largest climate tech startup incubator, for nearly a decade. With a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and a background in business, Reichert has a unique ability to close the gap between scientific innovation and entrepreneurial success.4
Reichert transformed Greentown Labs into a thriving ecosystem for cleantech entrepreneurs, providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding. Under her leadership, Greentown Labs became a hub for clean tech innovation, supporting over 200 startups. She has championed initiatives that address critical sustainability challenges, such as carbon capture, energy efficiency, and circular economy solutions.4
Reichert positioned Greentown Labs as a catalyst for clean tech development by fostering collaboration and innovation. Her work has accelerated startup growth and strengthened the cleantech ecosystem, making it more inclusive and impactful.4
4. Lisa Dyson – Revolutionizing Carbon-Negative Food Production
Dr. Lisa Dyson is the CEO of Air Protein, a company at the forefront of sustainable food innovation. With a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a background in strategy consulting, she has applied her expertise to address the environmental impact of food production. Air Protein uses cutting-edge technology to create protein-rich foods from carbon dioxide, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture.5
Dr. Dyson’s groundbreaking work involves using microbial fermentation to convert CO2 into nutritious protein. This process, inspired by NASA’s research on closed-loop food systems, can potentially revolutionize the food industry by reducing its carbon footprint. Air Protein’s products are carbon-negative, meaning they remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than they emit.5
Dr. Dyson’s innovations are reshaping the future of food production, offering a scalable solution to feed a growing global population while mitigating climate change. Her work has garnered widespread attention, positioning Air Protein as a leader in the emerging field of sustainable food technology.5
5. Professor Veena Sahajwalla – Innovator in Sustainable Materials
Professor Veena Sahajwalla is a materials scientist and engineer renowned for her work on sustainable materials and recycling technologies. She is the Director of the Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre at the University of New South Wales, Australia.6
Sahajwalla introduced the "green steel" concept, a method of producing steel using recycled rubber tires as a carbon source to help reduce reliance on coal. She also developed micro-factories that transform electronic waste into valuable materials, promoting circular economy principles.6
Her innovations have provided sustainable waste management and resource recovery solutions, influencing industry practices and policies worldwide. Sahajwalla's work exemplifies how scientific research can lead to practical applications that address environmental challenges.6
Broader Impact and Industry Trends
Women in clean technology are driving advancements and reshaping leadership structures within the sector. Their contributions emphasize the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing global sustainability challenges. Breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes is leading to greater gender diversity in the STEM and sustainability sectors.3,7
Despite their growing influence, women in STEM and sustainability continue to face significant challenges, including gender bias, unequal access to funding, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Addressing these barriers is essential to unlocking the full potential of female talent in clean technology.3,7
The innovations driven by these women align closely with global clean energy and climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their work contributes to the transition to a low-carbon economy, preserving natural ecosystems, and creating sustainable food systems.3
The Future of Women in Clean Technology Sectors
The impact of these five women demonstrates the transformative power of innovation in clean technology. As their work continues to influence industries and policies, supporting increased female participation in sustainability sectors is essential.3,7
Ongoing initiatives, including mentorship programs, investment in women-led startups, and STEM education efforts, are crucial in fostering future leaders in clean technology.
By embracing diverse talent and ideas, the clean tech industry will continue to drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future.7
References and Further Reading
- Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/
- Ellen Williams: The future of energy innovation. Ensia. https://ensia.com/interviews/ellen-williams-energy-innovation/
- Mansour, M. et al. (2024). Female leadership and environmental innovation: do gender boards make a difference? Discov Sustain 5, 331 (2024). DOI:10.1007/s43621-024-00545-3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43621-024-00545-3
- Emily Reichert. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/people/emily-reichert/
- Lisa Dyson. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/people/lisa-dyson/
- Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla. UNSW Research. https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/scientia-professor-veena-sahajwalla
- Felgueira, T. et al. (2024). Empowering Women in Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Qualitative Approach. Education Sciences, 14(10), 1127. DOI:10.3390/educsci14101127. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/14/10/1127
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