RECESS25 Announces Conference Guest Speaker, Political Leader, Author, and Entrepreneur, Stacey Abrams

DETROIT, Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS25) is excited to welcome Stacey Abrams to the RECESS25 lineup, bringing power to the clean energy movement.

Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and political leader. She served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she was the first Black woman to become gubernatorial nominee for a major party in United States history. Abrams has devoted her career to democracy protection, voting rights, and effective public policy. She has also co-founded successful companies, including a financial services firm, an energy and infrastructure consulting firm, and the media company, Sage Works Productions, Inc.

Her commitment to equity in energy is evident in her work with Rewiring America, the leading U.S. nonprofit focused on electrification. As a senior advisor and consultant, Abrams helped launch and scale a national campaign to support community-wide transitions to electric energy. In 2023, she helped bring the organization's life-altering program to DeSoto, GA, enabling eco-friendly upgrades to every household in the community.

"We are so excited to present another conference where equity is at the forefront of the clean energy transition, not as a sidebar," says Carla Walker-Miller, convener of the RECESS conference and founder and CEO of the presenting organization, Walker-Miller Energy Services. "With speakers like Stacey Abrams and a growing list of dynamic voices, RECESS25 is a unique opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technologies and practices that can revolutionize the sector."

RECESS is not just another conference. Highlighting the work of diverse thought leaders and change-makers who are shaping the clean energy future, this one-of-a-kind event emphasizes the need for meaningful, intentional networking opportunities that can lead to collaborative ventures and significant progress and promoting education and capacity-building for communities of color, ensuring their participation and leadership in clean energy initiatives. With riveting panel sessions featuring national and local clean energy experts, there is something for every attendee. Past keynote deliveries and plenary sessions include remarks from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; former Presidential Appointee, Dr. Henry C. McKoy; Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; former Department of Energy executive and the "architect" of the Justice40 Initiative, Shalanda Baker; and more.

Breakout session topics range from workforce development training and career pathways to access to funding for small business owners and innovators, environmental justice sustainability and fairness, emerging businesses in clean energy, including community voices in planning for energy justice, retrofitting old buildings, and clean energy technology.

RECESS is a highly collaborative conference—providing a dynamic opportunity for networking. Attendees from across the country make up a variety of sectors, including clean energy entrepreneurs and business owners; energy efficiency and building performance experts; community organizers and leaders; Indigenous and ethnic leaders; federal, state, and local government officials; clean energy and technology industry stakeholders; corporate decision-makers; research and academia professionals; college/university students; environmental justice community members; investors and financial impact leaders; and developers and community-focused foundations.

Woven throughout the three-day event are networking receptions, breakout sessions and workshops, a bustling exhibitors' hall, and one-on-one meetings. 2024 attendees took full advantage of the conference's event management platform, Whova, by creating on-site meetings to connect one-on-one and in small groups—building opportunities for targeted discussions with industry leaders, policymakers, and potential collaborators, enhancing the relational dynamic of the event. The 2025 theme, "Driving Health and Equity in the Clean Energy Transition" focuses on making a significant impact on the clean energy industry by ensuring that communities of color are at the forefront of shaping the clean energy economy by prioritizing and catalyzing equity as a means of socioeconomic well-being, encapsulating both physical and financial health in the clean energy sector as critical gains for diverse communities.

"Thanks to our sponsors from last year's event, we were able to provide 48% of attendees with free registration—an audience that included environmental justice advocates and students, and 10% of attendees benefited from reduced registration rates, in support of small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. While we are hosting in the great state of Michigan, 35% of conference participants came from outside of the state, enhancing geographic diversity. So there really is something for everyone who is interested in clean energy at RECESS," says Carla Walker-Miller.

She goes on to say, "If you believe in growing the clean energy industry by removing barriers to sustainable clean energy careers; creating equitable pathways to business ownership and expansion; retrofitting the built environment to address health and economic disparities; and collective action with like-minded decision-makers and innovators, we invite you to participate in RECESS25.

Building on the success and momentum of RECESS23, held at Newlab @ Michigan Central, and RECESS24, held at the Marriott @ Renaissance Center, RECESS25 is a beacon of hope, calling for urgent action to address the inequities that prevent Black, Brown, Indigenous and Other communities from fully engaging in and benefiting from the growing clean energy sector. RECESS is dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating immediate, tangible pathways for all communities to access sustainable careers, business opportunities, and ownership in clean energy. By leveraging essential resources, forming partnerships, and providing education, RECESS25 aims to build a more inclusive clean energy future where diverse voices lead and innovate.

RECESS25 is made possible through the generous support of local and national sponsors. For a complete listing visit therecessconference.com. Companies and organizations that are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at RECESS25 should contact Kierra Riser, Director of Continuous Improvement, Walker-Miller Energy Services, by calling 248-255-5948 or emailing [email protected]. For general inquiries call 888-502-0187 or email [email protected]. For detailed conference information visit www.therecessconference.com.

About Walker-Miller Energy Services

Walker-Miller Energy Services, founded in 2000, is a Certified B Corporation and trusted partner with deep roots in the energy industry. Through an equity lens, the company provides thought leadership to utilities, municipalities, businesses, and communities to help achieve energy reduction goals and drive the benefits of clean energy to all communities. Their experience-driven philosophy of energy as equity helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Empowered by the company culture of kind excellence, Walker-Miller Energy Services consistently achieves energy efficiency program goals and delivers the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Guided by these core values: Boldly Go above and beyond with Humble Confidence, Embrace Equity, Inclusive Stewardship, and an abiding commitment to Value Reputations, while delivering Extraordinary Experiences for team members, clients, and stakeholders, Walker-Miller Energy Services is committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. Visit www.wmenergy.com for more info.

Media Inquiries

All media inquiries for photos and/or interview requests with representatives of Walker-Miller Energy Services should contact: Kebina Young, [email protected], 313-570-1747

SOURCE Walker-Miller Energy Services