CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine Welcomes Amber Rahn as New Inclusive Engagement Director
The Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amber Rahn as the new Inclusive Engagement Director. Amber brings a wealth of experience in leadership, professional development, and diversity, inclusive engagement.
Amber Rahn has a distinguished career in fostering leadership excellence, driving impactful professional development initiatives, enhancing employee engagement, and championing equity and inclusion within organizations. With a strong track record of leading teams and mentoring individuals, Amber emphasizes empathy, communication, and strategic thinking in leadership roles. Her approach to professional development involves tailored programs that empower individuals to acquire new skills, navigate challenges, and advance their careers.
Amber’s work will include promoting a culture of acceptance and respect for diversity, ensuring equitable hiring and promotion practices within the Engine operations, and prioritizing corporate partners committed to inclusive engagement by verifying that they enact the inclusive engagement values in practice. Additionally, Amber will support the Engine’s work to provide economic benefit to distressed communities through workforce development programs, job creation, and promulgating outcomes equitably accessible to regional communities. Finally, as access to financial resources is often a major hurdle for underrepresented groups in areas of research and development, Amber will promote recruiting efforts from underserved communities such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES), and the Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE).
“Integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into the field of technology and climate resilience is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage,” said Amber Rahn. “It enhances innovation, promotes equitable access to environmental benefits, and builds resilient communities capable of addressing and adapting to climate challenges effectively. The CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine’s commitment to inclusive engagement is impressive, and I am excited to join a team that values inclusive engagement from the start of its projects.”
As Inclusive Engagement Director, Amber Rahn will deepen connections and develop relationships with entities committed to elevating the voices and stories of underrepresented individuals and communities. Her focus on equity will ensure that the benefits of clean technology and climate resilience efforts are distributed fairly among all populations, including marginalized and underserved communities.
“The CO-WY Engine’s work to promote collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders stands out,” Amber added. “Building partnerships fosters collective action and strengthens resilience strategies that are inclusive and comprehensive. I am excited to contribute to initiatives that empower communities and stakeholders to actively participate in and lead climate resilience activities.”
Mike Freeman, CEO of CO-WY Engine, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Amber Rahn to our team. Her extensive experience and commitment to equity and access will be invaluable as we continue to develop inclusive and effective climate resilience strategies. Amber’s leadership will help ensure that our work benefits all communities equitably and sustainably.”
About CO-WY Engine:
Led by Innosphere Ventures and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the CO-WY Engine is a collaborative initiative focused on driving innovation in climate resiliency and sustainability across the Colorado-Wyoming region. The CO-WY Engine brings together a diverse network of partners to develop and commercialize technologies that address critical environmental challenges, foster economic growth and enhance community well-being.
Visit www.co-wyengine.org for more information.