A 501(c)(6) professional network for women working in the green economy, founded in the Bay Area and now running chapters in several cities. The San Francisco chapter is the original.
Who it's actually for
Women and nonbinary people already working in cleantech and sustainability, and those trying to get in. The career transition audience is the one WCS serves best: a recurring fireside chat series is built specifically around moving into the sector, and the chapter's own leadership are practitioners rather than professional networkers. The chair founded SmartWaste, the co-chair runs the Zero Food Waste Project, and the membership lead is a mechanical engineering student, which tells you the range of who is welcome.
It is a good fit if you want a professional network that also does beach cleanups and hikes. It is a weaker fit if you want to stay behind a screen, and a weaker fit if you are not looking for a women-centered space, which is the entire point of the organization.
What they run
Networking events, educational panels, and social outings including hikes, beach cleanups, picnics and happy hours. Climate Connects, their recurring mixer, has been running at Trellis in SoMa. A steady stream of virtual sessions covers career transitions and technical subjects, recently including AI, data centers and sustainability.
One thing to watch: WCS is a multi-city organization and its calendar mixes Bay Area events with Amsterdam, DC and Brooklyn. Check the location before you RSVP.
What it costs
In-person social events are typically free or low cost. Virtual sessions have recently run $15 to $25. Volunteering with the chapter asks for a one year commitment, which is a real ask and worth knowing before you email.
Where
Greater San Francisco Bay Area, with in-person events concentrated in the city and a heavy virtual program alongside them.
How to start
Climate Connects at Trellis if you want to meet people in a room, or a $15 virtual fireside chat if you want to hear how other people made the switch before committing an evening.
Links
womenincleantechsustainability.org · SF chapter · Events calendar · volunteer@womencleantechsustainability.org
Last verified: August 2026.
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