By Austin Wells, Strategic Planner, Green Workforce Collaborative
Let me tell you about an amazing event that took place on July 25th, 2025! The Green Workforce Collaborative (GWC), in partnership with the Center for Government & Civic Services (CGCS) at Austin Community College, hosted the Central Texas Climate Summit at the CGCS headquarters (ACC Rio Grande Campus) from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The space was buzzing with energy, ideas, and collaboration.
Over 100 students, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates came together for a day all about working together, taking action, and building climate resilience across Central Texas. The event was fully catered by ACC’s internal team, and, in the true spirit of sustainability, it was a zero-waste event with compostable packaging for all the food and refreshments.
More than 15 community organizations participated – giving attendees the chance to connect, share resources, and brainstorm actionable strategies to tackle local climate challenges. The day kicked off with inspiring remarks from Congressman Greg Casar, Commissioner Brigid Shea, State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, and Tatianna Cannon, CEO and Founder of the Green Workforce Collaborative. These leaders highlighted the power of regional coordination, civic engagement, and real-world solutions to create a more climate-resilient community.
“This is the moment in which you have to push through,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “We have to continue our organizing because big money is running scared. They see how our movement is growing. We are at the precipice point, but nothing we win is permanent unless we continue to work together and stay vigilant. You all have on the line whether this movement to tackle the climate crisis by creating good green jobs actually lowering costs taking on polluters and big money will be able to prevail or whether we will recede and give up I know that in Austin we don’t just give up and I know that Texans are not scared of a fight and I know that we’re not going anywhere.”
Panel Discussion
The summit featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Austin Wells (me!), Community Relations Manager at CGCS and
Strategic Planner for GWC. Panelists shared insights from across Central Texas: Jesus Garcia from the Herbal Action Project spoke about traditional ecological practices and community food systems; Mary K. Priddy-Bain from the City of Austin highlighted innovative public engagement strategies; Dr. Lakisha Barrett discussed integrating climate awareness into institutional programs; and Russell Taylor from the Austin Bicycle Advisory Council explored sustainable infrastructure and community advocacy. Together, they offered actionable strategies and real-world examples for attendees to take back to their own communities.
Breakout sessions allowed participants to dive deeper into topics like food systems, environmental health, housing, transportation, and policy engagement. Facilitated roundtables gave attendees a chance to identify shared priorities, explore partnerships, and map out practical first steps for local climate action. An interactive poll captured attendees’ top priorities, including creating a regional calendar and contact directory for environmental initiatives, increasing civic engagement, and strengthening collaboration across sectors.
Tattiana Cannon closed the summit with a call to action, encouraging attendees to keep building partnerships and translating ideas into measurable outcomes. Students and community members left inspired, with several committing to host community meetings, join advocacy campaigns, and contribute to shared regional resources.
Outcomes
The Central Texas Climate Summit marked the official launch of a CGCS-led climate initiative. Attendees left with clear, actionable priorities, stronger regional connections, and motivation to continue environmental work within Central Texas. Students reported feeling more engaged and inspired, with several committing to follow-up actions such as hosting community meetings, joining advocacy campaigns, and contributing to shared regional resources.
“This summit was about more than discussion—it was about creating a roadmap for action,” said Tatianna Cannon, CEO & Founder of the Green Workforce Collaborative. “Attendees gained tangible strategies, connections, and momentum to make a real impact in the climate space across Central Texas.”
The Green Workforce Collaborative continues its mission to cultivate a dynamic, sustainable, and accessible green workforce through networking opportunities, learning resources, employer support, and community engagement. Events like the Central Texas Climate Summit are an example of our commitment to connecting people, ideas, and solutions for a greener, more resilient future.
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