Regional leaders to explore resilience at sustainability summit

Source: Highland County Press

By Green Umbrella, Press Release

As communities across the Midwest grapple with flooding, rising energy costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing uncertainty, leaders from across the region will gather at the Midwest Sustainability Summit to explore what it takes to build systems that can adapt, endure, and thrive. 

The Summit’s plenary panel, A Resilient Midwest: Building Thriving Systems That Last, will bring together leaders working across climate adaptation, energy, water systems, Indigenous leadership, and community resilience to explore how communities can adapt and thrive amid growing uncertainty.

Panelists include Dr. Rebecca Carter, former Director of Climate Adaptation and Resilience at the World Resources Institute and the Summit’s keynote speaker; Elizabeth Riggs, Great Lakes Regional Director for American Rivers; Tremaine Phillips, President of Third Coast Strategies; Gaby Roque, Climate & Migration Program Manager at the National Partnership for New Americans; and Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard, Executive Director of the Urban Native Collective.

Together, the panelists bring perspectives that span watershed restoration, climate adaptation planning, energy and policy strategy, and community-centered resilience. The discussion will highlight practical strategies and examples while exploring how communities can move from extractive models toward systems rooted in reciprocity, stewardship, and collective leadership.

“The Midwest has an opportunity to lead in building communities that are not only prepared for disruption, but positioned to emerge stronger because of how they invest in people, infrastructure, and collaboration,” said Charlie Gonzalez, Director of Engagement & Strategic Partnerships at Green Umbrella. “Resilience isn’t just about responding to challenges—it’s about creating the conditions for communities to thrive, even amid uncertainty.”

The Midwest Sustainability Summit takes place June 12 at the Sharonville Convention Center, bringing together more than 600 business, nonprofit, government, academic, and community leaders for a full day of learning, networking, and climate solutions. The event features nearly 100 speakers, 20 breakout sessions, an exhibitor expo, interactive experiences, an electric vehicle showcase, art exhibition, live performances, and a networking reception.

The Summit is the cornerstone event of Cincinnati’s inaugural Climate Week, a region-wide celebration of climate action taking place June 8–14. From beekeeping workshops and solar tours to film screenings and sustainability festivals, the week features more than 50 events across Greater Cincinnati, showcasing local solutions, community leadership, and opportunities for residents to engage in building a more resilient future.

To learn more about Cincinnati Climate Week and view the full calendar of events, visit cincinnaticlimateweek.org.

Green Umbrella, the Tri-State’s Regional Climate Collaborative, leads cross-sector collaboration to accelerate climate action across Greater Cincinnati.