History & Mission

 

Our Purpose:

To create a healthy, resilient planet where environmental justice, gender equality, and human/animal rights are at the forefront of everything we do as a community.

 

Mission:

Our mission at WEN is to foster professional networks for women and underrepresented genders who work, study, or are interested in any aspect of the environmental sector. We strive to:

  • Provide current information on environmental topics

  • Build personal and professional networks

  • Encourage and support women and genders underrepresented in the environmental sector

  • Promote a greater understanding of an individual’s role in preserving and improving the environment

 

Values:

WEN has 3 core values:

  1. Support a resilient planet where natural resources are accessible to all regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion

  2. Provide opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive personally and professionally

  3. Facilitate an educationally rich networking environment.

 

History:

Established in 1992, WEN is a volunteer-based organization passionate about fostering professional networks for those in the environmental sector. Since our establishment, WEN has aimed to sponsor five networking events a year on a variety of timely environmental topics including, but not limited to:

  • Environmental justice

  • Circular economy

  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation

  • Building resilient Minnesota communities

  • Corporate sustainability

  • Local food and agriculture