About Us
In 2003, a group of Washington, D.C.-area women recognized a need in their community: a space to build relationships among professional women in environmental fields. Soon thereafter, these women held the very first EcoHour speaker event—which, to their surprise, drew a huge crowd of energetic women. That first gathering planted the seeds for a future environmental volunteer group called EcoWomen.
The initial group of volunteers continued to grow as the emerging organization began convening monthly speaker events, skills-building workshops, mentor dinners, special-interest clubs and outdoor adventures. Since the very first EcoHour event nearly 20+ years ago, EcoWomen has hosted 150+ EcoHours and a monthly speaker series.
We have brought in countless respected environmental professionals for our members and supporters to learn from, including a former administrator of the EPA, dozens of founders and executive directors of environmental organizations and companies, as well as top environmental reporters, scientists, and environmental justice advocates.
Today, EcoWomen is an incorporated non-profit poised to start local chapters throughout the nation—spreading its branches to connect professional women in every environment.
Mission
To inspire and empower women to be leaders for the environment by cultivating an inclusive community that fosters personal and professional development.
DC EcoWomen is the founding chapter of the National Organization, EcoWomen. Women who work on environmental issues have knowledge to share and a desire to learn from each other. Gathering women with common interests also helps us to develop personal and professional relationships.
Logo
The apple is a wholesome symbol of ecology and is green to reflect our dedication to environmental issues. The image of the apple embodies a wide range of environmental concepts, including growth, agriculture, and awareness to focus our attention on environmental issues. The tone of the logo is bold, professional and with a good sense of humor, to match our personalities and our approach to making positive environmental change happen.
The logo was designed by Fran Ornstein, an art director with over 25 years years of experience. Ms. Ornstein is currently an independent designer and communications specialist. She currently lives in Nova Scotia with her husband, where together they built their house out of piles of recycled materials. They have two wonderful children. EcoWomen warmly thanks Ms. Ornstein for designing our beautiful logo.