Partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy, Grounded helped organize a creator event in tandem with the Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh, inviting environmental influencers, celebrities, artists, and leaders to participate in the conversation about how to strengthen America’s clean energy economy.

The conversation drove awareness and education about the connection between clean energy and national security. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm spoke with Ukraine’s Minster of Energy Herman Halushchenko as the country faced an invasion from Russia. The conflict spoke directly to the importance of energy independence, as Ukraine was dependent on its adversary for energy. Actress Piper Perabo served as moderator to bring greater awareness and interest to the issue.

Using headlining musical guests, TradesForce, a campaign of Grounded, organized concerts in Detroit and New Orleans, partnering with local unions and workforce development agencies to mobilize potential workers to attend the concert, learn about clean energy careers, and dispel stereotypes about skilled trades jobs in the clean economy.

The mass mobilizations featured musical guests Lil Tecca in Detroit and Big Freedia in New Orleans. Local workforce development agencies spoke to crowds of thousands of young people, educating attendees about the high earning potential and fulfilling work provided by jobs in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and green building.