Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful panel discussion on climate and energy transitions, featuring three distinguished experts—including two Iowa alumni—who are at the forefront of sustainability and energy transitions. With expertise ranging from energy efficiency and global methane mitigation to renewable energy adoption, our panelists will discuss the strategies and solutions driving our global transition towards cleaner and more resilient energy sources, as well as the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Don’t miss this engaging conversation as these experts illuminate pathways towards a more sustainable future.

Our distinguished panelists include:

UI Alum Marcelo Mena-Carrasco, Chief Executive Officer, Global Methane Hub

Mena is a Professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and the former Environment Minister for Chile under the Michelle Bachelet government (2014 to 2018). As minister, he spearheaded multiple international environmental initiatives, including helping craft a landmark agreement to phase out coal power generation, South America’s first carbon taxes for power generation and new car sales, creating 45,000 square kilometers of national parks, and protecting 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean. Previously, he was Practice Manager at the World Bank, where he led the team that created the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.

Mena is a biochemical engineer who holds MS and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Engineering from The University of Iowa, focusing his research on estimating the externalities of biofuels, power generation, transportation, and residential heating. He used his research to advocate for renewable energy and push for more stringent regulations to stop dirty coal power generation in Chile. He has received awards from UNEP, National Geographic, Oceans Unite, NASA and the EPA, as well as fellowships from MIT and the Fulbright Commission.

Mathilde Godard, Director of Renewable Energy Sales Acceleration, ENGIE

Mathilde is the Director of Renewable Energy Sales Acceleration at ENGIE’s trading and supply division. ENGIE boasts one of the largest trading and supply franchises in the world, serving more than 200,000 customers, spanning diverse industries and sizes throughout Europe, the Americas and Australia. In her role, Mathilde collaborates closely with Sales, Structuring, and Marketing teams, orchestrating the seamless integration and widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions for ENGIE’s customers, prospects, and partners. ENGIE’s commitment to driving the renewable energy movement not only empowers its clients, but also propels the company towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

UI Alum Mark Kresowik, Senior Policy Director, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

Mark supports the success of the members of ACEEE’s policy team and our partners shaping decisions at the local, state, utility, and federal levels across every part of the economy as we accelerate ambition for improving energy efficiency and centering those most historically overburdened and underserved in our communities. Mark joined ACEEE in 2022.

Prior to joining ACEEE, Mark managed federal and international policy for RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings Program and led clean energy campaigns with the Sierra Club for nearly 15 years. Mark has previously served as an interim executive director of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light and on the boards of RENEW Northeast, the Sustainable FERC Project, the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project.

Mark graduated with honors from the University of Iowa, where he designed an interdepartmental studies major in sustainable systems, was elected student government president, and helped start The 10,000 Hours Show. Mark has trained with The Management Center, the Rockwood Leadership Institute, Race Forward, the Midwest Academy, LifeLabs Learning, McKinsey & Company, Reos Partners, and the National Regulatory Research Institute.