RFDC's Managing Director Jessica Ross Addresses Major Environmental Women's Group

February 22, 2010

On February 16, Ruder Finn DC's General Manager Jessica Ross spoke at Eco Women DC's monthly EcoHour event. The Eco women DC program brings together women with a cross section of skill sets to network and discuss best practices and key issues pertaining to the environment.

"Speaking to the Eco Women was a great opportunity to talk about what attracted me to Ruder Finn in the first place," explained Ross. "Unlike a number of agencies who launched 'green practices' or 'sustainability teams' in recent years, we've focused on environmental issues long before it was fashionable."

Referencing the passage of the stimulus bill, Ross discussed how available funding for things like hybrid vehicle battery technology, solar installations, environmental cleanup and green infrastructure spurred many Ruder Finn clients to action.

"Almost immediately, we had a line at the door of people asking how they could benefit from the stimulus," she said. "We quickly became adept at positioning our environmental clients to help them secure funding."

Eco Women DC's mission is to introduce individuals interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sector to those who can help motivate and encourage them in this often-challenging arena. The group works to empower women environmentalists by building a community and fostering networking, collaboration, and career building opportunities.

Past EcoHour speakers include such notable subject matter experts as: Jamie Berman Matyas, executive vice president/COO of the National Wildlife Federation; Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers; Kathleen Hogan, director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Juliet Eilperin of the Washington Post, among many others.