About this Event
Whether you’re deep in clean energy or just curious about where it’s headed, you’re invited to join us.
WRISE PDX is gathering at Montgomery Park for an evening of connection and conversation, with support from our sponsor, Avangrid.
Come early to meet new people and catch up with familiar faces. At 5:30 PM, we’ll settle in for a panel with Avangrid leaders exploring how AI can shape the future of renewable energy, from developing projects to keeping them running smoothly.
You don’t need a technical background or a point of view on AI. All you need is curiosity. Bring your questions, your ideas, and a friend or colleague.
Meet the panelists
Sara Parsons, Vice President, [Organic Growth / Development], Avangrid
Sara leads Avangrid’s development work, from site selection and permitting to interconnection, engineering, and offtake strategy. With more than 20 years in renewable energy at Avangrid and SunPower, she has helped develop over 4 gigawatts of wind and solar projects now operating in the U.S. She holds a B.A. in earth and environmental science from Wesleyan University and graduated from the Iberdrola School of Management Energizing Leadership Program.
Eleftheria (Lora) Chante, Vice President, Operations and Maintenance, Avangrid
Lora leads operations and maintenance at Avangrid Power and has served as Vice President since 2023. She joined Avangrid Renewables as Senior Director of Operations and Maintenance in 2021. Earlier in her career, she headed Operations and Maintenance for Europe in Iberdrola’s International Department, based in Athens, Greece. She holds a master’s degree in Renewable Energies from the National Technical University of Athens and an MBA from the University of Piraeus.
Silmar Crepaldi, Director, Project Management | Digital Transformation, AI & Optimization, Avangrid
Silmar leads AI and digital transformation programs that turn complex challenges into practical, scalable solutions. His experience spans supply chain, commercial negotiations, and asset and contract management across wind, solar, and battery storage, with roles in Brazil, Spain, and the U.S. He holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
Who it’s for
Everyone in the Portland-area clean energy and sustainability community: members, newcomers, job seekers, students, and the simply curious. You’re welcome here.
Registration
This event is free, but space is limited, so please register to reserve your spot. We’ll be on the 4th floor at Montgomery Park, and doors open for networking at 5:00 PM.
New to WRISE? Join our community for access to the Member Center (webinar archive and peer mentoring groups), plus discounts and early access to national events.
Thank you to Avangrid for sponsoring this evening and sharing their leaders’ time and insights with our community.
Event venue & nearby stays
Montgomery Park, 2701 Northwest Vaughn Street, Portland, United States