Climate-Ready Schools Symposium
Cultivating Sustainable Schools and Strong Communities
Registration is Open!
The Climate-Ready Schools Symposium will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the San Mateo County Office of Education. This conference will bring school leaders from across San Mateo County together to learn and share promising practices to improve environmental literacy, address legislative requirements, and promote sustainable operations and facilities. Breakouts will feature leading practitioners, district champions, agency experts, and student leaders, who will identify strategies, funding sources, and regional resources to accomplish environmental education and sustainability goals.
2026 Keynote Speakers
Karen Cowe is an education industry executive with over 30 years of experience spanning sales, fundraising, marketing, program design, professional learning, business development, and operations. She is the founding CEO of Ten Strands, a California nonprofit dedicated to advancing environmental literacy and supporting sustainable, resilient TK–12 schools.
Previously, Karen was President and CEO of Key Curriculum Press, a pioneering K–12 STEM publisher and served as Managing Director of Burlington Books in Athens, Greece, where she helped develop English-language instructional materials for Greek students.
Karen chairs the boards of Cognia and Open Up Resources, serves on the board of Golestan School, and advises Seventh Generation Advisors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in education from Saint John’s College, York, England, and an MBA from Saint Mary’s College, California.
Brothers Ethan and Desmond co-founded the H.O.P.E. Uniforms Program, a student led nonprofit that collects, recycles, and distributes free school uniforms to families in need. Desmond is a freshman at Aragon High School, and Ethan is a senior. Founded in 2020, the program now serves multiple districts and has become one of the largest school‑uniform recycling efforts in the country. What began as a small local project has grown through community partnerships and volunteer support, promoting equity, dignity, and sustainability by reducing costs for families and keeping textiles out of landfills.
In addition to leading H.O.P.E., Ethan is an Eagle Scout and Desmond is on track to earning his Eagle Scout. Their Scout training has instilled in them at a young age the values of conservation, responsibility, and service—principles that guide their work and leadership.
2026Â Symposium Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. | Light Breakfast |
| 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. | Introduction and Keynote Speakers |
| 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. | Breakout Session One |
| 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. | Breakout Session Two |
| 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | Lunch and Community Partner Tabling |
| 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. | Reflection and Outdoor Activity |