BlackOak Collective

BlackOak combines the power of networking with digital engagement to create a safe space for Black environmental career development, support, and community. Our organization welcomes all Black people working towards a better environmental future.

Despite being some of the first and worst hit by the climate crisis, Black people are underrepresented across the green jobs landscape—from environmental non-profits and clean energy companies to corporate sustainability offices and government agencies. BlackOak Collective focuses exclusively on building Black community through a shared professional development and networking space because community is the cornerstone of recruitment, retention, and innovation. Some experts estimate that up to 70-80% of jobs are filled through networking, a function of growing and leveraging one’s professional community. During heavy times like these, community is often the deciding factor between what keeps a young Black professional in an environmental career, and helps generate the social capital needed to turn innovative ideas into reality. By building Black community in environmental careers, BlackOak lays the foundation for the just green transition that is taking place before us. We uplift our community to challenge the disparity.

BlackOak Collective serves early- and mid-career professionals through a dynamic mix of recruitment, professional development, one-on-one support, curated job listings, virtual/in-person events, partner-based programming and digital engagement that meets our three goals. 

1. Increase Black Retention - Build community for Black professionals and advocates in environmental and sustainability sectors and catalyze mentorship to increase Black retention in environmental fields.
2. Increase Black Recruitment - Increase access to environmental and sustainability careers, engage students and foster channels of mentorship to increase Black recruitment in environmental fields.
3. Increase Black Innovation - Dismantle professional silos to spur collaboration and innovation through shared community and events.