Legal Services of Greater Miami’s Business Breakfast panel talks climate tech path forward for Miami
Panelists, from the left, included Francesca de Quesada Covey, chief Innovation and economic development officer for Miami-Dade County; Patricia Wexler, founder and general partner, Avila VC; Anya Freeman, CEO of Kind Designs; moderator Matt Haggman; Legal Services CEO Legal Services CEO Monica Vigues-Pitan; and Legal Services board President D. Porpoise Evans.
Legal Services of Greater Miami (Legal Services) hosted its Business Breakfast Panel on Miami’s climate tech future and its impact on the community.
This year’s event explored the economic and community-based opportunities stemming from climate resilience initiatives and the recent designation of South Florida as a National Tech Hub for Resilience.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recorded a welcome video message for the event and shared how Miami-Dade County is at the frontline of climate change and solutions. The panel discussion featured Francesca de Quesada Covey, Miami-Dade County’s chief innovation and economic development officer; Anya Freeman, CEO of Kind Designs; and Patricia Wexler, founder and general partner of Avila VC. Moderated by Matt Haggman, the panel delved into the intersection of climate resilience, technology, and economic development.
The Business Breakfast Panel served as a platform for industry leaders to share and discuss pressing issues and updates related to climate tech. This year’s theme underscored the importance of innovative approaches to address climate change while fostering economic growth and equity, according the Legal Services.
“All agreed that Miami has the distinctive advantage to become a leader in climate tech and transform all sectors of the economy to one that is sustainable and achieves net-zero emissions,” Legal Services said in a statement.
Freeman, a lawyer and climate tech entrepreneur, shared her perspective that sees capitalism as the driving force, meaning new climate technology will need to be more affordable, innovative, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, while achieving environmental benefits as an added value, so that greener products become the obvious choice for consumers.
As an investor in early-stage startups, Wexler explained some of the advantages that these strategic investments have and noted that small businesses that have the flexibilities to put new technologies to work to drive efficiencies and fight climate change will have a vital role to play in the transition.
De Quesada Covey, who is leading efforts to accelerate innovation and economic opportunity at the county level, spoke about the importance of becoming a tech hub around climate and the extensive economic opportunities that will become available through job creation for underserved communities and the deployment of funds to communities traditionally left behind.
For the past seven years, Legal Services has hosted an annual Business Breakfast Panel that focuses on critical issues affecting the community.
“Climate tech can unleash endless possibilities that promote a more equitable and just Miami,” said Legal Services CEO Monica Vigues-Pitan. “And having these discussions is essential to ensure equity is at the forefront as well as to educate the community about opportunities that can lead to economic progress for our low-income workforce and small businesses.”
She said attendees ranging from different backgrounds including law, banking, and advocacy gained valuable insights into emerging trends, investment opportunities, and collaborative strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of climate resilience with the common goal of making Miami a better place.
