To Whom It May Concern:

We, the women of CivicSolar, write to address the solar community following our experience at Solar Power International 2018. At this event we were appalled by the utilization of female trade show models, or “booth babes,” for brand promotion. Solar is not a myopic industry; we must lead the energy market and demand that both grid and gender parity are prioritized. We request the elimination of trade show models from future industry events, as they deter our industry from these goals.

Without product knowledge, nor appropriate business attire, trade show models act solely as a visual lure to attract attendees.  In a 2013 open letter this issue was addressed by WISE (Women in Solar Energy) and since then there has seemingly been no change.  

“These [depictions of women] not only diminish and trivialize women, but they discourage them from entering a field of work where they are already underrepresented. They also encourage men within the industry to continue to see women as outsiders – valuable only for their beauty and sexuality.”  

Women comprise only 24% of the industry, and trade show models’ one dimensional representation of women does not encourage empowerment or growth.

In addition to perpetuating a culture of disclusion, trade show models’ lack of brand acumen negatively affects a brand’s image.  We believe the way to gain market share and brand recognition is through cutting-edge technology. At these shows we seek out informative company representatives who can effectively communicate their competitive advantage.  

We thank our manufacturing partners that stand on the merits of their products at industry events and prioritize employing and elevating women to leadership roles. We invite you to move forward with us, so that five years from now we can celebrate the successes of solar as an energy generation technology and inclusive industry.

Women in solar are here to stay.

Sincerely,

Allegra Donadio | Senior Account Manager | CivicSolar

Mary Jane Gilliland | Account Manager | CivicSolar

Madeline Acri | Business Analyst | CivicSolar

Kristin Berry | Client Support Specialist | CivicSolar

Morgan Maltby | Sales Associate | CivicSolar

Karen Irey | Account Manager | CivicSolar

Paige Pendleton | Sales Associate | CivicSolar

Emma Tannehill | Sales Associate | CivicSolar

Erin Takata | Technical Sales Associate | CivicSolar

Caroline Gotwals | Account Manager | CivicSolar

Rachel Finn | Account Manager | CivicSolar

Christine Ryan | Account Manager | CivicSolar