Fourth-generation Oregonian Alando Simpson took the stage at The Wings Conference in Portland in April 2024 and delivered a powerful, inspiring speech that left the audience buzzing with hope. Standing against a dark, velvety backdrop before 500 attendees, Simpson shared the poignant history of his family’s journey.
He recounted how his great-grandfather, a trash collector, faced racial discrimination that legally barred him from the industry. Despite these obstacles, his ancestors persevered, and the family business was passed down through generations.
“My father started a garbage company in 1996 with just a dream and a hope,” shared Simpson, who today is CEO of COR Disposal & Recycling. “He faced ridicule and rejection from the industry. But he was resilient. Over the years, my siblings and I have grown this business and made a significant impact on our community. No one’s laughing anymore.”
Simpson was among the dozen speakers who captivated The Wings Conference attendees, leaving them speechless at times and triumphant at others. As Oregon’s premier climate change event, the conference showcased the pinnacle of innovation and environmental stewardship in an upbeat and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Jefferson Smith prepared and coached each of the excellent Main Stage speakers. Michelle Jones expertly orchestrated the stage and logistics. And both Smith and Jones went on at length about the importance of the leadership and contributions of others.
A Team Effort – A “Fellowship of the Wings”
“We’re especially grateful to Technology Association of Oregon, Climate Curious, Prosper Portland, Portland State University, University of Portland, the steering committee, the sponsors and community partners. Nothing would have happened without them. The leadership they showed was inspiring. We were glad to help.”
Smith went on to talk about the deep importance of collaboration. “This is not a story of a hero or two – or even three – like with climate change, success requires collective cooperation”.
To make the point, Smith made a reference to the legendary book and film series, The Lord of the Rings. “One of the main things we have to do is to get beyond our own egos and hero narratives, and just try to help,” Smith said. “None of us is Aragorn, or even Frodo, Gandalf, or Galadriel – sorry, I just watched Lord of the Rings again. But each of us can have an impact through fellowship, and in community.”
“It even feels a bit weird giving quotes for an article to claim any credit. To make an impact on climate change and community is for us to derive meaning from the small ways we can each help. Not glorify ourselves. Not try to dominate attention or resources. In the scheme of things, what we did was insignificant, even though it was a ton of work. In the scheme of things, any of us is pretty small. But together we can do bigger things. And were just grateful to have been allowed to pitch in.”
Smith & Jones – two friends and helpers
Organizers Jefferson Smith and Michelle Jones have long been friends but joined forces last year to create a Conference that not only inspires attendees but also the entrepreneurs and leaders who speak and sponsor the event.
“Jefferson Smith is the best speaker coach I’ve ever seen,” Jones said. “He works with change makers, and can change the arc of careers.”
“Michelle Jones is the best logistics planner – and one of the best humans – I’ve ever known,” said Smith. “She can help create experiences that can impact lives. Even change them.”
Looking back over some of the most consequential events in Portland in 2024, the collaboration between Smith and Jones has yielded several of the most notable. In one year, Smith and Jones successfully launched three major conferences: the Innovation Network Gathering, Save Our Sites, and The Wings Conference. “We got all three of these off the ground in a year,” Smith said, “and that’s quite an accomplishment. With The Wings Conference, we focused on climate and technology and added the word ‘community’ to the event. We wanted to make it more inclusive and diverse and for others to feel a sense of belonging.”
“We’ve got to give credit to all the partners – from the Technology Association to the climate nonprofits, impact partners, and the sponsors. Nothing like the Wings conference happens because of one or two people. The whole point is to create a community experience – and that takes a community. And the hope is to build something the community can carry forward.”
What makes Smith and Jones a unique team is their ability to create energetic, amped-up experiences that leave a lasting impression on everyone who participates – both off and on stage.
“We got approached to do The Wings Conference because we’d gotten a reputation for executing high-production value, complex events that help bring communities together,” Jones said. “We take their vision and work to create events together.”
Jones is the command center of their collaborative efforts while Smith is curator, partner-gatherer, and head coach, working with speakers long before the event to ensure their voices are heard and stories are told with power.
Jefferson Smith, who spent a large part of his career in the public sector and politics, now serves in the private sector and carries the spirit of doing good in the world. He is a world-renowned public speaker, coach, political activist, entrepreneur, and business consultant passionate about creating change and inspiring communities.
Jones, who has a Ph.D., has an equally impressive background. She started a college from scratch and taught Leadership and Organizational Behavior courses in the traditional college system for 15 years.
“She is deeply purpose-driven,” Smith said about his colleague. “I work with her because she makes me a better person.”
‘She Flies With Her Own Wings’
The 2024 version of The Wings Conference took place on April 25, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, and was a resounding success, according to feedback from those who attended.
The event’s mission was to honor Oregon’s heritage while driving forward climate innovation, centered around the state’s motto – “She flies with her own wings.” The conference aimed to deepen the state’s connection with the environment by showcasing solutions, fostering conversations, and spotlighting leaders dedicated to deploying and scaling climate solutions.
Jefferson Smith and Jones said that the Wings Conference is an event and a vision of Oregon’s future unfolding before its citizens. The carefully crafted speeches, delivered by experts from diverse fields, were designed to resonate and inspire long after the conference concluded.
The conference also featured interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibits that provided attendees with practical insights and actionable strategies to champion environmental sustainability. The event’s collective energy and innovative spirit underscored Oregon’s commitment to leading the way in climate action, setting a powerful example for other states to follow.
Simpson painted a compelling vision of a zero-waste, circular economy that ensures everyone is provided for. And he called on Portlanders to lead this revolution — and become the planet’s most humane and resource-efficient city.
“We’ve got to figure out ways to localize our supply chains, to spur innovation, create green jobs and keep trash off our streets,” Simpson said. “But this can’t be done in silos, this can’t be done alone. We have to embrace a model of circularity, being represented as a collaboration.”
The Wings Conference featured various programs designed to inspire and drive action.
The Main Stage Talks consisted of tightly crafted presentations from diverse perspectives and disciplines, delivered with high production value to ensure a lasting impact beyond the conference day.
The Wings Showcases highlighted startups and social entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, focusing on growth companies and community partners making significant contributions to their industries and communities.
Dive Sessions offered an engaging conference experience by bringing together small groups with shared passions to discuss and develop ideas, tackle existing problems, and create actionable plans.
Additionally, the Expo showcased a myriad of climate tech associates, allowing attendees to engage directly with sponsors and Impact Partners and learn firsthand about groundbreaking projects and strides being made for a better climate future.
The Wings Conference Showcases Dynamic Speakers
Marcelino Alvarez, founder and CEO of Photon Marine, weaved together the past, present, and potential of humanity’s — and Portland’s — intimate relationship with rivers during his speech.
He called on Portlanders to be pioneers again — and bring forth some “big dig energy” to transform Portland’s waterfront into an “electric river” where whisper-quiet electric watercraft provide recreation and transport between a wide range of venues and amenities.
Alicia Chapman, CEO of Willamette Technical Fabricators, has a bold vision for workforce development to drive the green revolution.
In her talk, Chapman shared her journey from a bunker in Afghanistan to leading a pioneering metals manufacturing company in Portland focused on producing green infrastructure. She emphasized the importance of creating good jobs that integrate new technologies and offer meaningful work.
Her strategy is training a diverse new generation of skilled workers, including those from underserved communities, to support projects like modern, earthquake-resilient bridges and floating offshore wind turbines.
“People need purpose,” said Chapman, “but we are running out of time. We need to enhance our workforce and make it more efficient. Not by replacing people with technology, but by using technology to help them do more with less.”
Joseph Bull, Dean of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University, delivered a compelling talk at the Wings Conference. His presentation emphasized a critical but often overlooked element in addressing the climate crisis: Native American traditional knowledge. Bull challenged the STEM community to rethink its inclusion strategies, advocating for a system that values and integrates the unique perspectives and practices of Native Americans. His call to action was about enhancing diversity and infusing the STEM field with invaluable insights and approaches desperately needed to save our planet.
“We need to think seven generations ahead,” Bull said, “and keep humanity in STEM. We can do this here. Oregon has nine recognizable tribes, and Portland has a large urban Indian population. Systemic change is not about appropriation. Native folks are integral to this transformation.”
When asked to reflect on their favorite moments at The Wings Conference, both Smith and Jones spoke passionately about the countless memories they hold dear.
For Jefferson Smith, the conference was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. He was deeply moved by the collective effort to drive sustainable change alongside his fellow Oregonians. The speakers generously donated their time and delivered electrifying messages that ignited hope and inspired action.
“What truly inspired me was our team and community and the immense effort they put into this conference,” Smith said. “There’s so much behind-the-scenes work that goes unnoticed, and everyone executed their roles flawlessly. The positive feedback from attendees has us excited to plan the next one.”
Meanwhile, Jones found herself captivated by all the speakers, but one moment stood out above the rest. Watching Alando Simpson take the stage left an indelible mark on her. Simpson, a well-known figure in the community, rarely participates in such events, preferring to work behind the scenes. Securing his presence was a significant achievement, as he initially hesitated, uncertain about how his story of racial discrimination would be received.
Yet, his powerful narrative resonated deeply with the audience, making his appearance a defining conference moment.
“He stepped onto the stage, and we all held our breaths,” Jones recalled. “He gave such a beautiful speech, and the audience’s reaction was pure amazement. When he came off stage, he collapsed into Jefferson’s arms and asked for a hug. It was a touching moment—after all the preparation, seeing Jefferson’s pride in Alando’s bravery and watching him exceed all expectations was incredible. It was a beautiful moment for me, Jeff, Alando, the steering committee, and the audience. We will cherish it forever.”
Jones highlighted another unforgettable moment: the reading of a powerful script written by Jefferson Smith to kick off the conference. Delivered on stage by a host, Smith’s words ignited the spirit of The Wings Conference.
Jones believes that Smith’s inspiring message will resonate with Oregonians for generations to come.
The Wings Conference Opening Words
There was once a timber shipping town. People moved there to profit from and enjoy nearby nature’s bounty, and picked a city name on a coin flip.
The State picked a motto: “She flies with her own wings.”
The millennia-old love for the land evolved to environmental inventiveness. Growing awareness of extracting and emitting led to planning–where homes and farms could thrive, choosing transit over highways, preserving our world’s most beautiful beaches, and getting a nickel for our cans. (It’s now a dime.)
Creative and fluffy hearted people migrated to the middle-class town (less focused on timber shipping), and the town got famous as a creative hub. Big newspapers fawned.
About 7 generations after the coin flip, high housing prices, ecommerce and thinning downtown shops, a global pandemic, justice reckonings, and more…the town got down on itself. (With some help from an angry and less fluffy-hearted media.)
Lost touch with some of its roots. Lost touch of deep lessons, from indigenous to more recent teachers.
Meanwhile globally, all the extracting and emitting had been taking its toll around the planet over those 7 generations – raising the temperature of the very air and oceans.
And people were noticing.
So some people decided to gather in that town to see if some of that inventiveness and love of the land might have something to say and do about that global challenge…and maybe even revive some hometown mojo.
Elevating Higher
As the lights dimmed and the final applause echoed through the venue at The Wings Conference, the air was thick with the palpable energy of renewed hope and determination. The event not only inspired but also charted a clear path forward for Portland and beyond, fostering a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship.
Jefferson Smith, Michelle Jones, and their team successfully orchestrated an event that transcended mere discussion, igniting a movement that would ripple through the community. As attendees departed, they carried with them a shared vision of a sustainable future and the belief that, together, they could indeed “take flight” and lead the charge in combating climate change.
The Wings Conference had done more than inspire; it had empowered a city to rise, united in purpose and driven by the spirit of ‘She flies with her own wings.