The Sierra Club Foundation announced that Shirley Weese Young, Chicago graphic designer and land conservationist, is the newest member to join the Board of Directors. Young’s resolve to see Chicago become a leader in renewable energy and her commitment to the Sierra Club is inspirational.
Passionate about transitioning to offshore wind in Lake Michigan and actively engaged with the Sierra Club’s Great Lakes, Great Communities program, Young is taking a lead with the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter’s advocacy for offshore wind in Chicago. Most recently Young made a generous contribution to the Sierra Club Great Lakes Wind Project.
“As the Sierra Club Foundation continues to fund projects that focus on ending our dependence on coal and oil, we must also promote the right set of clean energy solutions to replace them,” said Foundation Executive Director Peter Martin. “There’s significant potential for offshore wind, especially in the Great Lakes, and the Sierra Club Foundation is fortunate to have Shirley on board to help us get the job done. Her creativity, fire, tireless energy and boundless curiosity make her a true asset within the Sierra Club.”
Young is also politically active through the Illinois Sierra Club Chapter and the Illinois Wind Council. An ardent volunteer during the fight to close the Fisk and Crawford coal plants, both located in the heart of Chicago’s Southwest side, Young hosted the victory celebration earlier this year.
“Renewable energy solutions, particularly offshore wind in the Midwest, are crucial for the future of Chicago, the future of our country and the future of this planet,” said Shirley Weese Young. “It is with great pleasure that I take on a larger role within The Sierra Club Foundation and continue the momentum across the Great Lakes region towards a clean energy future.”
Young is the daughter of famous Chicago architect Harry Weese and Chicago interior designer Kitty Baldwin Weese. A Sierra Club member since 2008, Young is also involved with Door County Land Trust and sits on the board of 3Arts, an organization that supports Chicago artists.
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Offshore WIND staff, August 13, 2012; Image: sierra