In late June, members of the RIFE International team proudly joined the 2024 Sustainable Solutions Summit, an annual event hosted by the Black Student Fund and Forbright Bank. Held in the Washington, DC region, the summit brought together high school students and industry leaders to explore sustainability challenges and develop innovative business solutions aimed at improving the local environment.
This week-long initiative empowered students to work in teams, collaborate with mentors, and ultimately pitch their sustainable business ideas to a panel of judges. The winning team received scholarship funding to support their continued academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong Inspires the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Our founder and CEO, Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, participated as a featured speaker, sharing his personal and professional journey from growing up in Ghana to building RIFE International into a global clean energy company.
During his address, Kwabena spoke passionately about how recognizing an energy access problem in his community as a young person became the inspiration for launching RIFE. He emphasized the importance of resilience, networking, self-investment, and curiosity as critical tools for success, regardless of one’s background. His story resonated deeply with the students and offered a real-world example of how purpose-driven innovation can lead to global impact.
Hands-On Mentorship for Future Sustainability Innovators
Following Kwabena’s keynote, members of the RIFE International team provided hands-on support as business consultants, engaging directly with student groups to review their projects, offer feedback, and help refine their business models. This mentorship experience allowed students to gain real-time insights from professionals working in clean energy, sustainability, and innovation strategy.
The summit concluded with a dynamic pitch competition, where each team presented their sustainable business concept to a panel of judges. The ideas reflected creativity, environmental awareness, and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the green economy.
Investing in Youth and the Future of Sustainability
RIFE International is proud to support initiatives that empower young people to become future leaders in sustainability and climate innovation. The Sustainable Solutions Summit is a prime example of how education and industry collaboration can ignite real-world solutions for environmental challenges while opening pathways to green careers.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Black Student Fund and Forbright Bank for organizing this impactful summit and for their commitment to fostering equitable access to sustainability education and green job exploration.
To learn more about how RIFE International supports youth engagement and clean energy innovation, visit www.rifeintl.com.