The 2025 Summit was a day full of connection, inspiration, and community-driven sustainability. The day started with our keynote and workshop by Arielle V. King, who introduced the concept of Radical Imagination: the practice of envisioning bold, long-term possibilities while taking meaningful steps today. Throughout the day, attendees shared powerful stories of sustainability in action across Dane County, learned about the relationship between housing and sustainability, and explored the importance of art to tell stories about sustainability, science, and climate. The Summit serves as a reminder that collaboration and connection are important in progress towards sustainability. We are thrilled to hear stories and testimonials directly from Summit attendees, these experiences bring Sustain Dane’s mission to life. Attic Angel attendees, Janelle and Sue, captured the Summit so thoughtfully in their blog post below.
Sustain-Ability
By Janelle Taylor – Attic Angel Community Housing Manager
In November, our Sustainability Committee co-chairs, Janelle Taylor and Sue Robinson, attended the Sustain Dane Annual Summit. This event brings together local leaders to share ideas and explore new strategies for a more sustainable future. Janelle and Sue did not know what to expect from the Summit but were eager for the opportunity to attend. Following the event, they took some time to reflect on their experience and highlight a few of their key takeaways to share with Attic Angel.
They found the Summit to be truly inspiring. One of the most uplifting parts of the day came from listening to participants in small discussion groups. Attendees shared stories of positive, concrete changes already happening in their workplaces and communities: cleaner copier machines and printers, efforts to bring solar panels to Verona High School, and the development of rapid bus transit. They also learned about the Ho-Chunk Nation’s ongoing work to reclaim and restore plant and tree seeds. This was a powerful reminder of the deep connection between environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. These examples proved that meaningful progress is happening in Dane County.
Another theme that resonated deeply was the concept of ecological grief – the emotional impact of witnessing environmental changes over our lifetimes. Many of us can relate to remembering cooler, less humid summers; clear skies unclouded by wildfire smoke; or the presence of tree species that are now threatened by invasive insects. Acknowledging this grief is an important step in understanding our profound and dependent connection to the environment.
The Summit also highlighted the growing importance of trade work as a career pathway, particularly roles that center environmental efficiency and green technologies. As our community invests in sustainable buildings, energy systems, and infrastructure, skilled tradespeople will continue to be essential.
A standout moment was the keynote speaker, Arielle V. King’s, presentation highlighting underrepresented individuals and groups within the environmental movement. Her work in education and outreach illustrated how critical it is to ensure all voices are included in shaping a sustainable future. The panel discussion on housing sustainability and affordability further emphasized this point, offering new insights into homeownership demographics in Dane County and equitable access to sustainable housing solutions.
Perhaps the most powerful idea Janelle and Sue carried home was the concept of Radical Imagination – the encouragement to envision bold, long-term possibilities, even if the outcomes may not be realized in our lifetimes. This mindset invites us to dream big while still taking small, meaningful steps today that can pave the way for significant change.
Overall, the Sustain Dane Annual Summit sparked a further sense of hope and purpose. It reminded us that progress is not only possible – it is already unfolding through the collective efforts of individuals, organizations, and communities committed to a healthier, more sustainable Dane County. Attic Angel Community has a place in that effort, and we should be proud of our work thus far and excited for the work yet to come.