Technology entrepreneur and strategist Sherrell Dorsey is calling on Black and brown innovators to shift their focus toward climate technology, describing the rapidly expanding green economy as one of the “biggest transfers of wealth” in modern history.
Speaking on the Butternomics Podcast, Dorsey stated that opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and grid modernization are not only growing—but remain largely untapped by underrepresented communities.
“I think Black and brown innovators, if y’all want to build something today, go into the climate tech space,” she said. “There’s just wide open opportunity.”
A New Economic Frontier
Dorsey highlighted how the transition toward clean energy—often framed primarily as an environmental necessity—is also creating a massive economic shift. As governments and private industries invest heavily in energy independence and sustainability, entire new industries are emerging.
These include geothermal energy, renewable power systems, and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure—areas she believes will define the next wave of entrepreneurship.
“The country is going to have to modernize the grid,” she noted. “There’s going to be more investments in renewable energy. There’s lots of opportunity.”
From Community to Capital
Dorsey pointed to real-world examples already demonstrating the potential of the sector. She cited companies like ChargerHelp!, founded by Black women in Compton, which trains workers to maintain EV charging stations—jobs that can start at around $35 per hour and scale into high-growth ventures backed by venture capital.
The company’s trajectory—from community-based training to Series A funding—illustrates what Dorsey described as a “blueprint” for success in the green economy.
“This is a billion-dollar company,” she said, underscoring how technical roles in clean energy infrastructure can quickly translate into scalable businesses.
Beyond Gig Economy Thinking
A key part of Dorsey’s message was a call to rethink economic participation. She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to look beyond short-term gig economy opportunities—such as delivery platforms—and instead invest in industries positioned for long-term growth and wealth creation.
Her remarks come at a time when artificial intelligence and automation are also reshaping the labor market, further increasing the urgency for workers and entrepreneurs to align with future-facing industries.
Culture Meets Capital
The conversation also touched on the intersection of culture and business, with Dorsey framing the green economy as a space where innovation, identity, and opportunity converge.
“This is the new collision,” she suggested, pointing to a future where economic empowerment for marginalized communities is closely tied to participation in emerging technologies.
Analysts say the transition to clean energy could generate trillions of dollars in global economic activity over the coming decades. However, questions remain about who will benefit most—and whether historically excluded communities will be able to secure a meaningful stake.
For Dorsey, the message is clear: the window of opportunity is open—but not indefinitely.
“The blueprint is being written right now,” she said. “It’s time to get in the game before the gatekeepers close the door.”
