Christen Goeken

Christen is a third-generation entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, energy, and sustainability. She has a background in Telecommunications and Smart City Technology with a focus on intelligent ecosystems that impact humanity and the environment. She has experience in creating education programs for universities focused on raising awareness of local issues and creating strategies for community-led solutions. She has conducted research for the California Public Utility Commission on water conservation and loves to problem-solve and design unique solutions utilizing untraditional applications of technology. She currently serves as Director of Sustainability at Go Green LED, a certified Woman-owned smart city technology company and is the co-founder of Opalus Labs which designs custom technology solutions for global projects.

I worked with the city of Aurora, IL (the second-largest city in the state) to finalize and release their latest Sustainability Plan which includes various innovative goals and initiatives for the city to implement between now through 2030. These goals cover the focus areas of:​

1. Climate Change
2. Community Development & Land Use
3. Education & Engagement
4. Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Management
5. Environmental Justice
6. Resilient Communities
7. Transportation & Infrastructure
8. Waste Minimization, Reuse & Recycling
9. Water Quality & Conservation

Through my company Opalus, we have teamed up with Emerge and Georgia Tech’s Phi Gamma Delta to launch the first Aquaponics Project of its kind. Student teams get training in science and innovation while building aquaponics systems with Opalus Grow Lights. They work with Georgia Tech grads from Phi Gamma Delta fraternity to create their own enterprise, delivering systems and fresh vegetables to local chefs. This program works alongside community partners to give young students real-world experience in sustainable food production, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

I have also begun as the host of a SDG-focused television series that is covering inspiring stories from individuals and companies around the world that are working towards the Global Goals.

More information about my latest projects can be found at www.opalus.io.