On November 1st, 2023, CLEANcarolinas hosted a partner breakfast meeting during the Making Energy Work Conference in Raleigh, NC, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards a sustainable future. In an intimate setting that fostered relationship building and collaborative planning, partners of CLEANcarolinas gathered to share insights and forge stronger connections. The highlight of the event was an inspiring talk by Alan Cohen, Program Director at the US National Science Foundation, who delved into the prospects of future clean energy. His commendation of CLEANcarolinas' progress thus far not only underscored the organization's impact in the clean energy sector but also ignited a sense of pride and motivation among the partners. This gathering, characterized by its warm and collaborative atmosphere, served as a potent reminder of the bright future that lies ahead, driven by shared goals and united efforts in advancing clean energy initiatives.