By Lilly Price – 9/16/24
When did you start and what do you do at The Energy Co-op?
I started on September 3rd and am excited to be able to contribute so directly to the renewable energy evolution – and to do it alongside this team of staff and Co-op members. As Operations Manager, I’m responsible for overseeing our internal operations and infrastructure, executing key projects, and supporting strategic initiatives.
Could you share more about your journey and your background that lead you here?
I have a degree in Environmental Anthropology and have always been interested in how our institutions shape our relationship with the natural world, and vice versa. As a student at Swarthmore College in Delaware County, PA, I worked with educators and activists in North Philadelphia to found and fund a nonprofit that solarizes community centers and green spaces. Later, I worked managing the operations of a Philadelphia-based international development nonprofit, and discovered how rewarding it is to help mission-driven organizations serve even more effectively. I applied for a Fulbright research grant to dive into that topic, and spent last year working in Fiji with a local university to study how the country’s most successful community-owned sustainable enterprises operate. Now, I’m thrilled to be back home and supporting The Energy Co-op!
What have you enjoyed about the work you have done so far?
Seeing how enthusiasm for The Energy Co-op’s mission manifests in the day-to-day communications and culture of our staff team. Also, my coworkers have a ton of expertise. I have only been on the job for a few weeks at this point, so I know there’s a lot to look forward to and to learn, but I’ve also really enjoyed beginning to learn the ins and outs of the (highly complex!) renewable energy sector.
Tell us a very interesting fact about yourself that we don’t already know.
I learned how to spearfish in Fiji. It’s easier than you’d expect!
What do you like (or dislike!) the most about living in/around Philly?
My relationship with trolleys is complex. When I first moved to the area in 2016 from North Carolina, trolleys were very charming and romantic to me (don’t laugh). My bike and puny car’s suspension system feel otherwise, and a little of that charm has worn off. Still a huge fan, though.
What song has been your JAM recently?
“It’s My Life” by Dr. Alban and “Seabird” by Innovations
What does sustainability mean to you and how do you put it into practice day to day?
Sustainability has so many beautiful facets and I try to incorporate a few into my life. I like to help my friends harvest at their community garden patches, feel rewarded by sourcing mostly second-hand goods, trying to eat more low-carbon foods, and am coordinating bulk purchases of household goods with friends.
Lately, I’ve also been thinking a lot about relative impact. Some of the most impactful choices I can make don’t look like the ones above but are probably even more important. Switching to renewable energy has a massive impact on reducing the social and ecological costs of my lifestyle and influences how energy markets are structured. Also, supporting charities and community funds with my time and wallet is a habit I’m trying to commit to more. Right now, I believe it’s critical to leverage the power of community and collective action to change markets and policy. I am excited to connect with people who are on the same page, and to push the needle through my professional life as well as my personal choices.
What are your goals for your first year at The Energy Co-op?
I’m going to work to get a strong grasp of the industry and how this dynamic organization functions…which will actually take much longer than a year! It sounds like The Energy Co-op has an exciting year ahead, and I aim to support and eventually help drive plans for new projects, increased efficiency, and organizational growth.