By Carlissa Arrow – 9/18/24
When did you start and what do you do at The Energy Co-op?
September 2024 – I assist the Energy Programs Director with program performance tracking and administrative tasks.
Could you share more about your journey and your background that lead you here?
I have a very multidisciplinary background – engineering, public policy, and design. Through a variety of work, school, and volunteer experiences, I grew a passion for environmental justice because it impacts every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to food access to international conflict. I chose the Energy Co-op because I realized the energy sector plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, and I can leverage my educational background to understand the grid – from a technical and financial perspective – and help accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
What have you enjoyed about the work you have done so far?
My coworkers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Tell us a very interesting fact about yourself that we don’t already know.
I am scuba certified! My first introduction to climate change was through a college course in the Caribbean where I was required to become scuba certified in order to study coral reefs.
What do you like (or dislike!) the most about living in/around Philly?
Access to so many museums and recreational activities like tennis (the adult version of pickle ball).
What song has been your JAM recently?
Pink Pony Club by Chappel Roan.
What does sustainability mean to you and how do you put it into practice day to day?
Sustainability means making lifestyle choices that are repeatable, long-lasting, and beneficial to your well-being and the welfare of the environment. Personally, I choose to take public transit and shop from local farmer’s markets to reduce my carbon footprint, improve my health, and support the local economy.
What are your goals for your first year at The Energy Co-op?
Absorb as much knowledge as I can about the electricity market and how that affects the transition to renewable energy.