Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) and GRID Alternatives Announce Winners of Solar Fellowship

WRISE and GRID Alternatives announced their selection of eight women for the 2020 Rising Women Solar Fellowship. The fellowship is an opportunity for women from diverse backgrounds who are interested in solar careers to participate in North American Smart Energy Week for networking, mentorship and solar education. Part of GRID and WRISE's workforce diversity initiatives, the program is aimed at women training for careers in installation and design as well as college and graduate students studying renewable energy and related fields.

Meet the 2020 Rising Women Solar Fellows

• Narissa Jimenez-Petchumrus, Duke University, MPP-MEM Energy & Environment
• Cheyenne Kabil, University of California, Berkeley, BS Environmental Policy
• Daniarely Loma-Jasso, University of Colorado, Boulder, BS Mechanical Engineering
• Brandy McElroy, Vocational Certificates in Solar, Energy and Construction
• Samia Oishi, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, BS Mechatronics Engineering
• Lianne Pinto, Georgetown University, Masters in Business Administration
• Benneth Salanga, University of Washington-Seattle, BS Materials Science and Engineering
• Alyson Vargas, University of Texas at Austin, BS/BA, Sustainability Studies/Communications and Leadership 

"Each day is an all too real reminder that we are living through the climate crisis and it is critical to have a diverse set of voices at the table as we work to navigate and mitigate current and future impacts," said WRISE Executive Director, Kristen Graf.  "This year's class of fellows continue to inspire me with the work they are already doing to be a part of the solution. I continue to be thankful for our partnership with GRID Alternatives and for all of our sponsors that make it possible for us to support these amazing women and showcase their accomplishments and recognize the additional potential they hold."

"We are honored to bring this amazing group of Fellows together in partnership with WRISE. These Fellows represent the type of talent that will be a real asset to grow and strengthen the solar industry," said Erika Symmonds, Vice President of Workforce Development and Service-Learning at GRID Alternatives. "We look forward to the insight they will gain from the virtual SPI experience and the unique perspectives they will bring to the industry." 

The fellowship normally covers the cost to attend the annual North American Smart Energy Week, this year's event is happening virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"The virtual line up for this year's event will provide our fellows with insights and the ability to make connections across the renewable industry and WRISE community," added Graf.

WRISE | http://wrisenergy.org

GRID Alternatives | www.gridalternatives.org