DEI 2022 Revolutionary Power Fellows
Expanding the Table
“Once you have a seat at the table, use it to expand the table.” – Natalie Edwards, Global Chief Diversity Officer at National Grid
NEWIEE’s Women Shaping the Agenda Program, A Call to Action: Changing the Face of the Energy and Environment Workforce, August 5, 2021
Back in 2008, a group of eight women gathered to discuss the lack of female representation in the energy and environmental professions and brainstorm ways to join together, support one another, and change the face of the industry – the beginning of New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE).
Thirteen years, and over one thousand members later, NEWIEE is still working to change the balance of the industry, but now with a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion spearheaded by DEI committee chairs Carter Wall and Shalaya Morissette.
Meaningful Action
Over the past year, we have taken intentional and meaningful action to engage, recognize, and elevate underrepresented voices. We created programming on critical issues like energy and environmental justice and diversifying the work force. We nurtured powerful partnerships with organizations like the American Association of Blacks in Energy and Browning the Green Space. We’ve been very focused on ensuring that the work we do has real impact.
Pulling Up More Chairs at the Table
To really change the industry, we need to bring more people of color to the table. One of our proudest accomplishments of the past year was working with AABE to create the Revolutionary Power Fellowship, providing two young women of color the opportunity to work alongside Shalanda Baker (Deputy Director for Energy Justice, U.S. Department of Energy & Co-Founder and Co-Director, Initiative for Energy Justice).
Establishing the fellowship allowed for more than the notion of change. We were able to provide an opportunity of a lifetime. At the time, we also had no idea that Shalanda would be taking on her appointment with the Department of Energy under the Biden administration.
Our inaugural fellows, Wawa Gatheru and Daysia Charles, spent the summer working side-by-side with Shalanda. They focused on ensuring that underserved communities have access and more benefits when it comes to the clean energy transition. Both Fellows have spoken to the life changing power of the experience.
We are elated to announce that the Greater Boston Chapter – American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and sponsors FirstLight Power and New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE) are funding another fellowship again this year! The Revolutionary Power fellow will join a team of researchers working on projects related to the advancement of state-level transitions to equitable renewable energy. The Scholar will receive training, mentoring, and additional support to effectively accomplish internship goals.
Applications for this year’s Revolutionary Power fellowship are now open at this link. Applications are due March 15th – so apply soon!
The 2022 Revolutionary Power Fellows will be announced at an event in March. Stay tuned for details!
© 2024 New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE). NEWIEE is a non-profit, tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
