Pride in Power: Live from Stonewall

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Environmental and climate injustice continue to disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Discriminatory housing policies, a higher-than-average rate of unhoused LGBTQ+ individuals, and the imbalance of disaster response and relief in the event of catastrophic weather events have all contributed to the ongoing crisis. Addressing these crises will require meaningful change.

Our all-LGBTQ+ panel of experts will discuss the queering of environmental justice, shifting the narrative across the energy sector, and creating an LGBTQ+ community of energy professionals and advocates to address challenges and barriers specific to the LGBTQ+ community.

Please join Edison Energy for this critical and compelling conversation, hosted Live from The Stonewall Inn – where Pride began.

	Tuesday, June 6, 2023 4:00 – 7:00PM ET
	The Stonewall Inn 53 Christopher St., New York, NY 10014

Panelists:

Brandon Rothrock, Board Member, OUT for Sustainability; Assistant Program Manager, TRC Companies	Brandon Rothrock (he/him/his) is an Assistant Program Manager of Energy Efficiency at TRC Companies, Inc., where he manages New Jersey’s Residential New Construction Program. Aside from TRC Companies, Brandon is an Alumni Engagement Manager for Environmental Defense Fund, where he helps manage partnerships between hosts and fellows for the annual Climate Corps fellowship. He is also a Board Member for Out for Sustainability, a queer-led and volunteer-run organization focused on climate resilience and environmental justice for and by the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Rashad Williams, Director of Subscriber Services, Groundswell	As Director of Subscriber Services, Rashad Williams is at the helm of Groundswell’s effort to provide low-to-moderate income households with access to clean energy resources, information, programs, and products that empower them to mitigate both the physical and financial barriers to going solar. As an advocate for social and environmental justice, Rashad is committed to advancing equitable clean energy solutions that center the people closest to the problem. With over 5,000 income-qualified subscribers under management, this work directly drives Groundswell’s ability to build community power and share solar savings where they are most needed.
Avery Hammond, Senior Clean Energy Analyst, Edison Energy	As a Senior Clean Energy Analyst at Edison Energy, Avery advises and supports clients in the achievement of their renewable energy goals. Since joining the Edison team in 2020, she has focused on educating clients, sourcing clean energy projects, and tracking the utility-scale renewables market. In addition to this work, she also serves as the Co-Chair of Women@Edison, the company’s dedicated employee resource group for women. Avery holds bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Environmental Science & Policy from Smith College, where she graduated cum laude.
Zachary Strauss, Founder and President, Out in Energy; Policy Analyst, Atlas Public Policy	Zachary currently serves as a policy analyst at Atlas Public Policy, where his work focuses on transportation and buildings electrification. He formerly served as the Associate Director for Advanced Energy at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, where his work focused on renewable energy, climate action, and national security. At the Council, Zachary also managed the Veterans Advanced Energy Project, where he worked to support military veterans and spouses working in clean energy. Zachary was recently named a 2022 Out Leader by Out in National Security for his contributions in U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Jenna Patterson, Manager, Data and Settlement Services, Edison Energy	Jenna Patterson serves as a manager on Edison Energy’s Data & Settlement Services team, where her efforts are focused on ensuring that customer data is accurate, meaningful, and easy to understand. A 2022 Edison Award winner, Jenna keeps her values top of mind when she approaches projects and communication, navigating challenging tasks in a positive way to create an encouraging and inclusive work environment for everyone. Outside of work, you can find Jenna and her wife being way too competitive in the Stonewall Columbus Dodgeball League and the Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association.

Moderator:

Elana Knopp, Senior Content Writer, Edison Energy

As the Senior Content Writer at Edison Energy, Elana leads content development and communications strategies, working with Edison teams, clients, and partners to create and develop impactful content and campaigns across industry. She launched and co-leads Pride in Power (PIP), an Edison Energy employee resource group dedicated to creating positive change for LGBTQ+ individuals within the energy space and across the broader LGBTQ+ community. Elana formerly served as a renewable energy reporter covering state and federal policy and project development and, prior to that, served as Communications Director at environmental organization NY/NJ Baykeeper.