Rosalind manages media, member and donor relations for Vote Solar, a non-profit advocacy organization focused on making solar more affordable and accessible across the country. Previously she spent five years at the Antenna Group directing and implementing PR campaigns for all manner of clean energy and sustainable business innovators. She has degrees in Environmental Science and Communications from UC Berkeley.
How did you become involved in your current career?
I studied environmental science in college, which was basically four long years of studying the ways in which we’ve done irreparable harm to our communities and planet. Then, when I graduated, I was lucky enough to find the Bay Area’s burgeoning cleantech industry. These were entrepreneurs and businesses that were focused on solutions to those problems – new ways of approaching energy, water and materials to help us live in a more sustainable way rather than needing to clean up the messes already made. That’s what I love about solar – it’s something in the environmental movement to say ‘yes’ to rather than ‘no.’
What environmental issues are of most concern to you?
Climate change and community health – particularly as they relate to our most vulnerable populations: children, seniors and communities of color. We have an incredibly unjust energy system, and it’s time to change that before we do more harm to those who can least afford it.
What do you think are some challenges and opportunities facing women in the environmental movement today?
I can’t imagine a more fulfilling career for a woman than working in clean energy and sustainability. We are in the incredibly luck position of going to work each day to a job that matters: building a healthier, more equitable world for ourselves and future generations. We need more women to feel like they can find their place in this movement, because it is awesome to be part and the industry will be better for it.
What are your suggestions on how WEN members can become more involved in your sector and the environmental movement?
I work in state level solar policy, and so there are many ways to get engaged and have an impact simply as a concerned citizen. Sign petitions, send emails, make calls, speak up in public hearings, let your lawmakers and regulators know that clean energy matters to you. I can tell you from experience – those actions matter!
