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Dana Redden is the founder and CEO of Solar Stewards, a social enterprise connecting corporate social responsibility initiatives with schools and universities, affordable and senior housing, places of worship, and nonprofits in marginalized communities.
With over a decade of experience as a climate advocate, Dana is instrumental in bridging the world of environmental justice, solar development, and social entrepreneurship for communities around the globe. In today’s episode, we unveil the how and why of Dana’s journey into solar and the importance and impact of her present work on the development of distributed generation solar globally.
Hear as Dana shares her story, starting with how she witnessed first-hand the ill effects of fossil fuels on her environment as a child to her ‘chilling’ account of how she first got involved in the solar industry all the way back in 2008 (a clear departure from her original pursuits in interior design), and the ten years she spent in solar concierge to her remarkable journey to her present position.
Today, Dana and Nico discuss:
What is energy burden? (And how might we best work towards alleviating it?)
The challenges of entrepreneurship as a female founder
Solar Stewards’ role in bringing solar solutions and accessibility to historically excluded communities
Solar Stewards’ model for integrating Environmental Justice + Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & how, precisely, they secure funding to support their mission
Join us as we dig into this incredibly engaging episode! Tune in now.
(4:35) Dana's personal branding
(6:00) Growing up in Western PA
(15:23) Introduction to solar
(21:42) Dana's start in solar
(36:15) How is Solar Stewards different
(38:43) What is a Social REC?
(40:36) A Social REC case study
(44:06) Social RECs vs Traditional RECs
(46:43) Solar Stewards' business structure
(49:51) Funding Solar Stewards
(56:43) Joining the SEIA board
(58:19) Dana's influential "heroes"
(1:00:30) Thoughts on DE&I
(1:05:00) Books that have influenced Dana
(1:07:50) Where to find Dana
(1:08:49) Dana's bold prediction
(1:10:49) Wrap up
BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
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Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.
ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 15-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.
You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.
If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.