CELI emPOWER AWARDS

CELI emPOWER22 Award Recipients

The JEDI Champion Award: Gerald Neely

Through their dedication to expanding Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in the clean energy economy, the JEDI Champion inspires other clean energy leaders to make a lasting difference. They have a contagious passion for a better future and want to empower as many community members as possible to build a clean energy future that we can all be proud of.

Distinguished CELI Alumni Award: Guy Van Syckle and Hannah Kornfeld

These CELI Fellows lead by example in their professional and personal life. The Fellows are outstanding contributors to the CELI community and embody the qualities of leadership, commitment, and learning. These CELI Fellows lift their peers up and can always be counted on as supportive figures within the community.

Ecosystem Building Award: Tasha McCarter and Madison Freeman

This award is given to a CELIon who, at their core, is always connecting the dots. They have helped to build original infrastructure for CELI, increasing the impact of the organization, growing our community, and creating opportunity for others to plug in – across sector, silo and role. This Fellow exhibits superb leadership by nurturing new leaders.

Heart of CELI Award: Nate Kinsey, Jatin Khanna, Troy Hodges, Kristin Landry, Cindy Zhu

This very special award’s name says it all. The CELIons receiving this award have played multiple roles over years, officially and unofficially. They are often the ones behind the scenes modeling the qualities that have given CELI the reputation that it has now - the work ethic, deep values, quiet confidence, and kindness.

2020 Distinguished CELI Alumnus Award: Kathleen Jean-Pierre, CrossBoundary

In recognition of Kathleen Jean-Pierre for her consistent and valuable dedication to the CELI community.

JEDI Champion Award: Miles Braxton, Sol Systems

In recognition of Miles Braxton for demonstrating passion and commitment in driving diversity and inclusion in the clean energy industry and in the environmental movement more broadly.

emPOWERed Change-Maker Award: Sean Gilleran, Pacific Gas and Electric

In recognition of Sean Gilleran’s dedication in creating cutting edge models to improve wildfire safety and resiliency in Northern California.

Cleantech Innovator Award: Sakshi Mishra, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

In recognition of Sakshi Mishra in the development of REopt Lite API, the predictive analytics program on the NREL’s campus that focuses on the nexus of renewable energy and artificial intelligence more broadly.

2019 Distinguished CELI Alumnus Award: Alexandra Harbour, Powerhouse Ventures

In recognition of Alexandra’s dedication to fostering an interconnected community of empowered clean energy leaders.

JEDI Champion Award: Amee Raval, Asian Pacific Environmental Network

In recognition of Amee’s dedication to ensuring that disadvantaged communities throughout California share in the benefits generated by investments in clean energy.

emPOWERED Change-Maker Award: Scott Elias, Solar Energy Industries Association

In recognition of Scott’s dedication to supporting and nurturing a diverse workforce for the solar industry and broader clean energy ecosystem.

Cleantech Innovator Award: Timothy Latimer, Fervo Energy

In recognition of Tim’s accomplishments in furthering a clean energy future through innovative geothermal technology.

First Responder Award: Ryan Parsons and the Sunrun Solar Install Team

In recognition of Ryan and Sunrun Solar Installation Team's heroic efforts during the Camp Fire. 

Rising Star Award: Chris-Denny Brown

In recognition of someone who is passionate about clean energy and is committed to building an industry that is forward-thinking, diverse, sustainable, and supports a low-carbon future.

Distinguished CELI Alumnus Award: Apoorv Bhargava

In recognition of an outstanding contributor to the CELI community and embodies the qualities of leadership, commitment, and thirst for learning.

Motivator Award: Joe Indvik

In recognition of a mentor and positive role model who inspires other clean energy leaders to make a difference.

Change-Maker Award: Christopher Castro

In recognition of someone who stimulates the clean energy community through their innovative ideas, desire to see change, and vision for the future.

Government Leader Award: Greenworks Orlando

In recognition of a federal, state, or municipal organization or department that is incorporating clean energy solutions for their jurisdiction.

Corporate Leader Award: SolSystems

In recognition of a company who goes the extra MW to support their employees and other aspiring professionals in the clean energy space.

Innovative Leader Award: Orora Global

In recognition of a start-up or company with an original business model who is breaking the mold of clean energy norms, especially in tackling workforce and diversity issues.

Non-Profit Leader: RE-Volv

In recognition of a 501(c)3 organization who is working toward a better future and equips future clean energy leaders with the tools they need to make a difference through their cause.