Staff, Board, and Council

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology, Emily was given the opportunity to work with the U.S. Green Building Council of Central California as a Project Assistant. There, she organized community events, managed their social media platforms and newsletter, helped develop grant programs, and worked with various stakeholders to promote sustainability and green education. She joined Rising Sun as a Site Program Manager for Climate Careers Central Valley in the summer of 2025, where she enjoyed helping community members, working with youth, and applying her skills speaking Spanish, and has since joined the team full-time.

“I am passionate about making a change in my community. Rising Sun allows me to have a platform to be that change my community needs.”

Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her loved ones and dog, thrifting, dancing, traveling, and being out in nature.

Sneha leads Rising Sun’s Policy work, advocating for programs and laws that advance Rising Sun’s mission in collaboration with a broad range of partners. Her career has spanned many policy organizations, including the Greenlining Institute, the Building Electrification Institute, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and RMI, where she helped advance housing, racial equity, workforce, and clean energy policies. She earned an M.S. and B.S. in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University, and is a board member at Green Empowerment. She brings a curious, thoughtful, and collaborative spirit to her work, informed by her learnings from living and working in a wide range of environments. 

“I’m passionate about contributing to policies and programs that advance climate equity and economic justice. I appreciate how Rising Sun creates tangible opportunities in collaboration with youth, women, and justice-impacted members in my community while also working at the systemic level to create high quality careers that advance climate resilience.” 

Outside of work, Sneha enjoys spending time with friends and family of all species, volunteering at local gardens and animal shelters, reading, and making music.

Adriana graduated from California State University, Fresno with the goal of becoming an educator, to help shape and grow young minds. As a Community Development Specialist and Environmental Educator throughout the Central Valley, Adriana enjoyed working directly with people and communities. She joined Rising Sun in early 2026 to continue supporting young leaders in the valley with the Climate Careers Central Valley team. She volunteers with Latino Outdoors—where she leads bilingual, intergenerational outings that uplift QTBIPOC communities and reconnect people with nature—and is part of Justice Outside’s Pathfinders program: both testaments to her commitment to equity and environmental justice.

“Rising Sun’s mission is close to my heart as I see our youth being a missing and undervalued part of society and workforce development efforts in the Central Valley. I am glad Rising Sun pours into our future generation and green career initiatives. When we pour into our youth, we pour into our communities. I am excited to see how Rising Sun’s mission can change young lives.”

Adriana is a “certified foodie,” and loves trying new foods and drinks, especially with loved ones. She loves crafting and creating art, exploring new places, spreading joy, building community, and helping others find healing and belonging in the outdoors.

Rachel first encountered Rising Sun in high school, when she joined Climate Careers as an Energy Specialist. She has since grown with the organization, joining as a full-time staff member in 2017 and working her way into her current role. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and an MBA, a combination that reflects her commitment to both mission-driven work and organizational effectiveness. Her background in environmental studies laid the foundation for her deep alignment with Rising Sun’s focus on green workforce development and climate equity, and she has spent her tenure helping shape the systems and culture that allow Rising Sun’s staff and programs to thrive.

“I’m committed to Rising Sun’s mission not only for our participants, but for our employees too. I believe we can’t create change in the world without first taking care of the people driving that work.” 

In her free time, Rachel loves hitting the trail on backpacking adventures with her husband and cooking with family. She also has a soft spot for her three-legged dog, who brings a lot of personality to her home life.

Sofia’s background is in college preparation and navigation, youth workforce development, program design and implementation, and community engagement. Born in Emiliano Zapata, Michoacán, Mexico, she immigrated with her family to East San Jose at the age of nine, and grew up as the proud daughter of Lety and Adan and eldest sister of three talented siblings—all experiences that shaped her deep commitment to showing up wholeheartedly for others. As a first-generation college student, she earned her B.A. in chemistry from Mills College in Oakland, where she founded “We Are In STEM,” a student club organization dedicated to building community and access for BIPOC women and non-binary students in STEM majors. She first joined Rising Sun as a Climate Careers participant in 2019, and immediately felt like the work was her calling. She returned in 2021 as a full-time staff member, working her way from Regional Manager to Senior Program Manager for Climate Careers Central Valley.

“This work is love in action. Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me because it brings together everything that I am passionate to fight for: advocating for our BIPOC communities who are hit hardest by climate change, connecting young people to green careers, and healing our earth. I came to Rising Sun as a participant and never wanted to leave, and now I feel blessed to help design and expand the very program that changed my life and to be a loud and uplifting cheerleader for my team and communities I serve.”

Outside of work, Sofia loves walking with her dogs, Rocky and Dulce, and crocheting handmade gifts for her family and friends.

Justina is a Stockton native and earned her B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from San Francisco State University. She is an alum of Rising Sun’s Climate Careers program, where she started as an intern while in college. After graduating, Justina stepped into a temporary Summer Manager role for Climate Careers, and has continued growing with the organization in a full-time capacity since 2016. Throughout her journey with Rising Sun, she’s built leadership skills while staying deeply connected to the community she serves.

“I value Rising Sun’s dedication to advancing equity and climate resilience, empowering underserved communities, removing barriers to opportunity, and investing in the communities we serve.”

In her spare time, Justina enjoys cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Steven has worked for over 10 years in youth development, workshop development, and leadership development prior to joining Rising Sun. During that time, he held leadership roles in organizations that range from national social enterprises to AmeriCorps programs. Steven is certified in training facilitation and nonprofit leadership and management, which encompass the most important parts of his work at Rising Sun as the Senior Program Manager for Climate Careers Bay Area.

“Rising Sun’s mission goes beyond giving underserved communities access to jobs. It provides them with access to high quality jobs that engender positive social and environmental impact, which makes us very unique within the workforce development sector.”

Outside of work, Steven enjoys attending local open mics and supporting the Bay Area’s arts scene.

Mackenzie’s background is in multimedia production, education technology, and qualitative research. Prior to joining Rising Sun, she worked on developing government-funded health and education apps for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. 

“I’m drawn to how Rising Sun can initiate positive change for individuals, the environment, and broader society. I feel fulfilled knowing that our programs and staff play a role in helping people improve their livelihoods while also advocating for green and accessible job opportunities.”

She received her B.A. in sociology with a minor in science and risk communication from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and currently serves on the Advisory Council for the Lawrence Hall of Science. 

In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys playing volleyball, running, making art, and participating in silly themed gatherings with loved ones.

Samara earned a B.S. in Conservation & Resource Studies from UC Berkeley and has worked in green nonprofits ever since. Prior to joining Rising Sun in 2019, she spent 12 years as a Program Director for a nonprofit focused on sustainable food systems, where she gained experience securing grants. Samara came to Rising Sun to deepen these grant writing skills, and has since become the Director of Institutional Giving. 

“Climate change, economic inequity, and racial injustice are the most pressing problems of our time. I’m proud to work for an organization that is working to address all three.”

Samara has a certificate in nonprofit management from California State University, East Bay, and is currently working towards her master’s degree in conflict resolution. She is an avid volunteer at her local food bank and as a facilitator of conflict transformation classes at a correctional facility.

In her spare time, Samara can be found paddleboarding on the Bay, nerding out on produce at farmers markets, and getting out for a hike as often as she can.

Kristine has been involved with Rising Sun since 2018, when she joined the Climate Careers program and served various roles, including Outreach Associate, Summer Program Manager, and Site Program Manager. Starting on the program side gave her firsthand experience with Rising Sun’s work and motivated her to transition to the Admin & Operations team, where she supports cross-functional teams and is a part of the Social Committee.

“Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me because I’ve experienced its impact firsthand as a program alum. It’s really meaningful to now be part of the work that creates those same opportunities for others.”

Outside of work, she’s usually at home surviving parenthood, planning her next vacation, or trying to perfect the ideal matcha or coffee color. When she’s not doing that, she’s probably binge-watching a new show or movie.

Glendie has worked within community engagement and higher education administration for the past decade. After receiving her B.A. in sociology at UC Berkeley, she worked with a college access nonprofit in San Francisco, where she helped first generation high school students with their admissions to secondary institutions. She went on to obtain her master’s degree from the University of the Pacific. Glendie then worked for San Francisco State University for almost five years, where she linked student’s academic learning to service learning opportunities in the community. 

Since 2021, Glendie has grown with Rising Sun, starting as a Manager and now as the Director of Climate Careers Bay Area.

“I’ve been privileged to live in a world where resources and opportunities have been plenty. I find it incumbent on me and my life’s work to ensure that others have something similar for their own, and Rising Sun allows me to do that.”

Glendie loves to travel and spend time at the beach. She especially loves spending time with her daughter and partner.

1. What is it about Rising Sun’s mission and vision that resonates with you?

I admire the way that Rising Sun approaches climate justice and workforce development. Rising Sun’s approach to this is multimodal as it integrates well-paying jobs for youth, professional development opportunities, and a social enterprise model that aims to address barriers across the communities we serve.

1. What do you love about working at Rising Sun?

I love the people! From my first day here I was met with a team that is dedicated to serving others, empowering youth, and ensuring a just transition towards the clean economy.

1. What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the organization?

My work spans a wide range of experiences and skill sets. I have worked in outdoor education and youth leadership as a backpacking instructor for underserved youth teaching English, poetry, and outdoor skills; workforce development across the Greater Sacramento region’s major industry clusters; and did work on regional economic development strategies under the California Jobs First program (formerly CERF). I have a background in research (both qualitative and quantitative), policy, and regional strategy development.

1. When you’re not at Rising Sun, what can we find you doing?

When I am not at Rising Sun, you can catch me powerlifting at my local gym, backpacking through the Sierra Nevadas, or touring the best local restaurants around me.

1. If you could grant the world a wish, what would it be?

I would wish for there to be no more greed. Unfettered greed and our society’s history of rewarding it has exacerbated many of the problems we face today. If we could all come together under a collective understanding of how we can help each other out as a community, we could tackle many of the issues that we face with much more ease.

1. What is a quote or an idea that inspires you?

“We must dare to invent the future.”

–Thomas Sankara

Carolina participated in Rising Sun’s Climate Careers program in the summer of 2022 as an Energy Specialist Driver. She then completed an internship with Stockton Service Corps before returning to Climate Careers in the summer of 2023. She joined as a full-time staff member in 2024 and has since grown into her role as Appliance Program Associate.

“Helping my community has to be one of the biggest reasons Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me, and also knowing that we can pass on knowledge about energy and water conservation to the younger generations.”

Carolina loves binge-watching scary videos with her brother at night, eating sweets (citing chocolate as one of her weaknesses), and listening to Spanish and K-pop music.

Roy graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in broadcast and electronic communication arts, where he worked in live A/V production, journalism, film, and storytelling. He pivoted to a career in clean energy in 2024, joining GRID Alternatives’ Workforce Development team as an AmeriCorps fellow and working on their 5-week Installation Basics Training program for solar professionals. 

Roy joined Rising Sun in early 2026 as the Program Associate for Opportunity Build. He helps guide participants to careers in green jobs and the building trades and helps coordinate the program.

“I believe in giving people the chance to prove themselves—that’s how I was able to make my way into this workforce, and it is something Rising Sun provides for all our program participants. There’s no better fit to expand that workforce than in green jobs, working to fight climate change and skilled trades offering high-road careers; Rising Sun is making an impact on both fronts in our communities, and that holistic effort is something I love being a part of.”

Roy loves running around Lake Merritt, walking with his dog, playing video games, trying a new local restaurant, and spending quality time with loved ones, especially in nature.

Sam has been at Rising Sun since 2022. She is rooted in Oakland and an army veteran with a deep commitment to public service. She has spent nearly a decade managing government contracts and grants in the nonprofit sector, primarily in workforce development and social services. Her experiences have made her appreciate how much the behind-the-scenes infrastructure—such as contracts, compliance, and policies—can either support or get in the way of any public service organization’s mission. She holds a B.A. in sociology from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Public Administration from University of San Francisco. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies at UC Law San Francisco, building on the legal and compliance side of her work.

“I’m raising my daughter in Oakland, and I think a lot about the future she’s inheriting. I want her to grow up in a community where climate resilience and economic equity aren’t just ideals, but things people are actively building.”

Sam served as an Army intelligence analyst supporting Special Forces, and also as a paratrooper. She says, “I’d like to think that experience prepared me for anything—my 3-year-old disagrees.”

Shay’s professional background is in environmental education and program management, and she holds a master’s degree in Environmental Education. Prior to joining Rising Sun, she worked with environmentally-focused nonprofits dedicated to expanding equitable access to high-quality, no-cost, and engaging programs for youth.

Since joining Rising Sun in 2024, Shay has led the externship program of Climate Careers Bay Area, and is deeply committed to ensuring that all youth who participate in Rising Sun programs are meaningfully exposed to a wide range of green career pathways. Her passion for this work is personal—early exposure to green jobs shaped her own career path, and she is driven to create those same opportunities for young people today.

“Rising Sun’s mission resonates deeply with me because I believe all young people deserve early exposure to and equitable access to good, green careers—jobs that not only contribute to a healthier planet, but also provide a living wage that can support their lives, goals, and long-term dreams.”

One of Shay’s greatest passions is birdwatching—she’s a proud “bird nerd” and says she could happily spend hours talking about birds. One of her favorites is the black-necked stilt, which she often spots in The Delta: “Seeing them there is always a joy and never gets old.”

Julia started her career at Rising Sun in 2012 as Director of Youth Programs, going on to become Director of Programs, Director of Strategy Development & Policy, and Interim Co-Executive, before stepping into the role of CEO in early 2020. She has played a leadership role in the growth and deepening of Rising Sun’s programs and impact since joining the organization. 

Prior to Rising Sun, Julia developed one of the country’s first utility-led energy efficiency and healthy homes programs for low-income families, and held various roles in economic development and in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Julia served as an officer on the California’s Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group from 2022-2026 and has had the honor to serve on a variety of equity-focused advisory groups focused on energy and workforce. Julia is a summa cum laude graduate of Northwestern University, a graduate of the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs (St. Louis), and holds a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

“I truly believe that if green jobs can be good jobs, accessible to people who’ve been locked out of opportunity, then we will advance economic equity and climate resilience simultaneously. Good, green careers can fight both poverty and climate change, and I love that we do both of these things at Rising Sun.”

Julia grew up outside Chicago and across the Midwest, and today lives in the East Bay with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. When asked about her life outside of work, Julia said: “I love anything nerdy, anything animal-related, all food, all things well-written, and my incredible family.”

Rachel brings over 15 years of experience building intuitive learning systems and evaluating programs for greater impact. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Educational Development, and her work has taken her across the globe before bringing her back to her home community in the Bay Area. Prior to joining Rising Sun, Rachel spent over seven years leading impact and evaluation efforts at a global reading nonprofit, and more recently worked as an independent consultant advising nonprofits and global climate philanthropies as they built more robust learning systems. 

“I am inspired by Rising Sun’s mission because it intersects two areas I am incredibly passionate about: education and climate resilience. If we are going to successfully address climate change, we need to start by empowering the communities most impacted to contribute towards meaningful and sustained solutions. It is a privilege to be a part of a team working towards that goal every day.”

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys being outside, admiring the constant beauty of California, cooking a delicious meal with loved ones, or reading a good mystery novel.

Maria brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on food access, workforce development, and community outreach. Throughout her career, she worked closely with underserved communities, building programs and partnerships that connect people to critical resources and opportunities. Her work has centered on equity, ensuring that those most often left out of traditional systems are meaningfully reached and supported. These experiences ultimately led Maria to Rising Sun, where she’s continued this work by helping bridge the gap between energy efficiency programs and the communities who can benefit from them most.

“This mission resonates with me because I’ve seen how much of a difference access to resources can make. Being part of work that supports both people and the environment just feels right.”

Outside of work, Maria enjoys hiking scenic trails, especially those that lead to a beach or waterfall. She also loves baking and decorating sugar cookies, tending to her veggie garden, and cooking family Mexican recipes.

1. What is it about Rising Sun’s mission and vision that resonates with you?

Rising Sun’s mission and vision of bringing climate resilience and economic equity to communities most impacted by climate change and systematic oppression resonates with my values and vision for Oakland and the entire Bay Area. 

1. What do you love about working at Rising Sun?

I love working at Rising Sun because I love working with people who are passionate and extremely supportive. It is enriching to work alongside people who share the same visions for our communities and are constantly working towards a more equitable and climate-resilient Bay Area. 

1. What expertise, skills, and experience do you bring to the organization?

I have many years of experience doing outreach in hard-to-reach communities in Alameda County. Having a presence in the community allows me to share the knowledge I acquired from my climate change and sustainability degree with community members who haven’t been included in those conversations before. In addition, as a bilingual person, I am proud to be a resource for both English and Spanish speakers. 

1. When you’re not at Rising Sun, what can we find you doing?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking the beautiful trails in the Bay Area, eating amazing local food,  exploring new hobbies, and spending time with my family. 

1. If you could grant the world a wish, what would it be?

If I could grant the world a wish, I would make borders disappear so everyone can travel freely.

1. What is a quote or an idea that inspires you? 

“We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.”

–Dolores Huerta

Prior to Rising Sun, Nick’s background was primarily focused in higher education administration, working with faculty and students at a small Bay Area art college. He also worked in wine production and sales throughout the Bay Area. Nick received a B.A. in visual arts from Bennington College before making the journey from Vermont to California.

“Meeting our Climate Careers youth and hearing their stories each summer is a major highlight for me, and seeing how invested they are in making an impact against climate change in their communities. I think that the pathways that our Climate Careers youth explore towards good paying, sustainable jobs in the green economy and adjacent industries are foundational for long and fulfilling careers.”

Outside of work, Nick loves spending time with his family and getting outdoors together whenever they can. He is also an avid backpacker, always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, and actively taking any and all recommendations for alpine lakes away from the crowds!

Marlin is a former Laborer in Local 304, the Laborers’ International Union Of North America. He is an alumni of the Land Together program and now on their Board of Directors. He is also on the Board of Directors for 7th Step Foundation, and is a member of Green Life Returning to Community group. Marlin is a lifecoach, trainer, public speaker, and activist, with a deep understanding and compassion for the communities Rising Sun serves. 

“I believe the work we are doing is critical to helping people attain economic mobility.”

Outside of work, Marlin loves fishing and lifting weights.

Jody’s background is in executive support, project management, property management, and event planning, with extensive experience in creating new systems, streamlining processes, and building relationships with internal and external partners.

“Rising Sun’s programs create a foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for underserved communities. It’s rewarding to see when someone realizes that there may be more opportunities available to them than they realized to create a better future for themselves, their family, and their community.”

Outside of work, Jody enjoys road trips and seeing live music.

Malaika’s background in community advocacy, program coordination, and environmental justice work led her to join Rising Sun Center for Opportunity. She started as a temporary Summer Program Manager and has since transitioned to full-time Outreach Manager.

As a Political Economy graduate from UC Berkeley, Malaika developed a strong foundation in understanding economic systems and their impact on underserved communities. Prior to Rising Sun, she worked as an Outreach Worker with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, where she mobilized Richmond residents through grassroots campaigns focused on environmental justice and corporate accountability. Malaika also brings years of leadership experience supporting youth and first-generation students through roles with the Richmond Promise and UC Berkeley’s Educational Opportunity Program. She volunteers as a Coalition Chair with the Monument Youth Drug and Alcohol Coalition to do prevention work and advocacy around youth alcohol and drug misuse. 

“I’m drawn to Rising Sun’s mission because it creates meaningful opportunities for underserved communities while advancing environmental sustainability. It’s fulfilling to be part of a workforce development program that empowers individuals, supports youth growth, and contributes to a more equitable and climate-conscious future.”

Outside of work, Malaika enjoys baking and running her small business, Malaika’s Melted Moments, where she gets to be creative through her desserts and engage with her online community on social media.

After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in sustainability during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbie spent time finding her footing across industries—from water quality labs, to farms, to the viticulture industry. She narrowed her focus while obtaining her Master of Science degree in sustainability at Tufts University, where she concentrated in community development and environmental justice. That path led Abbie home to the Bay Area in 2023, when she joined Rising Sun through AmeriCorps’ Sustainability Service Corps, and she has since grown into her current role. Outside of Rising Sun, Abbie serves her community as a California UC Climate Steward and as an AmeriCorps Alumnus: both of which reflect her ongoing commitment to supporting climate resilience through service and teaching, in the communities she knows and loves.

“What drives me to do the work I do at Rising Sun is that we back our mission with action. We equip individuals for the green workforce through our programs while ensuring those same participants, the ones most impacted by climate chaos, are centered in the state and local policies that will shape the future.”

Abbie loves long walks in the park, on the beach, in a city—you name it. She loves to bask in the sunshine and photosynthesize, and is trying to get more into painting.

Darren brings over 15 years of experience leading intervention, workforce, and social programs across Central California. He has dedicated his career to public service, working extensively in the non-profit sector and for various state governmental departments. Darren holds a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, as well as a certification in grant writing and administration.

“I believe in working with purpose. Rising Sun’s mission excites me because I know my daily work contributes to positive outcomes, which is exactly the kind of environment I like to thrive in.”

Darren is a true “foodie” and enjoys impromptu traveling filled with adventure.

Ian has been with Rising Sun since 2017, holding six positions of increasing responsibility. Through his professional career with Rising Sun and at other nonprofits, Ian has gained significant experience in nonprofit finance, HR, operations, and data analysis. He holds certifications for HR and Finance, including: SHRM-CP certificate from SHRM and the Professional and Financial Success for Nonprofits certificate from Cornell University. He earned a B.A.Sc. in criminal justice from California State University, Sacramento and an M.A. in international relations and affairs from San Francisco State University. 

“I love that we do direct services work that benefits our communities in both socioeconomic and environmental ways. One of the best things about our work is seeing the success stories of the people who work so hard and use Rising Sun’s support to push them over the top.”

When he’s not playing with his kids, Ian enjoys learning new ways to fix up his house himself so that he doesn’t have to pay someone else to do it! He’s especially proud of renovating the kitchen, painting the whole interior, and re-siding the front of the house. He is also an avid runner and plays on a recreational softball team.

Pheej Lauj (Pheng Lor) comes to Rising Sun with a background in environmental and cultural nonprofit management, as well as research and advising roles across higher education and academia. In the past 10 years, Pheej has worked alongside youth and early-career individuals toward academic and career matriculation, as well as advancing research opportunity and engagement. His work alongside organizations like the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS), the Ecology Center in Berkeley, MobilizeGreen, and the U.S. Forest Service Youth Conservation Corps informs how he looks forward to cultivating and leading transformative learning and opportunity-forward experiences as the Workforce Initiatives Manager for Climate Careers Central Valley.

“After earning my undergraduate degree in environmental science, I often wondered how others with similar backgrounds—first generation college students and children of refugees and immigrants—would know what I had just so intensively learned in those 4 years, let alone in their own language and own homes. Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me deeply, because it aspires to work toward holistically addressing that very concern and unapologetically dreams and builds up equitable climate, sustainability, and economic educational and experiential learning foundations, and opportunities.”

Pheej is an avid community volunteer and organizer. He is particularly passionate about uplifting Hmong and multicultural histories and legacies through literary and collaborative mediums.

Michelle joined Rising Sun in 2019 through the Climate Careers program, starting as a Program Assistant where she supported logistics for Green House Calls. Shortly after, she transitioned into the Administration and Operations department to deepen her understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps an organization running effectively. Since then, she has continued to grow within the organization, with her current role focusing on human resources, supporting staff and contributing to organizational development.

“Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me because it brings together sustainability, youth development resources, and a true center for opportunity.”

Outside of work, you can find Michelle at a boba shop, spending quality time with her family and friends, going on a walk or hike, or attending concerts.

Gerald has been with Rising Sun since 2018, starting as an Energy Specialist Driver for Climate Careers and serving residences in Oakland. He has worked in various roles across the Climate Careers program, from a Leader in Field Training, to a Summer Program Manager, to a Smart Thermostat Specialist. Gerald has a background in business administration and experience working with K-12 students in the Berkeley Unified School District. He is currently a part of the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Community Advisory Group, and volunteers with the Global Shapers Community, part of the World Economic Forum.

“Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me to empower the community that I grew up in—Oakland—and to promote sustainability and develop each other economically.”

Outside of work, Gerald loves finding new places to drink coffee. He also has a passion for motorcycle racing, scuba diving, and video editing.

Travers McNeice brings more than a decade of leadership experience in workforce development, climate resilience, and economic equity to his role at Rising Sun Center for Opportunity. He currently serves as Chief Program Officer, Adult Pathways, where he oversees programs that connect youth and adults across the Bay Area and Central Valley to family-sustaining careers. Prior to rejoining Rising Sun, Travers served as Vice President of Mission Services & Workforce Innovation at Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay, where he led large-scale workforce initiatives and programs.  

Travers has held multiple leadership roles at Rising Sun over the years, including Chief Program Officer and Interim Co-Executive Director, helping guide the organization through periods of growth and transition. He holds a Master of Science in environmental studies from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has dedicated his career to expanding access to equitable career pathways.

“I am inspired by Rising Sun’s mission to create economic mobility through climate-focused workforce programs and am proud to support initiatives that drive lasting impact for individuals and communities in the Bay Area and Central Valley.”

Outside of Rising Sun you can find Travers in the mountains skiing with his family, camping, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful state of California.

Patricia Murillo brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience advancing economic mobility and educational opportunity for youth and communities facing systemic and historic barriers. She has served in senior leadership roles including Chief Program Officer, Chief Learning Officer, and Executive Director, leading organizational growth, cross-sector partnerships, and equity-centered programs. Most recently, Patricia served as Chief Learning Officer at How Women Lead, where she led leadership development and global fellowship programs for executive women leaders. 

“Rising Sun is proving that climate justice and economic mobility go hand in hand. I’m inspired by the organization’s bold, innovative work creating pathways to family-sustaining careers for young people and communities that haven’t had equitable access to opportunities. I’m honored to join the team and help bring this work to even more communities across California.”

When not at work, a few of Patricia’s favorite things to do include watching a good movie, swimming or paddling around in water, and cooking or hosting for family and friends.

Elinor’s background is in environmental politics, sociology, and Catholic social teaching. Her interest in environmental justice took root in 2015, when she first read Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home”, which opened her eyes to the possibilities of a different economic system, one that prioritizes the dignity of people and planet simultaneously. Later, while studying at the University of Essex, she noticed how the environmental solutions she was learning about could be used to directly address systemic inequalities explored in her sociology coursework—an intersection she went on to examine in her capstone paper, “Why We Need a Global Green New Deal (and How We Get There)”. After graduating, she completed a Climate Corps Fellowship with the City of San Rafael’s Sustainability Department, where she led policy development and community outreach for the Marin County Reusable Foodware Ordinance, spearheaded grant applications, and used data analytics and GIS mapping to support the City’s illegal dumping reduction efforts.

“Rising Sun’s triple mission—people, planet, pathways—means that not only do I get to be part of designing new systems that incorporate environmental justice at the heart of the green transition, it also means I get to see and support the folks taking advantage of those new opportunities to uplift themselves and their communities. It’s satisfying to be part of the work getting done on both sides of the equation!”

If you catch Elinor outside of work, she’s likely blasting BTS music, running late to her kickboxing class, and already planning her next Saturday park picnic or museum visit.

Jenn combines lived experience with professional expertise to drive equity in housing and workforce development. After living on the street for 8 years, Jenn worked hard to jumpstart a career in construction. She discovered and joined Opportunity Build’s Women Building the Bay program in 2020. Even during her enrollment in the program—which requires significant mental and physical commitment—she consistently visited encampments across the Bay Area to help people navigate and overcome systemic barriers to stable housing. She realized her passion for casework and decided to devote herself to it full-time after graduating from Women Building the Bay. 

Jenn is currently obtaining her Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University. She is the Founder of Equal Access for Services and Housing (EASH) and currently serves on five boards: Lifelong Medical Care’s Board of Directors; City of Emeryville’s Housing Committee; Alameda County Continuum of Care’s Outreach, Access, and Coordination Committee; Alameda County’s 2030 Home Together Plan to End Homelessness Task Force; and Alameda County Healthcare for the Homeless’ Consumer Community Advisory Board.

“I believe in helping people pursue pathways to better, sustainable futures. Not only do I believe in our mission theoretically, but I know Rising Sun is, concretely, a pathway into a better future. I was one of the people that Rising Sun helped, and now I get to help others.”

Jenn is a long-distance runner—and even after having a major stroke, she dominated her first half marathon—loves boxing, and has jumped out of an airplane seven times.

After over a decade of fundraising in New York, Kelsey was ready for a change of pace and scenery, and discovered Rising Sun when moving out to the Bay Area. She had experience securing revenue to fund workforce development programs and social enterprises and was excited to bring that experience to an organization as incredible as Rising Sun. That was in 2020. She is thrilled to still be here, leading the Development and Communications team.

“What is more important than supporting people and our planet? I love that Rising Sun addresses both.”

Kelsey loves exploring different places and having new experiences, whether that be going to a new playground with her kiddo, checking out less popular corners of the Bay, or immersing herself in a totally different culture across the globe.

Andrea has been at Rising Sun since 2024, and brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit space. The bulk of her experience is in nonprofit development (including grant management, program development, and strategy) and the environmental justice movement (with a particular emphasis in policy advocacy and research). She relies on her experience as a Mexican immigrant woman to better understand the structural and systemic dynamics that impact communities of color in the United States. She earned a B.A. in Sociology from UC San Diego and a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan.

“I appreciate Rising Sun’s dedication to intersectional work across multiple spaces. I feel inspired by its commitment to create positive change by finding the nuance in the overlap between economic equity and climate resilience.”

Andrea loves to spend her free time exploring all the Bay Area has to offer, alongside her partner and two kiddos. She also loves curling up alone with a good book, or adventuring with what she describes as her “coven of cackling women friends.”

A Fresno native, Cynthia developed a deep passion for environmental and climate justice while studying at UC Santa Barbara. Her undergraduate studies propelled her into policy advocacy work, and later to obtaining a master’s degree in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver. Through her advocacy efforts, she became involved in youth education and development, which sparked her commitment to mentoring young people throughout the San Joaquin Valley. In 2025, after dedicating her early career to policy work, Cynthia joined Rising Sun. She is eager to empower future environmental leaders and continue her advocacy for environmental justice. 

“Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, there was no exposure to careers in the green economy or education on Climate Change. Rising Sun’s mission aligns with my goals of bringing  economic equity and climate resilience to the Valley.”

Outside of work, Cynthia spends her time coaching swimming and water polo in Madera County, offering equitable opportunities for youth in the community to gain access to competition opportunities.

Rising Sun has been part of Diana’s professional life since 2017, when she worked as an Energy Specialist for the Climate Careers program. She went on to hold various seasonal positions in Climate Careers while attending UCLA, where she received a B.A. in political science. Before starting her role as Regional Manager for Climate Careers, Diana worked in childcare subsidy case management. Her different roles and community volunteer experiences made her deeply passionate about providing opportunities for youth in underserved communities, much like herself.

“I’m drawn to Rising Sun’s work because I got to experience firsthand the positive impact it makes. As a youth, I came to the Climate Careers program with very little experience, and was provided with a nurturing environment for my personal and professional growth. Now I’m here, eight years later, working to provide the same opportunity for youth in the Bay Area.”

Diana has three cats named Scrungy, V-Bucks, and Big Mac. In her free time, she loves doing hands-on crafts and traveling to new places.

Daniela started at Rising Sun in 2023, as an Energy Specialist in Climate Careers. She then transitioned to becoming an Outreach Assistant, and finally to her current role as Appliance Program Coordinator. She is currently in school pursuing a degree in business administration.

“Rising Sun’s mission resonates with me since it aims to give back to the community by providing new opportunities for young people. Since I began as an Energy Specialist, and am now serving the community, you begin to see things differently.”

Outside of work, Daniela loves doing acrylic nails, whether she’s developing new methods or applying them on family members.

Valeria has been with Rising Sun since 2021 in various roles, from Summer Program Manager to Appliance Program Manager, to now managing Outreach in the Northern Central Valley. She enjoys “boots-on-the-ground” work that allows her to collaborate directly with the community. She received her B.A. in business administration with a concentration in marketing from California State University, Fullerton.

As a daughter of immigrants, one of Valeria’s areas of expertise is breaking the language and cultural barriers with Spanish-speaking communities by offering translation and building relationships.

“I deeply appreciate the intersectionality of what we do. I feel like it can allow us to serve our communities on many levels.”

In her free time, Valeria likes to dance—whether in a class, in her kitchen, or out doing her grocery shopping. She also likes to save baking recipes from Instagram that she’ll never get to.

Throughout Omara’s career, she has promoted services through education and community awareness. She has applied her abilities in organizing, advocating, and research as a detailed-oriented person. She joined Rising Sun in 2022 and is a core member of the Opportunity Build team.

“What is exciting is that I am part of an organization that continues to make our community a priority in helping to build resilience through workforce education and training, to propel individuals into more sustainable career paths.”

In Omara’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her pup, Benito. She loves being outdoors, whether it’s by the sea, in the valley, or up in the mountains. She also appreciates slower-paced activities, like hunting for vintage materials and textiles or playing board games.

Prior to joining Rising Sun, Alex worked for the federal government in San Francisco, facilitating a C-suite fellowship program and supporting environmental sustainability efforts at a national park site. She holds a B.A. in economics with a secondary in environmental science and public policy from Harvard College. 

“I appreciate the cross-sector nature of our work. By bringing together people from varying backgrounds and areas of expertise, we’re better able to address the Gordian knot of issues tangling the path toward economic and climate equity.”

Alex grew up in the Bay Area and can generally be found hiking, baking, reading, or roaming around art museums.

Sean joined Rising Sun in 2025, and his path here has been shaped by both his education and hands-on experience working with youth and the environment. He studied outdoor leadership, which sparked a deep appreciation for the environment and helped him see it as God’s masterpiece, something meaningful and worth protecting. He also spent seven years farming sweet corn in Eastern Washington, which gave him a strong work ethic and a deeper connection to the land. Professionally, he has worked as an activities director running youth camps and also coached high school wrestling, where he focused on helping students push beyond what they thought they were capable of. He also has experience in sales, which strengthened his communication and relationship-building skills. His role at Rising Sun felt like a natural fit, because it brings together his passion for environmental stewardship, youth development, and community impact.

“Rising Sun’s mission means a lot to me because it brings together two things I care deeply about: helping young people grow and taking care of the environment, which I’ve come to see as God’s masterpiece through my background in outdoor leadership. I’ve spent years working with youth and have seen how the right support can help them believe in themselves, so being part of something that creates opportunities for them while also making a real environmental impact feels meaningful to me.”

Outside of work, Sean loves fishing and spending time in nature, especially going on walks and hikes. He resonates with the following quote from John Muir: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

Diana joined Rising Sun in 2025. She has a background in data, operations, and inventory analysis. In the past, she worked with a nonprofit focused on education equity, where she supported youth development and gained experience in campaigns, data, and operations. Most recently, Diana worked with a humanitarian nonprofit organization in their admin and operations. There, she interacted with diverse refugee communities who were receiving resettlement services. She has a B.A. in Latino/Latina studies with a minor in information systems. Her academic background and experiences have provided her with the technical and cultural competences to support underserved communities.

“I am passionate about addressing the social, health, and economic disparities that our communities face. I love our mission here at Rising Sun, where we are providing equitable access to economic opportunities through paid hands-on employment and career pathways to underserved communities. I am grateful to work with a team that truly cares about the people we serve.”

When she’s not at Rising Sun, you can usually find Diana at the library or at local events, building community. She loves visiting museums and being in nature.

From May 1974 to May 1977, Gregory’s Army classifications were 51B20 and 51B40—the designation for a carpenter. He continued working as a union carpenter after his time in the army and would contribute to special projects on the side; in the ‘90s, for instance, he helped his church and various community organizations start a program to buy and renovate local houses that were boarded or abandoned. 

He also started training people who were impacted by the justice system to become construction workers, an experience he described as fun, challenging, and eye-opening. In 2023, he joined his friend from church to create and teach an Introduction to Construction Practices course for youth in Alameda County who were impacted by the justice system and in reentry. His friend invited Juanita Douglas—a former employee and longtime advocate of Rising Sun, who was foundational in scaling the Opportunity Build program—to present to the class. Juanita connected Gregory with Rising Sun, and the rest is history. Gregory teaches Opportunity Build participants how to use power tools, read tape measurers, prepare for job sites, and all the other skills and nuances involved in being a successful construction worker.

“All the journeymen and foremen I trained under were really good teachers, and they instilled in me the understanding that tradecrafts are noble professions sustained by apprenticeship. To me, Rising Sun is a place where the seeds of tradecraft are planted, nurtured, break ground, and receive the rays of sunshine that illuminates a new path.”

Gregory’s hobbies include residential designing, hanging out with his grandkids, and mini-vacations to places all over the Bay Area—he calls them “Bay-cations,” and has been Bay-cationing since the ‘70s.

Jenny Berg graduated with honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She received her JD from the Catholic University in Washington, DC. and an Executive MBA Certificate in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School. After a successful legal career focusing on toxic tort litigation, she followed her passion and concern for the environment. Jenny retired from the Association of Bay Area Governments/Metropolitan Transportation Commission, where she was the Energy Section Director. She worked to ensure that energy efficiency and electrification are part of the regional affordable housing and planning activities. Jenny strongly believes that regional strategy and implementation is key to addressing critical issues such as climate change, transportation, and air quality. Jenny was the Program Administrator of the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) since its inception in January 2013, and was instrumental in obtaining both permanent Program Administrator status, and increasing the budget to over $177 million. Jenny is often sought out to help jurisdictions interested in forming a REN as well as to help mentor newer RENs.

Jenny is past Co-Chair of the California Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee (CAEECC) and the past Chair of the Local Government Sustainability Commission. Second only to her adult children, Jenny’s greatest source of pride is the success of the BayREN programs and the great group of local government BayREN members she had the pleasure to work with.

Since retirement, Jenny has focused on numerous efforts involving voter protection and voter access.

Paul is a Strategic Account Executive at Schneider Electric working with utilities in California on deploying energy and smart grid technologies. Previously, he led a Business Development team focused on fleets at EVgo, the nation’s fast charging EV infrastructure company, and Business Development for Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz), an Oakland-based media company focused on sustainability and climate change initiatives. Paul’s career has focused on deploying energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart grid technologies working for Pacific Gas & Electric, U.S. Department of Energy, Honeywell International and FirstFuel Software. Prior to that, Paul served in the Peace Corps in West Africa and worked as a staff member for House Leader Nancy Pelosi. Paul has a BA from the University of Michigan, an MBA from the Presidio Graduate School and lives in Oakland with his wife and two kids.

EJ Cire is a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104, where he has spent almost six years. His current role is the Political and Public Relations Representative, which essentially means that he focuses on policies for working families and building political relationships in areas from local school boards up to County Boards of Supervisors. He covers the coastal counties from the Oregon border down to Ventura County. EJ has really found a passion on the political side because he sees the relevance and impact of politics and policies on his union membership as well as on local residents.

Jane is a longtime social sector leader with a deep commitment to dismantling systems perpetuating poverty. From 2009-2020 she served as the President and CEO of Rubicon Programs.  Under her leadership, Rubicon evolved into a high performing organization well regarded for its whole-person approach, recognized for its establishment of an unequivocal antiracism stance, and having a strong financial position. Jane led the organization through several major changes including development of its first theory of change, sharpening its focus on ending poverty, and undertaking the work to dismantle the characteristics of white supremacy.

Since 2021, she has been doing equity focused leadership coaching, especially with white-identifying CEOs who are striving to create an environment and practices to advance BIPOC leadership in their organizations and are eager to delve into how their own leadership can best advance these efforts.  

Jane received a BA from Williams College and an MPA from San Francisco State University, with additional training at Stanford Business School and at Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Leadership.

Jane enjoys exploring the East Bay’s hiking paths and staircases, practicing yoga, cooking and eating good vegetarian food and spending time with beloved friends and family.  She lives in the East Bay, is kept in line by her two high maintenance cats, and is proud of her adult son who never fails to make her laugh. 

Zach Goldman is a policy advocate and labor organizer with two decades of experience working for unions and local government. He is currently the Political & Legislative Director of SEIU Local 1021, a union of 60,000 public sector and non-profit workers. Prior to SEIU, Zach served as Chief of Policy & Legislative Affairs for the City of Oakland, where he led major budget and policy initiatives, securing investments in affordable housing and public safety.

Previously, Zach was the Political Director for IFPTE Local 21, where he managed political and legislative programs across the Bay Area and advocated for pro-worker policies at various levels of government. He has served on the Executive Board of the Alameda Labor Council and worked for organizations like the California Nurses Association, the Change to Win Labor Federation, and SEIU Local 790. 

Zach holds a B.A. with Highest Honors in Sociology from UC San Diego, with a focus on U.S. economic history and social movements. He is a longtime Oakland resident where he lives with his wife and daughter

Phel is a Director in the Alliances and Channels team at Salesforce. In this role, he manages Salesforce’s sustainability partnership with Accenture, bringing the best of Salesforce’s sustainability technologies and Accenture’s sustainability solutions jointly to market. Previously, Phel spent 10 years at Accenture, most recently as a Senior Manager in Accenture’s Talent & Organization practice leading change enablement and adoption efforts for High Tech clients throughout the Bay Area.

Phel led the Accenture/Rising Sun non-profit partnership from 2017-2021, coordinating a team of Accenture consultants who provided support to Rising Sun as volunteers on a wide range of activities from strategy projects to staffing fundraising events. He has enjoyed every minute of his experiences working with Rising Sun, and considers himself fortunate to be part of such an impactful comunity of leaders and changemakers.

Phel previously worked in the waste industry and once launched a waste-focused startup. He lives in Oakland with his wife and two baby girls, and spends his free time outdoors enjoying nature or indoors baking chocolate desserts.

Phil Miller is the Chief Operating Officer with the California Water Environment Association. Recently, he was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer with Camp Tawonga, where he led the organization’s operating and capital budgets, investments, endowment portfolio, and financial systems and initiatives. He was also responsible for Tawonga’s human resources and administrative systems. Phil sat on Tawonga’s Senior Management Team and was the staff lead of the Finance, Audit, and Financial Aid Committees. Phil is also a Rising Sun staff alum! He worked at Rising Sun from 2015-2019, serving as the Director of Operations and Interim Co-Executive. He has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and public education sectors. Phil holds a bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego, a master’s degree in education from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California. Phil is excited to rejoin Rising Sun and support the organization’s outstanding mission. Outside of work, Phil enjoys spending time with his wife, Sonya, daughters Nayezca, Adayah, and Yaelah, and their dog Reggie. Phil lives in Berkeley, enjoys playing sports, loves the Oakland A’s, hates kale, and is in dogged pursuit of the perfect burrito.

Janaya is a Senior Program Officer at Pacific Foundation Services (PFS), a philanthropic management and advising firm. She is passionate about enhancing the capacity of the nonprofit sector and helping foundations to create strong partnerships and unlock more resources for social impact.

Prior to her work at PFS, Janaya has spent her career in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors working on systems change efforts in areas such as health equity, housing and homelessness, policy and community advocacy. Previously, she was the Director of Programs and Partnerships at Well Being Trust, leading the foundation’s mental and community health portfolio in California. She has also worked for organizations like First 5 LA, Dignity Health, and The Greenlining Institute. In the field, Janaya has served on the Advisory Council and Finance Committee at Rising Sun, and volunteers with various organizations supporting youth development, women, and girls.

Janaya holds a Master of Science in Sociology from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley. Janaya enjoys planning her next international adventure, and growing her skills as a textile artist, painter, and photographer.

Melanie Parker, MD grew up in Newark, New Jersey and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in biomechanical engineering. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed her Urology residency at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. Upon completion of residency in 1993, she moved to Stockton, CA to work for The Permanente Medical Group. As a Kaiser Permanente physician, she has served as the Central Valley Chief of the Department of Urology, Assistant Physician in Chief for Risk, and since 2016 has served as the TPMG Regional Medical Director for Risk and Patient Safety, developing strategy for the Risk and Patient Safety Program. This has allowed her to enjoy the excitement of spending time in the city of Oakland, while continuing to practice Urology part-time in the Central Valley. Mel has a passion for community service, and is a member of The Stockton Chapter of The Links, Inc., and the Progressive Community Church in Stockton, where she serves on the Children’s Church Ministry. In her spare time, she enjoys running, travel (when not sheltering in place), and spending time with her husband and two adult children.

Fahim is the CEO of Motivated 2 Help Others, a nonprofit that he created in 2019, born out of an idea he had when he was incarcerated. Fahim also co-leads 1Hundred Years Enterprise, which works to reduce recidivism among youth and vulnerable individuals and help steer them away from early death decisions through 1-on-1 mentorship with youth, family and community support groups, workshops, partnerships, storytelling (including a podcast), and more. Fahim graduated from Opportunity Build in 2018, joined the Laborers union, and now contracts to Rising Sun as an Assistant Construction Instructor and Physical Fitness Instructor for Opportunity Build.

David Siddiqui has been working since 2000 on sustainability issues including climate, energy, waste, water, and transportation. His international experience includes executive leadership, business development, and operations for sustainable companies, consulting for utilities and government agencies, program design and management, policy, and workforce development. David founded the sustainability consulting business Green Evolution in 2008 and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Power TakeOff, using data analytics, software, and personalized support to help businesses save energy and money. David has held a variety of green building certifications and is an energy efficiency expert with deep experience using both building science and behavioral science to motivate actions with environmental, social, and financial benefits. He serves on advisory groups related to resource conservation initiatives and has appeared in dozens of speaking, writing, and media engagements.

Sharla is the Outreach and Partnerships Manager at Webcor and a California Bay Area native. Sharla is a mom of three who is passionate about workforce development and supplier diversity. In her current role with Webcor, Sharla works to increase small and diverse business participation, local hiring, and community engagement on private and public works to further Webcor’s mission to build solutions and better lives. Webcor is a general contractor building structures all over California that bring exceptional value to public and private clients while operating in a safe, quality-driven environment.

Before Webcor, Sharla was the Community Affairs Representative for EBMUD (and Cheryl’s co-worker!). She also worked on various communications projects for BART capital projects.

Sharla holds a Bachelors in Sociology from Tufts University and has spent the last 15+ years of her career building mutually beneficial relationships throughout the construction industry. She’s worked in multiple regions of California and enjoys connecting new diverse suppliers to contracting opportunities and championing their growth and success through mentorship. Sharla truly believes that small and diverse business creation and growth start with our local workforce. She aims to strengthen relationships through strategic planning designed to foster this growth wherever possible.

Peter Wasserman lives in Oakland, CA, with his wife, toddler, and fierce Chihuahua, and is currently the Senior Director of Innovation and Partnerships at healthcare technology company Aledade. Peter first became involved in Rising Sun as an Accenture strategy consultant working with its leadership team to develop its strategic plan in 2020 and to develop its alumni engagement strategy in 2021. Since then, Peter has remained engaged with Rising Sun as a member of its Advisory Board on its Policy and Communications committee.

Peter is excited to deepen his engagement with Rising Sun because of its commitment to expanding high-road career opportunities while improving the climate resilience of local communities in California. Peter believes this multi-faceted approach uniquely positions Rising Sun to improve the health and lives of underserved individuals and communities in the face of climate change. Peter believes that his background as a strategy consultant and innovation professional working across functions and organizations to define and scale impactful programs will enable him to add value to Rising Sun as it scales its offerings.

Anisha Carter is the founder of AniCo Impact, a consultancy that helps small- to medium-sized nonprofits and social enterprises build technology products with revenue models that reduce overreliance on philanthropy and government contracts and scale their impact.

Previous revenue-generating products she’s built include XpertHelp, TaxAct’s AI-powered virtual assistance feature, and SwiftAid, an AI-powered housing assistance platform designed to prevent evictions for at-risk households. She currently serves as Fractional Head of Product at Centro Community Partners, driving their AI business coaching platform for underserved entrepreneurs.

She was raised by her single-mother in rural Virginia with lots of siblings and cousins to make life fun. In her early career, she gained a BS in Computer Information Systems from Hampton University and founded the Spark Mentorship and Scholarship Program for students in her hometown. She also holds an MBA from Stanford GSB with a focus on Public Management and Social Innovation.

Stephanie Chen serves as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for MCE, a local government agency formed to combat climate change through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and local job creation in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties. Prior to joining MCE, Stephanie led the Energy Equity team at The Greenlining Institute, a racial justice advocacy organization dedicated to building economic opportunity in California’s communities of color. Stephanie’s work has driven investments in solar, energy efficiency, and other clean technologies into environmental justice communities, and promoted meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for people of color in California’s clean energy economy. Stephanie holds a B.A. in Government from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Elizabeth Geller is a consulting professional, engineer, and project manager with over six years of experience in the corporate sustainability and environmental compliance fields. Elizabeth has supported clients in a wide variety of industries including technology, consumer products, power generation, natural gas transmission, manufacturing, mining and more. Her experience includes corporate climate goal setting and renewable energy strategy, emission quantification, air quality regulation, and corporate environmental management. Elizabeth holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and currently serves as a Director on the Energy and Climate Practice consulting team at 3Degrees.

Sekita Grant was the Vice President of Programs with The Solutions Project, overseeing their grantmaking, policy research, and impact strategy support for more than 100 frontline leaders innovating in models for a regenerative economy. Sekita worked as the Policy and Impact Strategy manager for the Emerson Collective, a philanthropy and investment collaborative. Sekita also worked at The Greenlining Institute as Legal Counsel for their Environmental Equity team after working as a policy advisor at the California Energy Commission in Sacramento.

Melissa joins the Advisory Council of Rising Sun Center for Opportunity after serving as a member of the board from 2014-2020. She is a community leader who cares deeply about social justice and focuses her time volunteering with non-profits that serve individuals experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. She chaired Congregation Emanu-El’s Tzedek Council for the past four years, engaging congregants in social justice work through partnering with Hamilton Families, Larkin Street Youth Services and the Homeless Prenatal Program.

Tyi joins the Advisory Council of Rising Sun Center for Opportunity after serving as a member of the board from 2015-2021. She graduated from the second Berkeley cohort of the Green Energy Training Services (GETS) program (which is now Opportunity Build), and is the first program alumnus to serve on the Board. She has served as Board Secretary, Vice Chair, and now as Chair. She also previously served as a crew member and office assistant for Rising Sun Energy Services, the organization’s social enterprise.

As CEO, Erin is propelling Tilting Futures into a new era of innovation and impact. She founded the organization’s innovative flagship program, Take Action Lab, and launched a systems change strategy with higher education institutions, educational nonprofits, and partners to identify best practices, build a robust evidence base, and integrate credit-bearing experiential immersive global learning into curricula as a global standard. A recognized thought leader in youth development and global education, Erin listens to young people and develops programming to meet their needs. She fosters a culture of equity and inclusion, earning the organization a top spot on Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and recognition in COLOR Magazine as an inclusive workplace.

Before joining Tilting Futures in 2014, Erin was a founding team member and the Vice President of School Partnerships at Revolution Foods and the Bay Area Director for Playworks. She has also served as the Board Chair for Oakland Leaf. Erin regularly authors articles about her work and life to publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, and NBC.

Jennifer Martinez is Hanson Bridgett’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. She works
with management, practice group leadership, and committees to provide strategic, programmatic,
and operational leadership for initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion as core
values of the firm. This includes creating and implementing DEI trainings and programming;
developing and executing diversity hiring, retention, performance review, and advancement
goals and policies; re-examining internal policies and practices with an eye towards rooting out
unconscious bias and inequity; managing individual and firm-wide marketing efforts that
highlight the firm’s DEI work; empowering attorneys to forge new and stronger relationships
with public interest organizations for increased pro bono services related to racial justice and
equity; partnering with law schools on pipeline initiatives; and coordinating internal and external
efforts to promote DEI, and justice in the legal community and in local communities. Jennifer is
also a partner in Hanson Bridgett’s Labor and Employment group.

Alana Mathews is an impact attorney, experienced litigator, public policy expert and equity champion who has a demonstrated record of leadership in public service. She began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office where she tried over 50 jury and court trials to verdict. In 2012, she was recruited to start the enforcement unit of the California Energy Commission and the following year appointed Public Adviser of the agency by Governor Jerry Brown. In this role, she led organizational change through the development of the agency’s Equity Initiative. This effort included implementing legislative mandated programs, coordinating a multi-agency Disadvantaged Community Advisory Group, leading all public outreach and engagement strategies, and creating the Summer Institute in Energy Law and Policy, a two week program that exposed ethnically diverse and economically disadvantaged high school students to key energy issues and career paths.

In 2019, Ms. Mathews was appointed Chief Consultant to the Joint Legislative Committee on climate Change Policies where her equity work was expanded to include reviewing all climate change legislation and coordinating oversight hearings for the state’s climate policies, programs, and investments. Most recently, she wrote a joint resolution introduced by California lawmakers urging specific action for the Biden Administration to address the global plastic waste crisis by ratifying the Basel Convention Amendments.

Today, Ms. Mathews is an adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law where she teaches Implicit Bias and the Law and is the founder of the Racial Justice and Equity Fellowship Practicum. She is also a director with the Prosecutors Alliance of California, an organization that supports prosecutors committed to criminal justice reform.

Ms. Mathews is also a leader on a number of regional and statewide boards and commissions including current Chair of the Heart of Central California Girl Scout Council, Vice Chair for the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation of the State Bar of California and Chair of the Florin High School Law Academy Advisory Committee, Co-Chair of the Sacramento County Bar Association Summer Diversity Fellowship program and the founder of the Community Justice Collaborate, a grassroots organization which provides free community legal clinics in response to the protests against systemic racism in the summer of 2020.

Carmelita Miller was born in the Philippines and grew up in South San Francisco, California. She graduated from Sacramento State University, where she became a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and earned a B.A. in History with a minor in Greek studies. After a graduating from UC Hastings College of the Law, she became a Greenlining Legal Fellow in 2013-14, focusing on telecommunications policy.

While at UC Hastings, she served as the President of the Pilipino American Law Society and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Hastings Race and Poverty Law Journal. Inspired by her personal experiences living in low-income, immigrant, and working-class communities, she dedicated her free time in law school to providing legal assistance to the low-income population by interning and volunteering at various pro bono organizations such as Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, UC Hastings Civil Justice Clinic, Legal Aid of San Francisco’s Workers Rights Clinic, the Veterans Equity Center, and the Filipino Community Center.

When she is not studying or fighting for justice, Carmelita enjoys lounging, hiking, and playing with her two black Labrador retrievers named Maximus and Athena.

Devin T. Murphy is a seasoned government affairs professional, strategic communications consultant, and the Mayor of the City of Pinole, California. A collaborative leader and social entrepreneur, he is focused on building a regenerative economy that engenders increasing prosperity while maintaining the natural systems that sustain us. Devin served as a planning commissioner before being elected to the Pinole City Council in 2020. He is a champion for democracy reform, co-governance, participatory budgeting, economic development, climate mitigation and adaptation, financial planning, and disaster planning.

Devin currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including the City of Pinole Finance Subcommittee, Technology and Communications Committee, and Committee on Memorials. Devin also serves on the Board of Directors for MCE Clean Energy, a clean electricity provider to more than 540,000 customers in Marin, Napa, Solano and Contra Costa counties and California’s first community choice aggregator, where he sits on both the Executive and Technical Committees respectively. Additionally, he represents Pinole on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), WestCAT Transit Authority, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, and the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (RecycleMore).

As the founding CEO and President of DTM Strategies, Devin has over a decade of business development and marketing experience delivering strategic communications, public affairs, paid advertising, and digital communications consulting services to numerous companies, foundations, and civic advocacy organizations. In 2018, Devin was appointed as a Technology and Democracy Fellow by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

He is a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, 350 Contra Costa, and Friends of the Pinole Library. In his free time, he likes reading, long distance walking, and spending time with his nieces and nephews and his dog, Miles. Devin is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and holds a Certificate in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco.

Padmini Parthasarathy is a social sector leader with a proven record of success in philanthropy, nonprofits, and local government, and expertise in economic, racial, and gender justice, and public health. Her strengths and passions include creating and launching innovative strategies and initiatives, learning continually and applying insights gained, gathering and utilizing data and research to change policies and systems, building and sustaining meaningful relationships, and collaborating across sectors to advance social justice. Padmini is the Principal & Founder of Sāmya Strategies, an independent consulting firm serving the philanthropic and nonprofit sector. The firm helps social justice organizations and leaders to help them achieve their missions through strategic planning, research, coalition development, and other capacity building services.

Prior to launching her consulting practice, Padmini served for eight years in various roles in philanthropy, including as strategist for justice, equity, and learning and senior program officer for economic security at the Walter & Elise Haas Fund; and program director at The California Wellness Foundation overseeing statewide grantmaking to advance the Affordable Care Act and health care reform, and promote employment and asset-building opportunities. Before that, Padmini was a program manager for Kaiser Permanente, where she managed its nationwide Community Health Needs Assessment, and she worked for Contra Costa Health Services’ Family, Maternal and Child Health Programs, leading an initiative to incorporate asset building and social determinants of health approaches into maternal and child health programs.

Padmini’s leadership and volunteer experience includes currently serving on the board of directors of Cardea Service and having served on the boards of Asset Funders Network, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, and March of Dimes. She was 2020-21 Council on Foundations Career Pathways fellow, a fellow in Grantmakers in Health’s Terrance Keenan Institute for Emerging Leaders in Health
Philanthropy, and an inaugural member of the Justice Funders’ Harmony Initiative leadership program.

Padmini earned her master’s degree in public health from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social behavior, with a minor in sociology, from UC Irvine.

Michelle is the Principal and Founder of Common Spark Consulting, working to advance boldly inclusive policymaking processes as the foundation for a clean energy future for all. She facilitates public and stakeholder engagement, and provides research and strategic advocacy on behalf of her clients. Common Spark Consulting also supports organizational development and strategic planning efforts for not-for-profit organizations.

With over a decade of experience in energy law and policy, Maria’s work is dedicated to personal and systemic transformation in service of just, regenerative economies. Maria is currently a Program Director with the Initiative for Energy Justice. Prior to that role, Maria served as Climate Equity Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, where she fostered strategic partnerships to support the integration of racial and social equity into local government climate work as well as developed equitable building decarbonization frameworks. Maria has co-led coalition-based advocacy campaigns before the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, and the California State Legislature, which collectively resulted in $200 million invested in affordable housing upgrade programs. Maria holds a B.A. from Oberlin College and received her J.D. and M.A. in Energy & Resources from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law & the College of Natural Resources. Maria currently serves as vice-chair of the California Utility Low-Income Oversight Board.