I joined The Energy Co-op on March 3 as the Energy Programs Coordinator. In this role, I support the operations of the Co-op’s programs department. Helping to ensure they run smoothly and continue serving our members well.

I hold a MSc in Environment, Politics & Development from SOAS University of London, where my research focused on pathways to a just energy transition, and a BA in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple University. Questions about energy, place, and equity have been central to my thinking for a long time.

That foundation carried into a career spanning government, academia, and the nonprofit sector, where I focused on program development, fundraising, and building partnerships that drive social impact. Over time, my interests sharpened around how energy systems, policy, and emerging technologies like AI shape long-term societal outcomes, and I began seeking out experiences that sat at that intersection.

Today, that curiosity extends into the classroom. As a Course Associate at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, I support teaching and research in the graduate course “Getting AI Right for Techno-Social Change”. I’m also a 2025 Fellow of the Clean Energy Leadership Institute.

The Energy Co-op’s community-owned model and genuine commitment to leading the energy evolution felt like a natural convergence of everything I’d been working toward, and I’m really glad my path led me here.

It’s only been a week, so I’m still very much in learning mode, but what an introduction it’s been! I’ve already gained a real appreciation for the thoughtfulness that goes into how the Co-op operates and serves its members, and I’m looking forward to understanding more of the moving parts as I settle in.

What’s stood out most so far is the people. The team is warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the Co-op’s mission, and that kind of environment makes it easy to hit the ground running. I’m really grateful to be joining such a dedicated group, and I can’t wait to see what the weeks ahead bring.

I’ve traveled to more than 15 countries, and somewhere along the way I picked up a bit of an unusual travel tradition: whenever I visit a new place, I try to find a restaurant where Anthony Bourdain once dined. It started casually, but it’s become something I genuinely look forward to planning.

Bourdain had a remarkable way of understanding the world through food and the people who make it. He once said, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together” and I think that holds true whether you’re halfway around the world or just getting to know a new colleague over lunch.

Philadelphia’s park system is something I’ve always loved about the city. Places like the Wissahickon is such a lovely space. You can step onto a wooded trail and feel completely removed from city life, even though you’re very much still in one.

Cannock Chase by Labi Siffre. It’s a beautiful, understated track. Highly recommend putting it on during your next walk through the Wissahickon.

 To me, sustainability is about building systems that support both people and the environment over the long term. That includes everyday choices, but it’s also about the bigger structural shifts.

On a day-to-day level, I try to be thoughtful about what I buy, how I travel, and how I use energy. Small choices like avoiding overconsumption and making more intentional decisions…can add up over time.

My first year is really about building a strong foundation, diving deep into the operational side of our programs and contributing in ways that genuinely help us serve our members well. Most importantly, I want to show up as a teammate the Co-op can count on. Check back with me in a year!