What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH?
I’m drawn to Clean Energy NH’s power to bring people together in advocating for renewables. This non-profit doesn’t just talk about action, it takes it. I wanted to be a part of a coalition that had a vision for the Granite State’s sustainable future and worked to achieve it, from collaborating with legislators in writing policy to guiding ground-zero communities in implementation. I’m ready to get to work!
What were you up to prior to working at the organization?
I graduated from high school at age 16. I’ve been on a two-year gap year since then to realign with my peer group before attending Wellesley College this fall. In the interim I’ve advocated for environmental policy as the former Policy Director of the student-led non-profit, Seacoast Students 4 Sustainability, Inc. I’ve also had the privilege of interning with several New Hampshire organizations.
Why did you decide to intern for the clean energy industry?
After several years in youth activism, I wanted to stop asking others to change the world and start doing it myself. Clean Energy NH allows for a unique intersection of an area I’m familiar with - policy - with another of which I’m less so - energy. I wanted to be at the forefront of this growing industry to protect our communal environment, as well as push myself outside my comfort zone and learn something new.
Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing?
I think the better question might be, what won’t I be working on? My role centers on convening stakeholders to expand the organization’s coalition. I will be connecting committees across the building, electric, and solar industries in identifying problems and solutions. I’ll further be tracking and engaging in several regulatory dockets as well as supplementing other staff members’ projects. In particular, I’ll be working with Sam Evans-Brown and Chris Skoglund to achieve these aims.
What aspect of your job excites you most? Why?
I’m most excited to learn. Whether it’s keeping up with all the acronyms (RFP, anyone?) or listening in at the State House, I have the opportunity to meet with Granite Staters from all walks of life in pursuing our shared goal of sustainability. I’m eager to color in my mental map of energy policy. I’m also happy to know that yes, by the end of this internship, I will be able to understand my utility bill when I buy a home.
What advice would you give to someone that is looking to step into an internship at a clean energy company?
Send emails! More emails than you’d think, because eventually, some of them will have to respond. I’d also recommend finding several points of contact within the industry to turn to for advice, particularly those who can serve in a mentorship role.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Ideally, I’m curled up outside in a hammock reading a really obscure book of poems or a horrifically trashy romance novel.
A typical weekend for me is…
I’m either catching up with friends at Exeter’s D Squared or fangirling over Anne Hathaway in Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement.
What’s on your bucket list?
I have a master list of every ice cream shop within a 25mi radius of my home. I want to visit each one. This summer, I will be on the hunt for the perfect flavor.
If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be?
It wouldn’t be Alexis Bledel’s first time playing a teenage girl named Loreley (Lorelai)...
Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.
I am trilingual.
Fun Facts:
Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it?
Neither! I dislike most caffeinated, carbonated, and flavored drinks. Water (or hot chocolate) is my go-to beverage of choice.
Favorite NH Restaurant:
At this point, I probably bankroll The Works’ entire bottom line. You can’t go wrong with a sausage, egg, and cheese on an onion bagel.
Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre:
The life-altering artist award goes to Taylor Swift, but the song, “Love & Affection,” by Joan Armatrading has been one of my favorites more recently.
Favorite Recreational Activity:
I love rock-climbing and skiing.
Favorite Holiday:
I’m an October baby, so it is hands down Halloween.