Hey Alison,
Thanks for your response. It's awesome to hear from you and about you! It sounds like you are doing a lot of what I hope to do in the future! I'd love to hear more! I was just in Puerto Rico a few weeks ago actually for a trip for a friend's wedding and was curious what was happening with solar there. If you'd be willing to connect further by video call, etc., I'd love to learn more about your work in general. I'll definitely keep you posted as I continue to think more about this, but would be interested to brainstorm with you on it too.
Thanks for your interest in this concept, and I wonder if I should also hear more from Karo about her project too? Perhaps there is a way to have individual countries with their own networks as well as a way for those networks to stay connected to one another for learning internationally also. I know WRISE does have a good network of women in solar in the U.S. but it is much broader than just installers, so I see the value of having a focus on installation/technical/training folks. There is another group called Energy for Women that I've linked up with and they seem to have a lot of Latin American countries represented, more so than the U.S. - I wonder if Karo is linked up with them.
Riley
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Riley Neugebauer
Project Manager & Installer
SoCo Solar
Bayfield CO
rileyneugebauer@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-10-2021 05:03 PM
From: Alison Mason
Subject: Connecting Women Installers!
Hi Riley,
This is a great idea and I don't think there is anything specific to women installers yet. I am installing mostly in Puerto Rico currently but more long term I belong to Colorado (Fort Collins). In Puerto Rico I am training women to design and install PV systems using the Solar Energy International curriculum. I agree there is much to be done in expanding the solar work force and bringing in many more women. Karo Fernandez is putting together a network to connect women in the solar/energy industry with a goal of making it easier to find women to speak at conferences, etc. (and networking too). Her focus is women in Latin America. Count me in.
Alison
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Alison Mason
Principal
SunJuice Solar LLC
Fort Collins CO
alison@greyrock.org
Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2021 07:25 PM
From: Riley Neugebauer
Subject: Connecting Women Installers!
Hi all,
I'm a female installer and project manager based in southwest Colorado. I have a history of working in nonprofits and developing networks and programs as well, and I'd love to build a network specifically for female installers and technicians in solar in the U.S. as a starting point. I know there are existing networks for women, but I'd really like to better connect installers specifically. I've spoken with folks at ASES a little about this, and some others also, but I thought I'd also throw that idea out here and see if any of you like this concept, are a female installer yourself who wants to participate in such a network, etc. I have some ideas about it, but would also like to hear the perspective of others.
Riley NeugebauerSolar is a field that is growing and growing fast. It is going to need more trained people, and women need to be a part of that. The only way I see that happening is if more women are in the field, owning companies, training other women, etc. I intend to help with some of that as I move forward in my own career, but I also want to keep connecting with others who feel the same way.
I've been starting to document a bit about my own journey on youtube, and hope to keep doing more of that as time goes on, but always like to connect and talk with others as well. You can check out my novice videos so far here: Riley Neugebauer
.
Thanks!
Riley
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Riley Neugebauer
Project Manager & Installer
SoCo Solar
Bayfield CO
rileyneugebauer@gmail.com
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