Grid Alternatives Central Valley Office
1254 G Street
Fresno, CA 93706
Phone: (559) 261-4743
Fax: (559) 420-0357
Email: infofresno@gridalternatives.org
Click here for a map and directions to our offices.
Staff Bios
Bertha Aguilar, Outreach Coordinator
Bertha has lived in the Central Valley her entire life. She is a graduate of the Institute of Technology where she received a certificate of completion in Human Resources studies. Bertha also successfully completed classes in Computer Business at San Joaquin Valley College. Bertha's work history has been an adventure and has included employment in the field of Human Resources, Administration and Clerical. Her last position was working with the Housing Authorities of the City and County of Fresno where she was introduced to GRID Alternatives through GRID's Central Valley Solarthon 2010 in which 7 families in the Sierra Pointe subdivision developed by the Housing Authorities received solar thanks to the efforts of 150 volunteers. This provided Bertha with an opportunity to see how GRID Alternatives works in serving low-income communities and led her to apply for employment in the CV office.
Justine Blanchet, Volunteer and Training Fellow
Justine is a passionate advocate of the environment, renewable energy and sustainable development. Her interest in these issues led her to study and obtain her MA from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. Born and raised in this multicultural city, Justine grew up speaking English and French and later learned Spanish while traveling. She has a diversified work experience, but especially enjoys working with the Central Valley's fascinating community. An avid explorer and outdoor enthusiast, Justine has visited four continents and hopes to see the rest of the world.
Alicia Bohigian, Outreach Coordinator
Alicia Bohigian joins our team as an outreach coordinator for the Central Valley . Raised in Fresno, Alicia graduated Magna Cum-Laude from Fresno State University where she obtained a degree in Liberal Studies. She has more than ten years experience working in the multicultural marketing industry and with diverse populations. The fascination and concern for the environment and energy efficiency for the real estate industry led her to develop relationships and become active with entities and prominent figures within the environmental arena. Alicia has a passion for service in her community. She has volunteered her time with The Community Housing Council, a non-profit organization that educates the community about homeownership. She has served on the board of directors for real estate associations including National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals where she became the legislative chair promoting political involvement in her community and ensuring their voice was heard in City Hall as well as Washington D.C. Alicia is currently serving as a member of the "Fresno Green Team."
Tom Esqueda, Regional Director
Tom has over 20 years of experience in affordable housing programs and has worked for local government agencies and non-profit organizations. Tom has lived in Fresno all but 38 months of his life and graduated from Fresno State University with a Business Marketing degree. Tom is proud to be a platelet donor of over 23 years, and averages 20 donations per year.
Karina Gonzalez, Outreach Coordinator
Karina has always had a passion for the environment and science. Born in Selma California, she has spent much of her life in the Central Valley. She obtained her A.A. in Liberal Arts from Fresno City College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree. Through the Fresno County office of education, she enjoyed providing enrichment, educational, and tutorial resources to low income families. Karina possesses a love of nature and is devoted to solar and pollution control. She recently led a group of middle school students in pursuit of the Change the World grant to eliminate pollution in surrounding neighborhoods. She has a fascination with sea life conservation and has spent 19 years studying sharks. She enjoys volunteering her time to speak with school children about solar, the environment, ocean conservation, and creating awareness of shark finning practices.
David Griffin, Solar Installation Supervisor
David graduated from CSU, Fresno with a B.S. in Business Administration-Accountacy. His work history includes retail sales, construction, insurance, and teaching prior to joining GRID Alternatives in September, 2010. David began volunteering with GRID after looking for a career that was socially, environmentally, and personally satisfying. As David volunteered often, he learned more about GRID Alternatives, it's mission and goals, and decided to join the Central Valley Fresno team.
Laura Gromis, Development Officer
Laura graduated from Heidelberg University, Germany, with a M.A. in Political Science, Public Law and Social Anthropology. She has a passion for renewable energy and is excited to join GRID Alternatives to work on providing innovative solutions for today's energy challenges. Her work experience includes human resource development and non-profit educational outreach. In her free time she loves to travel and enjoys the outdoors.
Vincent Headley, Development and Project Management Associate
Vincent was born in Los Angeles and attended El Camino Community College as a psychology major. He then attended Fresno State and graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a emphasis in Entrepreneurship. He has called the central valley home for the last five years and enjoys the small town atmosphere of the central valley. He enjoys sushi, watching movies, and reading.
John Nichols, Construction Manager
John joined Grid Alternatives in March 2010. His educational background includes a degree in Electronic Technology, C-10 Licensed Electrical Contractor, and a Master Electrician degree in the State of Maine. John was a volunteer for Grid Alternatives and participated in various installations in the Central Valley. As a former business owner, he brings extensive experience in managing and estimation of electrical and solar projects in the residential and commercial sector. John is committed to upholding the solar industry’s best practices and is enthusiastic about contributing to an organization that shares his values while promoting alternative energy usage.
Jose Perez Robles, Solar Installation Supervisor
Jose was born in Guanajuato Mexico and grew up in Selma, CA. He worked at a grading company for 5 years before attending a Proteus class for solar installation. Through Proteus he had the opportunity to begin volunteering with GRID Alternatives. When a position opened up in the Central Valley office he jumped on it. When he's not out on rooftops Jose enjoys spending time with his family. He likes working for GRID because he's helping create a cleaner environment for his children and for all future residents of Earth.
Xavier Villazana, Solar Installation Supervisor
Xavier discovered GRID Alternatives while he was a member of Fresno Green Job Corps. FGJC helped Xavier earn his NABCEP degree through a six week program with Applied Professional Training. Xavier is also furthering his education at Fresno City College with a major in Electronic Technologies. He has been a volunteer with GRID since January 2010 and was a team leader on many GRID installs before joining the Central Valley Team in June 2011.
