Eight new SolarCorps Fellows are getting to work across California this fall thanks to GRID’s renewed partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). Over the next year, these fellows will work in GRID offices around the state gaining new skills while helping bring solar power and job training to the communities we serve. PG&E, a longtime supporter of GRID’s workforce development programming, has sponsored solar fellows at GRID since 2012.
Meet the 2016-2017 cohort of PG&E Solar Fellows participating in GRID’s SolarCorps program:
After beginning his career in the automotive industry Raymond Reymundo sought a change of pace, and soon found himself volunteering on a GRID jobsite. Now a SolarCorps Construction Fellow, Raymond, nicknamed Ray Ray by his friends and co-workers, is excited to advance his skills as a solar installer in the Central Valley.
John Cervantes hails from Turlock, California, and is a veteran of the United States Army. When the opportunity for job training in solar installation presented itself, John was eager to learn. After gaining experience as a volunteer, he now serves as a SolarCorps Construction Fellow for the Central Valley office.
Having previously worked at GRID as both a volunteer and an intern, Matt Kroll is excited to support GRID’s work in his native Bay Area as a SolarCorps Construction Fellow. Matt--an avid musician and DJ--got his first hands-on experience with solar by building a portable off-grid solar generator designed to power DJ and sound equipment in remote areas.
Carmen Zamudio, born and raised in Mexico, comes to GRID with over 20 of experience working as energy specialist for a program that helps income-qualified families conserve energy. She feels incredibly proud to be a SolarCorps Outreach Fellow program working to help Bay Area families save money--and energy--through solar.
Stuart McFarland’s previous career as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher has spanned several countries around the globe, but he’s happy to have found his way back home to California. As a SolarCorps Program Fellow, Stuart is looking forward to making solar accessible to underserved communities in California’s Central Coast.
Matt Aoun joins GRID as a SolarCorps Construction & Program Fellow in the Central Coast. He is thrilled to continue his growth as a professional in the renewable energy industry and pursue his NABCEP certification while working for an organization that is making strides to reduce the human impact on the environment.
After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering and launching her career as a commercial solar designer, Katie Neal decided to trade her desk job for a hard hat. As a SolarCorps Construction Fellow in the North Valley, Katie is excited to supplement her design skills with field work while advocating for women in STEM and construction roles.
Andre Marks first landed at GRID during his time at Sacramento Jobs Corps, where he gained the hands-on solar training that ultimately led him to apply for his SolarCorps Construction Fellow position with the North Valley office. “GRID is a great place to be, especially for someone my age,” said Andre. “I’m very proud of the things I’m doing. I like helping people.”