Hosted by: Cassie Betts
Executive Producer: Eman Barkley
Air Date: November 16, 2024

Introduction to Episode and Guest

In this empowering episode of Talk Tech To Me, host Cassie Betts welcomes Orlanda Cunningham, Senior Outreach Coordinator at GRID Alternatives. The episode focuses on the transformative power of solar energy in diverse communities, highlighting how renewable energy creates career opportunities and promotes equity. Orlanda shares her journey as a trailblazer for women in solar and her efforts to light up Los Angeles.

Guest Background in Tech

Orlanda Cunningham is a San Diego native and Los Angeles resident with a passion for clean energy and community empowerment. After making history as part of a women-only solar installation team with GRID Alternatives in 2015, Orlanda has become a leading advocate for renewable energy, inspiring women and marginalized groups to enter the field. Her role at GRID focuses on outreach, workforce development, and increasing access to solar technology in underrepresented communities.

Main Insights

The conversation highlights key themes, including:

• Solar Technology Benefits: How renewable energy reduces costs, supports environmental health, and creates job opportunities.
• GRID Alternatives' Impact: Providing affordable solar solutions and empowering individuals with skills for the growing green economy.
• Diversity in Renewable Energy: Addressing challenges and opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive in the solar industry.

Learn more about GRID Alternatives and their initiatives here.

Community Impact

Orlanda emphasizes GRID Alternatives' mission to make solar energy accessible to Black and underserved communities. She discusses the organization’s efforts to overcome barriers like affordability and lack of awareness, ensuring solar solutions are a viable reality. GRID also prioritizes inclusive workforce development programs, offering training to people of color, women, and those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Career Advice

For those interested in solar energy careers, Orlanda shares:

• Training Opportunities: GRID Alternatives offers programs that equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the renewable energy sector.
• Earning Potential: Entry-level solar jobs can lead to lucrative career paths, especially with GRID's workforce programs.
• Inclusion: GRID focuses on increasing representation of women and people of color in leadership roles.

Check out GRID Alternatives’ career programs to kickstart your journey in the solar industry here.

Final Takeaways

Orlanda’s message is clear: renewable energy is the future, and solar technology offers incredible opportunities for individuals and communities. Listeners are encouraged to explore GRID Alternatives' resources, consider a career in solar, and advocate for sustainable solutions in their neighborhoods.

Stay Connected

Follow Talk Tech To Me on Instagram: @instabetts, @talktechto.me, and @madeinsouth.la.
Learn more about Made In South LA’s Bootcamps at MISLA.org.

Tune in next week for "How to Turn Your Story Into a Film" with Actor/Producer Anthony Langston!