WRISE Los Angeles

WRISE LA's programming and initiatives are the work of our volunteer Board of Directors. To introduce the people behind the scenes of our local chapter, we've asked each of the board members to respond to a few questions. Today, we're introducing you to Michelle Belacic, our Program Director. 🌟 Tell us a little about yourself. I am a Project Manager in commercial solar for Revel Energy. I live in Inglewood, CA in an adorable little house that was built in 1927. 🌟 What got you into renewable energy? When I moved back to California in 2009, I was at loose ends. A girlfriend of mine suggested I volunteer at GRID Alternatives and learn how to install solar. I did and was hooked. I loved the technical aspect of solar… and producing your own energy is just so cool! 🌟 What is your background? I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and, after college, spent years working in all sorts of different fields - construction, coffee shop owner, motorcycle mechanic, I even did a stint at the South Pole working in the kitchen. It wasn’t until I became involved with solar energy that things really “clicked”. Since then, I have worked in all aspects of solar from site surveying, to design, to inspections and interconnection and eventually project management. It’s challenging at times, but I really love what I do. 🌟 What keeps you going on the days when it feels like you are only banging your head into a wall? Even on the worst days, I feel like - at the very least - I have made the world a slightly better place. 🌟 What are some of your most fulfilling accomplishments in your career? I project managed (and helped install) the rooftop and carport PV system at the Santa Monica City Services Building. It’s not a huge system, but at the time, it was one of the most complicated jobs I had worked on. I still smile every time I drive by it on the 10 freeway. The other project is currently in the works - it’s a 1.4 MW solar rooftop, carport and battery system. There are a lot of moving parts, but it’s going to be so amazing once it’s completed. 🌟 What do you want to share about WRISE LA? This is such an amazing group of women and advocates - both locally and nationally. I am so honored to be on the board and I greatly enjoy meeting the members and other women and advocates who attend the events.

We had a great time at last night's event "CONVERGENCE: Growing your career, company, and community in Climate & Renewables" 🌼 WRISE LA's Chapter President, Mabell Garcia Paine, shared her experience alongside panel speakers from Terra.do, Green Jobs Board, and Black Girl Environmentalist. A big thank you to our host talisman for bringing together the event! We enjoyed speaking to all of the climate and renewables professionals that were there last night. Looking forward to seeing you at other WRISE LA events soon!

If you're building your career, company, or community at the intersection of climate, renewables, and environment, don't miss this event! Join us and LA Climate Week on Thursday, September 12th, from 6-9 pm at our HQ in Los Angeles for an inspiring evening of discussions and networking. We’re proud to host a panel of thought leaders who are shaping the future of work in climate: ⚪ Andrew Harris - Founder/Managing Partner, Talisman Advisory Partners ⚪ Kristy Drutman - Co-Founder, Green Jobs Board ⚪ Mabell Garcia Paine - Chapter President, WRISE Los Angeles ⚪ Elsa Mengistu - Director of Programming, Black Girl Environmentalist ⚪ Nishant Mani - Advisor, Terra.do Don’t miss this opportunity to hear their stories, insights, and tips on succeeding in our industry. Enjoy light refreshments, sunset views, and good vibes! Reserve your spot today: https://lu.ma/s3n56f26 #LosAngelesEvents #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #CleanEnergyJobs #RenewableEvents #LAclimateWeek

If you're building your career, company, or community at the intersection of climate, renewables, and environment, don't miss this event! Join us and LA Climate Week on Thursday, September 12th, from 6-9 pm at our HQ in Los Angeles for an inspiring evening of discussions and networking. We’re proud to host a panel of thought leaders who are shaping the future of work in climate: ⚪ Andrew Harris - Founder/Managing Partner, Talisman Advisory Partners ⚪ Kristy Drutman - Co-Founder, Green Jobs Board ⚪ Mabell Garcia Paine - Chapter President, WRISE Los Angeles ⚪ Elsa Mengistu - Director of Programming, Black Girl Environmentalist ⚪ Nishant Mani - Advisor, Terra.do Don’t miss this opportunity to hear their stories, insights, and tips on succeeding in our industry. Enjoy light refreshments, sunset views, and good vibes! Reserve your spot today: https://lu.ma/s3n56f26 #LosAngelesEvents #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #CleanEnergyJobs #RenewableEvents #LAclimateWeek

We're excited to share that WRISE LA's Mabell Garcia Paine will be speaking at "CONVERGENCE: Growing your career, company, and community in Climate & Renewables" on Thursday, September 12th. Hosted by talisman, this event will also feature speakers from Terra.do, Green Jobs Board, and Black Girl Environmentalist, each sharing stories and insights from their work in climate, renewable energy, and environment. Register today (there is limited capacity!) to join us on the rooftop of Talisman HQ in Venice on September 12th: https://lu.ma/s3n56f26

A group from WRISE LA toured the H2 Innovation Experience yesterday, learning about the first-ever clean, renewable hydrogen powered microgrid and home. Attendees had the chance to ask a ton of questions about this demonstration energy system and learn about the different ways this technology can be applied. Thank you to Alicia Marin for being an excellent tour guide, and to SoCalGas for hosting us at the Energy Resource Center!

Our next event, a private tour of SoCalGas' [H2] Innovation Experience on August 15th, is sold out 😲 While the tour capacity is limited, if you'd like to be put on the waitlist for this tour, please contact us at losangeles@wrisenergy.org and we will let you know if any spots open up ✅ https://lnkd.in/gE6Uh89i

Join WRISE LA for a private tour of the [H2] Innovation Experience in Downey on August 15th! According to SoCalGas, the [H2] Innovation Experience is North America's first-ever clean, renewable hydrogen powered microgrid and home. This project demonstrates how net-zero gas made from renewable electricity can be used in pure form or as a blend to fuel energy systems and communities of the future. The "hydrogen home" tour is going to be a fascinating visit. See more details and sign up for your spot on the tour here: https://lnkd.in/gE6Uh89i

We had a lovely time "energizing our network" earlier this week ⚡️ Thank you to everyone who joined us for the insightful panel with Yolanda M. Baber, M.B.S. and Andrea Marr, PhD, PE, moderated by WRISE LA's Francisca Martinez. Some of our favorite quotes from our panelists included: 🌼 There is nothing more powerful than a woman with a network. 🌼 Risk is required for success. 🌼 If you can't find it, build it. We loved hearing the group discussion after the panel, and seeing so many attendees exchange business cards and LinkedIn connections. Thank you for being part of the WRISE LA community!

💡Empowering Women in Energy! 🔌 Last night, the WRISE Los Angeles Networking Event was energizing, featuring a valuable presentation by JGM's VP of Business Development, Yolanda M. Baber, M.B.S., and Andrea Marr, PhD, PE. Their insights on building authentic relationships and supporting each other highlight the importance of representation in the energy sector. Together, we can drive innovation and create a more inclusive industry. Thank you to SoCalGas, Viridis Consulting LLC, The Cadmus Group, and USC Schwarzenneger Institute for sponsoring this event. #WomenInEnergy #RenewableEnergy #RepresentationMatters #JGM