Meet Energy Allies

Yesenia is an expert in energy policy and justice as a scientist, community organizer, and law school graduate. Executive Director, Yesenia Rivera’s first-hand knowledge of energy insecurity in Puerto Rico activated her as an advocate for the elimination of barriers to clean energy for all. After graduating from University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law), she prioritized income-eligible households through work as a Student Attorney in the Community Development Clinic. Yesenia Rivera leads with a passion for democratizing clean energy, and co-chaired the Energy Democracy Project. At the Latino Economic Development Center, she enhanced housing opportunities as a tenant advocate and housing counselor. In 2017, Yesenia joined Solar United Neighbors as DC Programs Director, and in 2019 she was promoted to Director of Energy Equity and Inclusion. As the Director of Energy Equity and Inclusion, she built a program to address barriers to solar adoption across the country. This program allowed over 120 low to moderate-income families to install 0.5 megawatts of solar capacity during her tenure. As Executive Director of Energy Allies, Yesenia centers climate-impacted communities through clean energy projects, policy, and education.