Quarter 1Report

Henderson-Hopkins Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony


Social RECs® support community solar on a school in East Baltimore.

Project Summary

The Solar4Us@Henderson Hopkins project continues to exemplify Solar Stewards' mission to advance equitable energy solutions. Initiated by the Climate Access Fund (CAF) to assist low-income households in Baltimore, Maryland, the project leverages Social RECs® to support community solar development. CAF's founder and CEO, Lynn Heller, partnered with Solar Stewards to utilize Social RECs® as a financial mechanism for this initiative.

Located on the Henderson-Hopkins School's rooftop, the 804 kW community solar installation provides discounted clean energy to 175 low-to-moderate-income (LMI) households, reducing their electricity costs by 25% compared to standard residential utility rates. The project not only alleviates financial burdens but also offers workforce development opportunities and academic programs for East Baltimore residents. As part of its community engagement efforts, CAF has collaborated with Henderson-Hopkins School to launch a solar energy and energy efficiency club for students. Solar Stewards secured a multi-year agreement, supported by CohnReznick as the Social REC® purchaser, reinforcing long-term benefits for the community.


Progress Report

Building on last year’s achievements, the first quarter of 2025 marked a significant milestone for the Solar4Us@Henderson-Hopkins project. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on January 13, 2025, celebrated the official launch of the solar installation. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen attended the event, underscoring the project's importance in advancing renewable energy access for underserved communities. The celebration highlighted the collaboration between CAF, Solar Stewards, and CohnReznick in making this initiative a reality. CohnReznick played a key role in this endeavor, not only by signing the REC offtake agreements but also by committing to a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) crafted by Solar Stewards. This CBA ensures that the project delivers tangible benefits, such as economic relief, job training, and sustainability education, to East Baltimore residents.

To further demonstrate its commitment, CohnReznick sent a delegation of six representatives to the ribbon-cutting event, reinforcing the firm’s dedication to renewable energy and equitable access. The ceremony featured remarks from community leaders, local officials, and project partners, along with testimonials from residents benefiting from reduced energy costs and students involved in the school’s new solar and sustainability programs. In addition to environmental and financial benefits, the project has created new workforce opportunities through Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) provisions, including training sessions and workshops on solar installation and maintenance in partnership with local workforce development organizations. These efforts aim to equip East Baltimore residents with skills for employment in the renewable energy sector, further strengthening the community’s economic prospects. With the solar system now fully installed and operational, participating households will begin receiving energy credits to reduce their utility bills. The project team is finalizing operational details, meeting regulatory requirements, and planning to track long-term community impacts through assessments and engagement. A press release will soon highlight the project’s successful completion, while media coverage and case studies will showcase Solar4Us@Henderson-Hopkins as a replicable model for community-driven clean energy solutions.

Events and Thought Leadership

7skyline Energy Education Symposium 2025

The 7Skyline Energy Education Symposium 2025 was held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Desert Diamond Casino and Hotel, beginning at 10 am. The event provided an in-depth exploration of renewable energy, workforce development, energy efficiency, and the Tohono O'odham Utility Authority (TOUA) power grid. Tribal leaders and energy experts discussed renewable energy projects and the integration of energy solutions in tribal areas. The symposium included an array of speakers, panels, and discussions, addressing various aspects of energy resilience, tribal energy projects, and workforce development.

With strong event coordination led by Chairman Verlon Jose and General Manager Brian Fickett, the symposium featured a full agenda that flowed smoothly, highlighting critical themes in tribal energy advancement. The Lightning Round showcased insights from key energy stakeholders including Solar Stewards, DNV, and Schneider Electric, reinforcing the role of collaboration in clean energy solutions.

Highlights included the panel on "Overcoming Barriers to Tribal Renewable Energy Integration" and the keynote by Mark Kravitz, which emphasized actionable strategies for energy transition and local empowerment. Community-driven projects such as the San Xavier Street Light Project and the solar garden initiative by San Carlos Apache College demonstrated the tangible benefits of tribal-led energy solutions. The event concluded with a cultural performance and giveaways, honoring the Tohono O'odham Nation's heritage and setting a foundation for future partnerships focused on energy resilience and workforce development.

Women's History Month Panel

As part of its continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the clean energy and sustainability sectors, Solar Stewards participated in Turner & Townsend’s Women’s History Month Panel held on March 25, 2025. The virtual event brought together thought leaders and industry professionals to highlight the role of women in shaping diverse, inclusive workplaces and communities. Dana Clare Redden, Founder and CEO of Solar Stewards, was invited to join the panel to share her insights and experiences in advancing supplier diversity and leading with purpose-driven impact. The collaboration reinforced Solar Stewards' dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices and partnering with organizations that promote equity in professional spaces.

Planning for the event began in mid-March with a series of email exchanges and coordination calls facilitated by Wayne Lambert of Turner & Townsend. Dana confirmed her participation early on and engaged in multiple scheduling and planning discussions to align with fellow panelists, including Leslie Sun, Diana Nada, Elizabeth Velez, Angelina Ordonez, Fateh Ahmed, and Aisha Barnes. Prep sessions were organized to cover the flow of the panel, proposed questions, and talking points around topics such as the impact of DEI, supplier diversity, mentorship, leadership challenges, and workplace initiatives supporting women.

A prep call was held prior to the event, where panelists aligned on key themes and confirmed logistics. Dana expressed appreciation for Turner & Townsend’s leadership and the opportunity to share perspectives on diverse teams. The panel event itself was a success, drawing nearly 400 attendees and generating overwhelmingly positive feedback. Wayne confirmed that social media sharing of the event was permitted, and encouraged the group to stay connected for continued impact. The collaboration was a strong example of Solar Stewards’ commitment to authentic engagement and collective advocacy in spaces that uplift marginalized voices.

Solar and Energy Loan Fund, Inc. (SELF)

SELF 10X Impact! Staff Retreat

Solar and Energy Loan Fund, Inc. (SELF) is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides affordable and innovative financing solutions for sustainable property improvements, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience. Its mission is to rebuild and empower underserved communities, particularly in low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods, by helping homeowners improve the safety, health, and quality of life in their homes while also lowering energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Led by Duanne Andrade T., CEO of SELF, the organization operates across several states including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona, and Alabama. SELF has established partnerships with 42 investors across six categories and continuously seeks low-cost, flexible capital from philanthropic, public, private, and impact investors to support its expanding efforts.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, SELF launched a targeted Hurricane Capital Raise to provide ‘recover’ and ‘rebuild’ loans with 3–5 year terms and a one-year grace period. These loans are designed to support LMI homeowners in Florida as they wait for FEMA and other funds, while also integrating energy efficiency measures, solar readiness, and resilient design into rebuilding efforts.

SELF’s impact is substantial. To date, the organization has leveraged $50 million in loan capital into $39.8 million in direct loans, maintained an average default rate below 2.5%, and helped clients achieve an average of 27% in energy savings. Approximately 74% of SELF’s clients are LMI individuals with poor credit scores, and the program has directly benefited more than 10,700 people while avoiding 3,933 cumulative tons of CO₂ emissions.

One of SELF’s recent milestones includes the SELF 10X Impact! Staff Retreat, held at the Fenn Center in Ft. Pierce, Florida, celebrating the organization’s continued growth and dedication to advancing clean energy and resilience in underserved communities. Representing Solar Stewards, Dana attended this retreat and deepened connections with this impressive organization

Clayton County Science & Engineering Fair


Dana served as a judge at the Clayton County Science & Engineering Fair. Dana’s participation was an important opportunity to support youth in STEM and strengthen community connections in our headquarter state of Georgia. Solar Stewards shares Clayton County’s commitment to academic excellence and STEM education, and we were proud to support the county through this engagement.

Emory’s 17th Annual Green Networking Night 2025

On February 13, 2025, Emory University hosted its 17th Annual Green Networking Night at the Piedmont Park Conservancy – Greystone. This event brought together over 60 alumni and professionals working in sustainability and green careers for an evening of informal networking with Emory undergraduate and graduate students. The event provided a unique opportunity for students to receive career, academic, and personal guidance in a relaxed, mixer-style environment. Attendees enjoyed locally sourced hors d’oeuvres while engaging in meaningful conversations with professionals across the green career spectrum. The event was open to students from all disciplines, including liberal arts, law, public health, and business, and emphasized sustainability by encouraging guests to bring reusable water bottles and utensils. Green Networking Night continues to be a cornerstone event at Emory, made possible through the support of Career & Professional Development | Pathways Center, the Office of Sustainability Initiatives, the Emory Alumni Association, the Department of Environmental Sciences, the Goizueta Business and Society Institute, and the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health.


In addition to participating in Emory University’s 17th Annual Green Networking Night, Solar Stewards continued engagement with students and professionals who attended the event. Following the event, Dana corresponded with several Emory attendees to strengthen connections and provide further resources. She responded to Justin Yang’s follow-up email, thanking him for their conversation during the networking night and encouraging him to stay in touch regarding future opportunities. Asia L. Waller from Emory also reached out, and Dana expressed interest in continued involvement with Emory’s sustainability initiatives. In a separate exchange with Nandita Parekh, Dana provided a Calendly link to schedule a one-on-one meeting and shared a job opportunity for a Special Grant Research Consultant to support the B.O.S.S. initiative. These follow-up interactions reflect Solar Stewards’ commitment to building meaningful relationships with emerging leaders in sustainability and supporting career development through mentorship and collaboration.

AABE 48th National Conference

Solar Stewards, represented by Founder and CEO Dana Clare Redden, actively engaged with the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) in preparation for the 48th National Conference held on May 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Dana was invited by Jennifer Quarles of Gray Global Advisors to speak on the panel "Entrepreneurial Empowerment and Supply Diversity: Leveraging Partnerships and Networks for Entrepreneurial and Supplier Success." 

Engagement has extended beyond the panel. In April, Camille Moore of AABE initiated conversations about featuring Solar Stewards in an Earth Day resource publication and began exploring a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AABE, Ralph, and Dresden to support shared goals around equity and renewable energy. Dana joined a follow-up call with Camille on April 3 to discuss collaborative opportunities and future involvement, including participation in upcoming BOSS (Black Owners and Suppliers) community events.

These activities reflect a growing and strategic partnership between Solar Stewards and AABE, grounded in shared values of energy equity, entrepreneurial inclusion, and community leadership. Dana’s panel appearance represents an important milestone in visibility within the Black energy professional community, while ongoing discussions signal long-term alignment with AABE’s mission.

Reimagine Appalachia

ReImagine Appalachia's 2025 Virtual Strategy Summit

The summit opened on Tuesday, January 14th, with a session titled “Public Investment in a Changing Environment,” which addressed the shifting political landscape and its implications for federal funding and resources in Appalachia. Moderated by Natalia Rudiak of ReImagine Appalachia, the panel featured leaders from the DOE, Appalachian Community Capital, Sustainable Strategies DC, and the Just Transition Fund.

Following that, the session “Doing It Together: Multi-Community Partnerships Driving Progress” explored the power of regional collaboration, highlighting initiatives like solar procurement in Southwestern Pennsylvania and EV infrastructure in Southeastern Ohio. It was moderated by Joy Ruff and included local leaders and energy experts.

In the afternoon, participants attended one of five breakout workshops:

  • Workshop 1A focused on sustainable procurement policies,

  • 1B on flood resilience and regional policy,

  • 1C on improving access to federal climate funds,

  • 1D on bipartisan messaging for clean energy, and

  • 1E on solar policy and accessibility.

On Day Two, the keynote panel, “What’s Next for Appalachia’s Clean Economy?”, brought together voices from labor, environmental justice, and economic development to envision a just and sustainable regional future. Moderated by Joanne Kilgour, the panel featured representatives from the National Wildlife Federation, AFL-CIO, Coalfield Development, and the American Sustainable Business Network.

Subsequent breakout workshops included:

  • Workshop 2A on circular manufacturing,

  • 2B on repurposing coal plant sites,

  • 2C on community benefit principles,

  • 2D on strategic communications, and

  • 2E on reconnecting dislocated workers.

The summit concluded with a final round of thematic breakout sessions. One session, “Building an Appalachian Manufacturing Action Plan,” led by Amanda Woodrum, offered strategies for sustainable industry growth, while others continued exploring renewable energy, regional development, and policy innovation.

Racial Equity Is (Still) Good for Business Webinar

Navigating Racial Equity and Resilience in a Changing Business Landscape

The "Racial Equity Is (Still) Good for Business" webinar, presented by B Lab U.S. & Canada, launched a timely and essential conversation around the shifting legal and cultural landscape impacting racial equity in business. With affirmative action overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and increasing legal scrutiny on funding specifically designated for BIPOC communities, many mission-driven organizations are facing new challenges in upholding their equity and sustainability commitments. This webinar marked the first installment in a broader "Business for Good" Campaign aimed at equipping businesses, particularly B Corps, with strategies and tools to persist in their efforts for inclusive economic transformation.

Moderated by Keecha Harris, CEO of Keecha Harris & Associates, the panel featured insights from Jorge Fontanez, CEO of B Lab U.S. & Canada, alongside other B Corp leaders. These speakers addressed how businesses can remain resilient and purpose-driven despite increasing pressure and legal uncertainty surrounding equity-focused initiatives.

Attendees were offered practical strategies for sustaining responsible business practices and preserving racial equity frameworks in the face of new regulatory and social challenges. Discussions included how to align business operations with long-term goals around sustainability, climate justice, and social impact, emphasizing the interconnectedness of equity and environmental resilience.

Participants left the session with a clearer understanding of the business case for racial equity, and how equity-centered practices can strengthen organizational sustainability, enhance stakeholder trust, and drive long-term economic and social value. The event also fostered networking and collaboration among professionals and companies committed to advancing equitable systems change in the business sector.

Virtual Power Plants (Update) Liftoff Webinar

Scaling Virtual Power Plants for Grid Reliability and Resilience by 2030

The Virtual Power Plants (Update) Liftoff Webinar, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), provided a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the commercialization and deployment of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). This session focused on the updated Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Virtual Power Plants Report, which serves as a collaborative fact base for public and private sector stakeholders committed to scaling clean energy technologies. The report is the result of robust engagement with industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem enablers, aiming to identify what it will take to deploy VPPs at scale.

Since the original 2023 Liftoff Report, the U.S. electric grid has faced increasing pressure from rising peak electricity demand, escalating customer costs tied to transmission and distribution upgrades, and mounting grid reliability issues caused by extreme weather and aging infrastructure. These challenges have intensified the urgency of implementing flexible, scalable solutions such as VPPs.

Virtual Power Plants—aggregations of decentralized energy resources like solar panels, batteries, smart thermostats, and EV chargers—are positioned as a key strategy to meet these demands. The updated report outlines that deploying 80–160 GW of VPPs by 2030 (enough to serve 10–20% of peak load) could significantly reduce overall grid costs, enhance resilience, and support sustainable load growth.

During the webinar, participants explored the progress made since 2023 and discussed the next steps needed to reach full VPP deployment by 2030. The session featured insights from leading DOE officials including Dr. Vanessa Chan, Chief Commercialization Officer and Director of the DOE Office of Technology Transitions; Jigar Shah, Director of the DOE Loan Programs Office; Alejandro Moreno, Associate Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; and Sonali Razdan, Senior Advisor at the DOE Office of Technology Transitions.

The event underscored the vital role of public-private partnerships in overcoming deployment barriers and accelerating commercialization, reaffirming VPPs as a transformative solution for a reliable, affordable, and decarbonized energy future.