Biannual Climate Steward Report
Prepared for CohnReznick
June 2025
Dear Climate Steward,
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Community Partners and climate justice.
As we recently marked Memorial Day and honored those who sacrificed their lives for our nation, we are also reminded of the ongoing struggles that continue to shape America. Five years ago, the murder of George Floyd ignited a global call for racial justice—yet the backlash and erosion of those demands reveal just how persistent and deeply rooted our challenges remain.
Our nation was founded on ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—values that now feel under threat for many, from cuts in healthcare and food assistance to eroding civil liberties. The wounds of systemic oppression run deep, and this Memorial Day reminds us that the fight for justice is ongoing and shared by all.
Solar Stewards was founded at a moment like this in 2016, when private sector actors recommitted to climate action despite the shift in Federal policy. It is in these critical moments, moments like now, that your leadership and commitment as a Climate Steward is imperative.
Thank you for providing the membership that enables the growing Solar Stewards team to show up for historically excluded communities, advocate for climate justice, work to secure and evolve community benefit agreements, and connect with Social RECs® buyers.
Thank you for your leadership and steadfast support in these critical times.
With gratitude,
Dana Clare Redden
Founder and CEO
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.
In Q2, a press release was issued to highlight the project's successful completion and the positive outcomes stemming from this partnership. It has already been featured in Clean Technica, Solar Power World Online, and Solar Builder Magazine. This media coverage showcases the Solar4Us@Henderson-Hopkins project as a model for community-driven clean energy solutions.
Events and Thought Leadership
ACORE Accelerate Forum
The ACORE Accelerate Forum & Alumni Reunion successfully took place on June 4–5, 2025, as part of the larger ACORE Finance Forum in New York City. This annual convening, organized by the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), serves as a key platform to amplify the voices and leadership of clean energy entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The Accelerate Initiative aims to address equity and inclusion within the renewable energy industry by supporting diverse founders through capacity-building, mentorship, and access to capital networks.
The forum featured a full slate of programming tailored to the Accelerate cohort and alumni network, including roundtable discussions, pitch sessions, peer-led panels, and networking with industry leaders and financial institutions. It also included a dedicated Alumni Reunion, offering a space for past and current members to reconnect, reflect on growth, and discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities within the clean energy space.
Dana actively participated in the convening and represented the organization in both cohort-related sessions and broader discussions around equitable project development and social impact in clean energy. Her presence reinforced strategic alignment with mission-aligned partners and opened follow-up conversations around potential Social REC collaborations, community benefits agreements (CBAs), and corporate responsibility partnerships.
The event strengthened existing relationships within the Accelerate network and opened new pathways for collaboration with investors, developers, and policymakers. Participants shared measurable outcomes resulting from their involvement in the Accelerate Initiative, including business expansion, revenue growth, and increased industry visibility. The forum reaffirmed the importance of platforms like ACORE Accelerate in breaking down barriers to entry and positioning diverse leaders at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
Reference Links
ACORE Finance Forum: https://acore.org/events/finance-forum/
ACORE Accelerate Initiative: https://acore.org/initiatives/accelerate/
ACORE LinkedIn Post (Recap): View here
Clean Energy Jobs Press Conference
On May 5, 2025, Dana Clare Redden was a featured speaker at a press conference held at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was organized by Girl Plus Environment and the Climate Action Campaign to spotlight the critical role of clean energy jobs in supporting economic opportunities for younger generations, especially those from underrepresented communities. The timing of the event was especially important as it responded to growing concerns around recent federal freezes on clean energy investments and their potential impact on small businesses and job creation.
In her remarks, Dana emphasized that “climate can’t wait and neither can small businesses,” reinforcing the urgent need for continued government and private sector support for clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship. Her statement resonated with the event’s broader themes of climate justice, economic dignity, and the empowerment of minority-owned businesses within the clean energy transition. She was joined by other influential leaders including Tonya Hicks (Power Solutions, Inc.), Diamond Spratling (Girl Plus Environment), and Matt Cox (Greenlink Analytics), all of whom called for increased inclusion and investment in clean energy workforce development.
AABE 48th National Conference
Solar Stewards, represented by Dana, 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."
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.
ABFE Presents: Harambee 2025: "Let's All Pull Together"
The Harambee 2025 Annual Conference, themed "Let’s All Pull Together," was held from April 6 to 9, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, this year’s conference convened over 1,500 Black philanthropic leaders, advocates, practitioners, and allies from across the U.S. and the broader African diaspora. As one of the most important convenings for Black-led philanthropy, Harambee has become a national platform for fostering collaboration, promoting Black leadership, and advancing strategies for racial and economic justice. The conference was not only a space for deep reflection but also one of celebration, unity, and forward-looking movement-building.
The word "Harambee," derived from Swahili and meaning "all pull together," captures the heart of the event’s purpose—uniting diverse leaders and institutions in shared action. Throughout the four-day conference, attendees participated in a broad range of programming, including keynote speeches, leadership development workshops, case studies, storytelling forums, and strategic discussions focused on community investment and systems change. Sessions tackled critical issues such as philanthropic accountability, intergenerational wealth building, and funding Black-led organizing. There was also a strong emphasis on innovation, power-sharing, and the use of culturally responsive frameworks in philanthropic practice.
A major theme of the 2025 convening was the call for transparency, trust, and accountability in philanthropy. Presenters emphasized the need to reimagine how funding decisions are made, who holds power in those processes, and how Black communities can co-lead the design of solutions that directly impact them.
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 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.
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.
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 the 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.
Clayton County Science & Engineering Fair
Dana served as a judge at the Clayton County Science & Engineering Fair on February 8th. 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.
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.
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 on January 23rd 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.
