Biannual Climate Steward Report
Prepared for Microsoft
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
Partnership between Solar Stewards and Microsoft represents a significant step toward promoting energy equity and community-led clean energy adoption. As part of the broader Solarize Gwinnett campaign, the project encouraged residents who installed solar systems to contribute their Social RECs® to Gwinnett Housing, a nonprofit community partner that specializes in affordable housing, energy efficiency, and financial literacy.
The project’s structure enabled a unique flow of impact: residents donated their Social RECs®, which were then monetized to support programs for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households. The initiative’s goal was not only to raise awareness around renewable energy adoption but also to create tangible financial support for LMI households through home energy upgrades and educational programming. The Social REC® contributions supported increased access to affordable housing, expanded participation in community pathways to housing security, and allowed for the integration of additional wraparound services in the “Welcome Home” and “Pathway Market” programs.
“With revenue from [Social] RECs® , Gwinnett Housing Corporation plans to invest in energy efficiency improvement to benefit LMI households. We believe that energy efficiency will reduce the energy burden and make housing more affordable.”
Gwinnett Housing Initiatives Director Karen Ramsey
The Microsoft partnership also enabled key technical integration milestones, particularly the onboarding of Solar Stewards’ platform into the M-RETS and Enphase systems. This reduced technical barriers to registering RECs from single-family residential solar installations. These backend improvements streamlined and automated the tracking of Social RECs®—a process that was previously burdensome for small solar generators—making it significantly easier for them to participate in the renewable energy marketplace. Though Microsoft has since announced a strategic shift away from purchasing unbundled RECs globally, the work completed under this project remains a powerful demonstration of how climate action and social impact can be aligned. Through Solar Stewards’ facilitation, this model provides a replicable example of how voluntary market tools can empower frontline communities and offer scalable pathways toward climate justice and equitable energy transition.
Below is the REC purchase summary reflecting the agreement and milestones under the Microsoft–Solar Stewards collaboration:
In January 2025, the Gwinnett Solarize Coalition began updating its public-facing communications to highlight its growing partnership with Gwinnett Housing. Website revisions were initiated to include new images and content from Gwinnett Housing, while references to former partners—such as Solar CrowdSource, GA Hispanic Association, SEEA, and Drawdown GA—were scheduled for removal. “Better Solar Tomorrow” and “Microsoft” branding were retained, with stakeholder quotes flagged for revision. By April 11, Solar Stewards reported delays in meeting original campaign deliverables due to misalignment between the Solarize Gwinnett campaign and Microsoft’s contracting timelines. While efforts to fulfill the Social RECs® commitment continued through a new partner (a place of worship), documentation and deliverables—including retirement certificates and invoices—remained incomplete. Solar Stewards affirmed their commitment to Gwinnett Housing and the broader goals of the campaign.
On April 14, 2025, Microsoft (via Avi Allison) reviewed the outstanding status of Social REC deliveries and proposed three possible options: delaying the delivery timeline, modifying the contract to allow replacement RECs, or terminating the agreement. Microsoft requested a response from Solar Stewards regarding potential REC delivery by June, referencing contract provisions regarding insufficient delivery. Ultimately, on April 22, Microsoft confirmed its decision to terminate the Solarize Gwinnett agreement in alignment with contract terms. However, Microsoft committed to continue fulfilling membership payments through the contract’s duration and expressed interest in supporting Solar Stewards’ ongoing work. A formal termination notice was to be sent to Dana and legal counsel. Despite the closure of this partnership, the Coalition reaffirmed its dedication to equitable energy access and its continued collaboration with Gwinnett Housing to serve underserved communities in the region.
While Solar Stewards remained committed to delivering the Social RECs® and fulfilling the agreement, the timing misalignment between the Solarize Gwinnett campaign and the finalization of Microsoft’s contracting process ultimately limited homeowner participation and delayed REC sourcing. Despite active efforts to pivot and secure replacement RECs through local community partners, Microsoft formally terminated the Solarize Gwinnett REC agreement on April 24, 2025. No funds or RECs were exchanged, and both parties acknowledged the challenges faced. Nonetheless, the groundwork laid during this project has strengthened Solar Stewards’ platform capabilities and deepened partnerships that can support future climate justice and community energy initiatives.
Microsoft and Solarize Gwinnett
Project Summary
Progress Report
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.
