Julia Dworetzky is an early-career energy engineer who’s been experiencing impostor syndrome as a woman in a still-male-dominated industry. She’s ready to branch out and see if other clean energy roles might feel more rewarding.
And finally, Leila Tevlin is an environmental science major who’s concerned by the race and wealth gaps in the nation’s transition to clean energy. As nonbinary people of color, they’re wondering how they can personally help make the future of energy more equitable for all.
Clarity comes through conversations with pioneers like Daniella Piper, regional manager of New York Power Authority’s Western Region; Tony Lee, CTO of electric vehicle startup Revel; and Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director of climate justice advocacy organization UPROSE. All of them help to show Roadtrippers that there are thousands of ways to make a real difference in the world of clean energy—you just have to find the path that’s right for you.
—
For more information about the documentary, contact:
Dan Ford
949-764-9121
dford@roadtripnation.org
Roadtripper Bios
David
21, New York City, NY
David is finishing up his senior year at Columbia University and trying to figure out where to go next. He knows he ultimately wants to work in clean energy and is specifically interested in the intersection of computer science and sustainability. He’s currently drawn to the idea of making a positive difference by starting his career in a big tech company’s sustainability division. Still, he wants to make sure to explore every option available to him before he makes any big decisions about his post-grad path.
Julia
23, New York, NY
Julia just started working as an energy engineer, and she’s excited about her future in the industry. After studying mechanical engineering at Duke, she decided on a career in energy because she knew she wanted to be part of the mass transition to renewables over the coming decades. Since her career is still in its infancy, she’s hoping this trip helps her find a distinct niche where she can get hands-on with the technologies of the future. She knows this is a growing and innovative field, and she can’t wait to make her mark on it.
Leila
19, Elmira, NY
Leila is just starting to explore the world of clean energy, but they’re feeling anxious about the urgency of this work. They want to see how they can overcome the anxiety and instead harness optimism as a tool to help get more people on board with the transition to renewables. Their interests include solar power, sustainable forestry, environmental justice, and city planning—and they’d ultimately love to combine them all by owning a plot of land and using it to feed, educate, and encourage the surrounding communities to live more sustainably. They hope this trip will introduce them to people who can show them how to make this dream happen.
Featured Leaders and Locations
Episode 1
Daniella Piper
Chief Transformation Officer & Regional Manager of Western New York
New York Power Authority
INTERVIEWED IN NIAGARA FALLS, NY
Rebecca Evans
Acting Director of Sustainability
City of Ithaca
INTERVIEWED IN ITHACA, NY
Episode 2
Emma Davis
Flight Test Engineer
Beta Technologies
INTERVIEWED IN PLATTSBURGH, NY
Kathy Hannun
Co-Founder & President
Dandelion Geothermal
INTERVIEWED IN MOUNT KISCO, NY
Michael Phinney
Owner & Principal Architect
Phinney Design Group
INTERVIEWED IN SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY
Episode 3
Cheryl Whilby
Co-Executive Director of Communications & Development
Soul Fire Farm
INTERVIEWED IN PETERSBURGH, NY
Kereem Berry
Executive Director
M.A.P.P., Inc.
INTERVIEWED IN ALBANY, NY
Elizabeth Yeampierre
Executive Director
UPROSE
INTERVIEWED IN BROOKLYN, NY
Episode 4
Tony Lee
Chief Technical Officer
Revel
INTERVIEWED IN BROOKLYN, NY
Jennifer Garvey
Head of New York Market Strategy
Ørsted
INTERVIEWED IN AMAGANSETT, NY (LONG ISLAND)
Adam Cohen
Co-Founder & Chief Technical Officer
NineDot Energy
INTERVIEWED IN THE BRONX, NY
Funding for Roadtrip Nation: Empowered State is made possible by:
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Websites and Social Media
Website: roadtripnation.com
Education Site: roadtripnation.org
Twitter: twitter.com/RoadtripNation
Facebook: facebook.com/RoadtripNation
YouTube: youtube.com/roadtripnation
About APT:
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. For more than 10 years, APT has annually distributed one-third or more of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. Founded in 1961, among its 250 new program titles per year, APT programs include prominent documentaries, performances, news, and current affairs programs, dramas, how-to programs, children’s series, and classic movies. America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated, Cook’s Country, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Chris Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Front and Center, Doc Martin, Nightly Business Report, Midsomer Murders, A Place to Call Home, Lidia’s Kitchen, Globe Trekker, New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton, Simply Ming, and P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television.
APT licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service. Entering its 13th year, Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — is distributed by American Public Television. APT also distributes WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science, and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.
About KQED