+ SANDHYA MURALI, CO-FOUNDER
Responsible for finances, product development, solar developer relationships, and financial inclusion. Sandhya began her career in Barclays’ investment banking division in New York and London, advising on and executing public equity transactions for Technology, Media and Telecom companies, and was also deeply involved in Barclays Philanthropy. Her volunteer work included Endeavor, Women’s World Banking, and Barclays’ Social Innovation Fund. During graduate school, Sandhya worked at Buen Power Peru, a for-profit social enterprise that distributes solar lamps and water heaters to off-grid communities in Peru. She holds a BBA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, where she received the Sustainability Certificate.
+ ANDREW ALAYZA, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Andrew brings some serious growth marketing experience from the software and eCommerce world. With a background in marketing and statistics, a soft spot for the arts, and a passion for data-driven growth, he's responsible for pushing growth metrics up and to the right. You can find him in a few different places, like your inbox (if you get our emails), our blog (if you read our content), and next to the coffee machine (he wakes up way too early and drinks too much coffee for his own good). He's crazy about wildlife, fitness, mountains, and his girlfriend. But instead of surfing the mountains, he now surfs the world wide web for inspiration on conversion, copywriting, and sexy landing pages.
+ SEAN HUTTON, FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER
Sean is a community outreach specialist who has worked with a variety of organizations throughout New England to educate and engage citizens on issues of environmental importance. During his time with the Mass Energy Consumers Alliance, Sean developed and coordinated outreach campaigns to excite communities within Massachusetts about investing in local renewable energy generation and generate supporters for their Green Power Programs. His experience also includes employment with the Worcester Roots Project and Connecticut Rivers Alliance. Sean holds a Master of Science and Policy from Clark University where he resided as an International Development, Community, and Environment Fellow.
+ MOH ABUJMIA, DIGITAL PLATFORM INNOVATION MANAGER
Moh has nine years of professional experience in branding, communications strategies, and business development for for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He manages the development of Solstice's digital platform, and develops our visual communications strategy. Moh participated in the Middle East Web Design Awards in 2009, where he was ranked as the #1 Best Rich Internet Applications Designer in the Middle East and North Africa.
+ TIM BROWN, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Tim recently graduated with a Masters in Sustainability and Environmental Management from the Harvard University extension school where his coursework included classes in social entrepreneurialism, sustainable product design, international development, and sustainability leadership. During his studies, Tim developed a strong interest in social enterprises that are employing innovative concepts to address social and environmental challenges. Prior to graduate school, Tim pursued his passion for the outdoors through a variety of positions which included work as a ski patroller, backcountry ski guide, naturalist and educator, sales and inventory manager at a surf film startup, and EMT. He has also founded a location-based lifestyle clothing and apparel brand. Outside of work, Tim enjoys surfing, sailing, reading, and exploring new places – both in New England and further abroad.
+ Sruthi Davuluri, Data Analyst
Sruthi is excited by the way that Solstice combines renewable energy and social justice. She is currently pursuing a M.S. in the Technology and Policy Program at MIT. She is interested primarily in energy policy and the economics of electricity markets, and is working with local utility companies to research policy initiatives to decrease electricity consumption. Sruthi has worked in the past with solar companies, on biomass energy, and researching the design of nuclear reactors. Prior to attending MIT, Sruthi received her BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley. Sruthi loves hiking, cooking, running, dancing, and meeting new people!
+ Paul Dingus, Low-Income Inclusion Fellow
Paul works with the low-income inclusion team at Solstice, allowing him to combine his interest in advancing clean energy with work serving disadvantaged communities. Paul earned a degree in Materials Science and Nanoengineering from Rice University, where he helped push school policy to be more supportive of low-income students. Before moving to Boston, he worked in the field organization and analytics team of the Alex T for Texas campaign. Paul likes to be described as an intrepid outdoorsman, and you will often find him bouldering, enjoying the fact that he lives in a bike-friendly city, or petting other people's dogs.
+ René Franceschini, Data Analysis Fellow
René is a rising senior majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering and minoring in Statistics and Data Science at MIT. In his department, he has conducted research on how to make infrastructure inspections using drones more effective in uncertain communications environments. He is the current president of Class Awareness Support and Equality (CASE), where he has lead numerous efforts in combating food insecurity, increasing financial literacy, providing access to winter clothing, and tackling other issues related to financial insecurity. He has been involved in numerous initiatives that promote wellness and equality at MIT, student-led and otherwise.
+ STEPH SPEIRS, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
Steph is a social entrepreneur and community builder with operational experience in the U.S., Middle East, and South Asia. She was selected as an Echoing Green Climate Fellow, a Global Good Fund Fellow, a Grist 50 Fixer, a Kia Revisionary, and an Acumen Global Fellow, all of which recognize emerging leaders in social enterprise. She previously led sales and marketing innovation initiatives at d.light India, a solar products company powering areas without reliable electricity; spearheaded Acumen's renewable energy sector investment strategy in Pakistan; developed Middle East policy as the youngest Director at the White House National Security Council; and managed field operations in seven states for the first Obama presidential campaign. She holds a B.A. from Yale, a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) with distinction from Princeton, and an MBA from MIT, where she earned a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. At MIT, she received the Paul and Daily Soros Fellowship, Legatum Fellowship, Public Service Fellowship, and Dean's Fellowship.
+ KELLY ROACHE, DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION
Kelly has years of experience working as a diplomat and activist fighting for human rights and social justice. At the US State Department, she helped achieve a humanitarian evacuation in Syria, advanced the U.S.-India bilateral relationship, and led an Ambassador-level review and overhaul of the goals and objectives of the U.S. Embassy to the UAE. While in graduate school, Kelly pivoted to intersectional social justice activism. As an organizer, Kelly led a campaign to divest Princeton University's endowment from corporations complicit in human rights violations in the Middle East, which won majority support among the student body. She has likewise campaigned for marriage equality and LBGTQIA+ rights in New Jersey. Kelly earned her BA cum laude and an MPA, both from Princeton. She loves traveling, studying foreign languages, reading contemporary fiction and feminist theory, and spending quality time with her little cousins and malshi puppy.
+ Jackie Burke, Community Outreach Coordinator
Jackie is passionate about climate change and bringing renewable clean energy awareness to the forefront so future generations can live a happier healthier life. As part of the Solstice Outreach Team, she brings 25 years’ experience in commercial and residential sales with a focus on community revitalization. She is currently a member of various nonprofit organizations and has previously held office on several boards. Jackie and her husband are lifelong residents of Central New York. Together they have raised four children and have six grandchildren. She is an avid runner that enjoys road races, mud runs and Spartan competitions, as well as attending local theater and art events.
+ Edward Lopez, Software Engineer
Edward has ten years of experience working as web developer for nonprofit organizations on issues of renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management and recycling, and is passionate about both technology and the environment. He holds a B.S. in Computer Sciences from Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University in San Salvador and has experience with several programming and database technologies. When not at work, he enjoys traveling, working out at the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
+ AMARA DONOVAN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Amara executes administrative tasks for the Solstice team. She has years of experience as an executive assistance and administrative coordinator for start-ups and corporations. Originally from Western Massachusetts, she attended UMass Amherst, earning a BS in Public Health and a BA in Sociology with a focus on social inequality. Amara has a passion for social justice and serving disadvantaged communities. During her studies, she led undergraduate research investigating "Gentrification, Neighborhood Changes, and Crime in Holyoke, Massachusetts”, for which she received the Feldman-Vorwerk Research Award. Amara and her partner run an AirBnb management business in Boston, which allows them to better get to know the Boston area. She and her four-year-old son enjoy walking the city, eating chocolate, and traveling to Puerto Rico, where her family is from.
+ Matteo Pocobene, Community Outreach Associate
Matteo has always been passionate about the environment, but never found a way to get involved until he joined Solstice. After graduating from Emmanuel College in 2016 with a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience, he began exploring jobs that would allow him to do what he does best: connecting with others. Since graduation, he has continued his summer tradition of caddying at The Country Club in Brookline, while using his winters to travel. These activities are his two biggest passions, and when he’s lucky, he gets to do both at the same time.
+ Luqi Wang, Software Development Fellow
Luqi is a Computer Science graduate student in Northeastern University. He earned a BS in Information Security from Wuhan University, China. He is very passionate about web development and built a handful of personal websites in school. Through his fellowship with Solstice, he wants to learn more practical industrial technologies and how to build consumer-facing applications in a team-focused environment. In the future, he hopes to become a full stack engineer. In his spare time, he likes to play soccer and travel with friends.
+ Ben Kermisch, Outreach Fellow
A rising senior at Cornell, Ben studies biology but is passionate about bringing renewable energy to as many people as possible. As part of the Outreach team, Ben hopes to make that a reality. At Cornell, he has tried to engage the community in environmental issues through his role as president of Greeks Go Green, a club aiming to limit the waste produced by the Greek community. His passions include travel, fitness, the outdoors, and sports.
+ Kaia, Popeye & Kugo, Canines in Residence
Our office pups play a vital role at every step of our work. (From top right) Kaia belongs to Sandhya and likes to stand guard by the office doors. Andres' Popeye often comes to work in knitted sweaters or his trademark nautically-themed diapers. Kugo is a constant dogsitting client of Christie, and he can often be found chasing down sticks in the front lawn.
+ TARO GOLD, HEAD OF OUTREACH
Taro leads Solstice’s community outreach efforts, helping to connect people with solar projects in their area. He has years of experience working directly with customers, both at large corporations, such as EF - Education First, and at small startups like AnyRoad. Originally from the Boston area, he attended Colby College, where he majored in International Studies and minored in Business and Japanese. He now turns his career towards fighting climate change, an issue that he cares deeply about. Taro and his fiance recently spent seven months traveling around the world, volunteering, building a travel website, and living out of carry-on bags! He loves being outdoors, and is a traveler, sports enthusiast, bike-commuter and quasi-vegetarian.
+ ANTHONY CHEN, LEAD ENGINEER
Anthony Chen is a solar enthusiast and full stack technical leader with over a decade of experience in designing distributed software systems and service oriented architectures. Starting with a DIY 45W solar-powered chicken tractor, he has moved on to a 10KW 40 panel rooftop install and is looking forward to helping ease the path to solar for more people. Anthony has held various roles in engineering including individual contributor, team lead, software architect and CTO. He has worked in several industries including virtualization, disaster recovery, non-profit education, and consulted for medical and internet press companies. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT and remains connected by volunteering to coach and mentor MIT undergraduates on leadership and career path.
+ FORREST WATKINS, DEVELOPMENT & GRANT WRITER
Forrest has spent the last three years writing about and photographing impacts of climate change and the energy transition, and is leveraging that experience to help tell the Solstice story. He graduated from Whitman College in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (BBMB) and Spanish, spent a year teaching English in China through Princeton in Asia, and then set off on a world bicycle tour aimed at understanding and documenting local impacts of climate change and the energy transition. In his two years on the road, he saw first-hand the inequality inherent in our current energy systems. He believes that renewable technologies, distributed and non-polluting, can change that, but only if we build better institutions to support them--and that includes businesses like Solstice.
+ CHRISTIE YOUNG, OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
Christie joined the Solstice team as a Content Marketing Fellow in the summer of 2017, following her graduation from Northeastern University. In college, she studied International Affairs and began to understand climate change as not only an environmental issue, but as a matter of human rights. After six months on the marketing team, she turned her efforts to operational and fundraising support, taking on the role of Operations Associate. In January 2018, Christie moved to Medellin, Colombia to practice Spanish, and continues to work remotely for Solstice's mission of clean energy for all.
+ Emily Woodrum, Community Outreach Associate
Emily joined the Solstice team to spread the word about community solar, following two years of sales and customer service experience in the greater Boston area. As a native Kentuckian, she witnessed the social, economic, and environmental consequences that accompany our reliance on non-renewable energy resources, and this ultimately motivated her to earn a B.A. from the University of Kentucky in Environmental Sustainability Studies. Today, she takes great pleasure in helping Solstice connect individuals to affordable, renewable energy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, afternoons at the farmers market, entire days spent outdoors, and live music.
+ CeCe Vander Laan, OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
CeCe is a student at Northeastern University, studying Political Science. At Solstice, CeCe assists the Outreach team with research on new projects and communications strategies. She previously worked at the MIT Energy Initiative, and hopes to continue exploring the ever-growing world of clean energy. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, tennis, hiking and long-odds cooking experiments.
+ Isabelle Wigon, Growth Marketing Fellow
Isabelle recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has always had a passion for the environment, animals, and helping people, and wanted to start her career in an industry that can make a difference in one of those three areas. When she’s not trying to save the world, Izzy spends her free time riding her horse Petunia, cooking and baking, and spending time with friends and family.
+ Emma Beaulieu, Content Marketing Fellow
Emma is a senior at Villanova University, pursuing a degree in Communications with a minor in Sustainability Studies. In the past few years, her coursework has helped her understand the challenges presented by climate change, and inspired her to help address them. She enjoys relaxing at the beach, hiking with her dog, and traveling as much as possible. Emma hopes to combine her studies and experiences to help others see the world the way she does—as a beautiful place that we should all love and protect.
+ Jack Walker, Business Development Fellow
Jack assists with Solstice's work on finances, product development, solar developer relationships, and financial inclusion. Jack began his career advising private equity firms at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Jack then worked for Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) originating and executing investments in Business & Financial Services. While at THL, Jack volunteered for Acumen, supporting their mission to change the way the world tackles poverty. At business school, Jack is the Vice-Chair of the For-Profit Social Enterprise Group and a member of the Energy & Environment and Outdoors Clubs. Jack holds a BA in Economics and English from Harvard College and is working towards an MBA from Harvard Business School.
INVESTORS
ADVISORS
“Everyone from Solstice has gone above and beyond. They are incredibly committed, dedicated, and knowledgeable. I really admire their persistence and idealism.”