Team

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.

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.

Jason’s foray into green energy began with doing home energy audits. After years of crawling around attics, he moved into the financing side of residential rooftop solar, built partnerships with the long tail of solar installers across the country, and developed a zeal for driving operational efficiency. His hobbies include brewing beer, making lists of his favorite things, road trips to random towns, and retelling his grandfather’s old jokes. Jason strongly believes that the town of Hull, MA is the best place in the world.

John has led sales and partnership efforts within large Information Technology companies such as SBC Datacomm, Cisco Systems and Anixter inc, as well as several successful start ups including LogLogic, Perfigo, Imperva and BitSight Technologies. He is an amateur impact investor having helped raise pre-seed round funding for sustainability focused companies including Guayaki, Manitoba Harvest, Imlak'esh, Circular systems, Producer's Market, and LYT.  He now gets to combine his experience with his passion for the environment by working to expand access to solar energy.  John received his degree from Illinois State University where he majored in finance and all things rugby.

Sean leads Solstice’s business development efforts, focusing on securing new community solar partnerships and driving strategic expansion. He brings over a decade of experience in business consulting, public policy, and program management. He began his career-launching mentoring programs in New York City public high schools. After law school, Sean joined McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in energy and risk management with investor-owned utilities and banks. Prior to joining Solstice, he directed youth turnout efforts in five battleground states during the 2020 election. He holds a BA from the University of Virginia and a JD from Harvard Law School, and he is a member of the California Bar.

Dan is a graduate of Northeastern University with a BS in Computer Engineering. He previously worked at a startup in the film industry, working on and leading teams that built Emmy Award-winning software for film crews and major studios. Dan joined Solstice as Lead Engineer to combine his passion for social and environmental justice with his passion for building and leading software teams that create great products. In his free time, Dan enjoys attending concerts, reading, cooking, or caring for his houseplants.

Ian manages Solstice’s internal operations, which includes anything and everything inside the organization that supports the team and helps Solstice fulfill its mission. Prior to Solstice, Ian held operations and sales roles at technology companies including PowerDash and Cambridge Computer Services. He also participated in Solstice’s Fellowship program during the summer of 2016 as a Policy and Business Strategy Fellow. Ian received his MBA from Boston University and Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College. Outside of Solstice, Ian is actively involved in Net Impact Boston, and is an avid guitarist and concert goer.

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.

Nick graduated from Wesleyan University in 2009 with a degree in History. After graduating he worked overseas as an English teacher for a year and spent the following nine years in non-profit fundraising. He decided to join Solstice as a community outreach associate because he believes everyone can do their part in protecting the environment. When he isn't working, he spends his time cooking with friends and family, or travelling someplace new.

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.

Nishon works with the platform team to create a seamless experience between external stakeholders and engineering efforts. He has 10+ years of experience working at startups in disruptive industries, including Crypto, Sports Betting, and Esports. Originally from New Hampshire, he attended Wheaton College, where he majored in Economics. He is passionate about marrying new technologies to old/emerging industries. During his free time, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and watching Lamar Jackson break records.

Moh has over ten 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.

As Solstice's Talent Manager, Adia brings 20 years of experience recruiting for a wide variety of positions including healthcare, construction, IT, and federal government positions. She has a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Strayer University. Recruiting is Adia’s passion; she loves building a rapport with candidates and getting to know them. Always upbeat and smiling, Adia leaves candidates with a positive first impression of Solstice. Adia is a Northern Virginia local. In her spare time, she loves playing softball and spending time with her family.

Joe, a graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a jack of all trades and master of some. He has experience ranging from Fortune 500 Companies to startups. He joined Solstice to focus on making great software that helps empower people. In his free time you can find him learning a new subject or picking up a new skill.

Scott shares Solstice’s mission with the world through blog and media content. Prior to joining our team, he worked as a researcher and writer at Harvard Kennedy School, where he wrote about government innovations in emerging technologies. Scott joined Solstice to apply his passion for writing and his belief in the strength of communities to a powerful movement for environmental and social good. A lifelong swimmer and outdoor enthusiast, he can be found diving into the ocean, admiring local wildlife, climbing trees, or writing Frost-esque poetry.

Alex builds and manages Solstice’s channel partnerships, expanding the networks of people enjoying the benefits of community solar. Alex has founded and worked for a variety of mission-driven organizations, including Amir, a garden education nonprofit; Firestarter, a facilitator of intercommunal support by and for refugee and migrant communities; and DK Fishing, a Somaliland-based social enterprise focused on expanding the reach and impact of the country’s nascent fishing industry. He can most often be found on his bike, at the library, or in a park.

Ben comes from a combined background of working in music, nonprofit fundraising, and technology. At Solstice, he helps to educate residents about joining community solar programs to both mitigate climate change and invest in sustainable technology. In his free time, you'll likely find him playing music, reading science fiction, or watching a soccer game.

Zack joins the Business Development team at Solstice as the next step in his endeavor to fight climate change. With a BA in Sociology and Environmental Studies from Boston College, Zack spent the majority of his time rowing for the BC Men’s Crew Team and organizing rallies as a member of Climate Justice at Boston College. Prior to joining the Solstice team, Zack worked as a Deck Hand and then Captain for Bang’s Island Mussels, a leading sustainable aquaculture farm. In his free time, Zack can be found in the mountains, on the ocean, or somewhere in-between, always chasing the next adrenaline rush!

Sam is passionate about all things green. Sam started writing at a local Boston news station, but chose to pivot her career to create more social and environmental impact. A graduate of Boston University with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism, Sam brings her communication skills to the role of 'right-hand woman' to Solstice Co-founder and CEO Steph Speirs. Outside of the office, you can find her hiking, doing yoga in the park, or sharing ways to live a cleaner, greener life!

Katie has cultivated her love of the environment through personal and professional excursions around the North East and beyond. While studying at Princeton University, Katie completed a thesis researching the relationship between climate change variables and infectious disease. In addition, she worked for a variety of community-oriented health organizations focused on grassroots engagement efforts around topics such as HIV/AIDS and palliative end-of-life care. After graduating in 2018 with a degree in Molecular Biology and a minor in Global Health and Health policy, Katie spent her first post-college year hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and working as a Wilderness Guide in the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire. As a Business Development Associate with Solstice, Katie is excited to be a part of a team dedicated to making a lasting and positive impact on the planet. In her spare time, you can find Katie experimenting with fermentation, playing board games, exploring the many green spaces around Boston, or planning her next trip to the mountains!

Grace joined Solstice in 2020 after graduating from Elon University, where she majored in Strategic Communications and minored in both Professional Writing Studies and French. Grace became interested in environmentalism after conducting research into the media's role in shaping perceptions of climate change for her senior thesis. As Solstice’s Marketing Associate, Grace assists with marketing collateral, creates blog and social media content, and brainstorms new ways to promote solar for all. When she's not working, Grace enjoys skiing, running and reading a good book. 

As a Partnerships Associate, Conner contacts homeowners, educates them about their community solar options and converts them into informed customers. Prior to joining Solstice, he interned with the American Planning Association and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning while earning his M.A. in Sustainable Urban Development at DePaul University. He’s also served two AmeriCorps terms in California and Indiana respectively and holds a B.A. in English Literature from Willamette University in Oregon. His background lies in producing applied research and implementing sustainable, equitable, and resilient solutions for communities. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends at the beach along Lake Michigan, long-distance trail running, and volunteering at a youth homeless shelter.

Lila joins the Solstice team motivated to pursue action on climate change and support a clean energy transition. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Psychology and minors in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. Prior to starting with Solstice, Lila served as a research assistant for a Psychiatry lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she coordinated a clinical trial on a novel treatment for depression and later worked with FindingFive, a nonprofit that supports behavioral science research. Outside of work, Lila loves to cook and eat, enjoys volunteer tutoring, and is completing online courses in data science and statistics.

Nayeli joins the Solstice team motivated to encourage BIPOC communities to support renewable energy and help them take part in the clean energy transition. She graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Global Development Studies and a double minor in Spanish and Portuguese. Prior to starting with Solstice, Nayeli served as a communications assistant for the Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA), where she managed Spanish and Portuguese social media content, social media analytics, and created content about the current environmental challenges that Latin America is facing. Nayeli currently volunteers with a mutual aid organization in Chicago where she helps with the food insecurity program and weekly wellness calls in her neighborhood. Outside of work, Nayeli enjoys hiking, gardening, and cooking. In addition, she is beginning a master's program in renewable energy administration in Mexico.

Neha is a senior at Boston University studying earth and environmental sciences, with minors in political science and environmental analysis and policy. She hopes to find a career combining her interests in renewable energy, environmental justice, and sustainable cities. Prior to joining Solstice as an Operations Fellow, Neha worked in the district office of a Congressman and served as the Engagement Intern for the Boston University Sustainability Office. She is excited to contribute to Solstice’s mission of extending the benefits of solar energy to all Americans. In her free time, Neha enjoys running, reading, spending time outdoors, and befriending dogs.

Sarah is currently pursuing her B.A. in Environmental Studies at Hamilton College and wants to commit her career to developing equitable climate solutions. Prior to joining Solstice, she interned in the shareholder advocacy program at Green Century, a fossil-free mutual fund. She's excited to join the Outreach team in cultivating meaningful partnerships and educating homeowners about community solar. In her free time, you can find her writing songs on the guitar, cooking vegetarian meals, and learning the names of trees.

Jen is a rising senior majoring in Operations Research & Informations Engineering at Cornell University. Jen joined Solstice as a Kessler Fellow, an entrepreneurship program, because she wishes to build a startup in the cleantech industry in the future.  At Solstice, she will be working on Business Development and Data Analytics. Jen is a co-founder of MindSight, podcaster at State of the Pod, and secretary at Cornell Energy Systems Club. In her free time, Jen loves exercising, watching Youtube videos, playing the violin with the Yam Trio. She also loves eating yams and almond butter. 

Tara is joining Solstice as a Business Development Fellow following her graduation from Lehigh University. At Lehigh, Tara majored in Health, Medicine Society, and Environmental Studies and minored in Anthropology. In her senior year, she worked in editing and publishing at The Alliance for Sustainable Communities, interned for a startup working in the green building industry, and contributed to a permaculture community garden. Throughout these experiences, Tara became especially interested in the intersections between climate change, environmental health, and equity, which is an interest she looks forward to further exploring at Solstice! In her free time, Tara can be found cheering on Boston sports teams, hitting the beach, or making jewelry! 

Patrick is a junior at Villanova University majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Spanish. He is looking forward to contributing to Solstice’s Customer Success team to help work towards Solstice’s mission of affordable clean energy for all Americans. Prior to joining Solstice, he worked in the Education Department at Zoo New England and hosted the series “Sustainability on Campus” for Villanova Television. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, cheering for Boston sports teams, and spending time with his dog.

Eric is a rising senior at Harvey Mudd College majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. At Harvey Mudd, Eric worked to help advise the college on actions they could take to reduce their emissions and environmental impact. Eric joined Solstice as a Software Engineering Fellow to apply his technical skills to further Solstice’s mission of providing solar for all. In his free time, Eric enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his friends.

Chloe is a rising senior at Simmons University in Boston studying Political Science and Communications. As a Marketing Fellow at Solstice, Chloe is excited to help further Solstice’s goal of connecting people with community solar. Most recently. Chloe was the Social Media Director and Field Organizer in Miriam Aschkenasy’s Brookline Select Board Campaign. Prior to that, she was on campaigns for President, Senate, Congress, Massachusetts State Senate, and Newton City Council as well as advocated for gun safety on both a state and federal level. In her free time, Chloe can be found reading a good book or rowing for the Simmons Crew team on the Charles River.

Lauren leads Solstice’s low-income inclusion program, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit management experience. Previously, she worked in community development and financial inclusion at LISC, delivering creative financing solutions to underserved U.S. communities through New Markets Tax Credits. Prior to that, she served as the Manager of Direct Marketing and Data Analytics at Oxfam and as a nonprofit consultant for M+R Strategic Services. Lauren holds a BA from Tufts University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. Outside of her work to make our world more just and sustainable, Lauren enjoys traveling, cooking for friends and family, digital photography, and reading epic fantasy series.

Ben manages donor relations, fundraising, and communication strategies for Solstice's low-income inclusion program. Prior to joining the team, Ben worked for almost 20 years in the Advancement and Engagement office at Concord Academy, a private high school. He received his BA in U.S. History from Connecticut College. Ben enjoys going for walks in the woods with his wife and two kids, playing basketball and tennis, volunteering at a local farm, and traveling. He is also a lifelong Boston sports fan.

Eli works to make energy equity a reality for all by leading research initiatives, engaging with stakeholders, and building long-lasting community partnerships. He’s passionate about environmental sustainability and is excited to work towards meeting Solstice’s mission. Before joining Solstice, Eli worked as an environmental planner where he helped communities to enhance their resilience to climate change. He holds a BA in Global Environmental Studies and an MA in Community Development and planning, both from Clark University. After work you might have luck finding Eli planning the next ski trip, playing ultimate frisbee, or swinging in a hammock.

Diana works to build community-led solar projects for the inclusion team at Solstice. Diana brings over a decade of experience managing international cross-sector partnerships and engaging people in environmental education and research through her work with Earthwatch Institute. She also has a Master’s degree in Conservation and Biodiversity from the University of Exeter and a B.A. in Environmental Science from Boston University. Diana has a strong passion for sustainability and believes that in order to tackle climate change and other environmental issues, everyone needs to be part of the solution. She’s excited to bring her passion to Solstice and work towards a clean and equitable future for all. In her spare time, Diana enjoys yoga, biking, and being outside as much as possible to explore new places with her friends and family, especially her husband and two sons.

Winslow assists with programmatic work for the inclusion team focused on contract innovation and equitable policy advancement. Prior to joining Solstice, Winslow received his B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. While completing his undergrad, Winslow worked with nonprofits and federal agencies in the field of environmental health, researching the issue of indoor air pollution in indigenous communities. Outside of work, Winslow's probably exploring new music, watching basketball, or impromptu picnicking in a park.

Joann assists the Inclusion team as a Solar Equity Fellow. She is passionate about sustainability efforts and environmental justice and hopes to work on policies related to energy and the environment. Joann is currently pursuing an M.S. degree in Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University and has a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection and a Minor in Indigenous Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). Outside of work, Joann enjoys reading, catching up on her TV shows, or going for walks in the neighborhood. She also loves to hike and visit new places!

Getnet is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Boston studying environmental science. He has a
bachelor’s degree in geology from Addis Ababa University and worked for a water well drilling company in Ethiopia for two years. Getnet loves studying nature and is passionate about environmental degradation caused by the irresponsible use of non-renewable resources. As a Solar Equity Fellow, Getnet will help Solstice fulfill its mission of providing affordable clean energy access to more Americans. In his free time, Getnet likes to watch sports with friends (especially the Manchester United English Premier League and the Patriots!).

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