Thanks for sharing this. Kameale's description of her exponential use of a plastic bag is a great example of how we can empower underserved young minds to understand their current and future connection toward sustainability. This article also illustrates how much stronger a company is when it's comprised of a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds, ideas and life experiences. This sentiment really hit home for me recently when I had a female friend review one of our recent grant submissions after it was already submitted. Her additional perspectives on our technologies selling points were spot on and truthfully forced us to acknowledge that "smaller, better, faster" is great from a male perspective, but it's only half the story in terms of how eBox can level out the energy burden experienced by underrepresented populations in desperate need of innovation based energy assistance. That experience last week coupled with this article proves how important it is for us to balance out our staff as we work toward hiring Employee #4, #5 and #6 in the coming months. Mohammed and I came up with the following internal goals & ideas that will enhance Energy Finders mission to build equity and inclusion into our business model. Diverse Hiring Practices: -Reach out to organizations and networks that specialize in connecting underrepresented groups with job opportunities in the clean tech sector. Internship and Apprenticeship Programs: -Provide valuable hands-on experience and help young talents gain exposure to the industry. Support Local Initiatives: -Collaborate with non-profits, universities, and vocational schools that are working to bridge the gap in clean tech education and employment. Mentorship and Skill Building: -Encourage employees to mentor and guide individuals from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in clean technology. Offer skill-building workshops or courses, which can help potential employees gain relevant skills. Supplier Diversity: -Work with other businesses owned by women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups. This can have a positive impact on local economies and contribute to a more equitable supply chain. Community Engagement: -Attend events, workshops, and job fairs focused on diversity and inclusion in clean tech. By participating in such activities, you can connect with potential candidates and stay informed about the latest initiatives. Advocate for Change: -Share our commitment to diversity and inclusion with peers and partners. Encourage others in the clean tech sector to adopt similar practices. Track Progress: -Measure and track your efforts to promote diversity within your business. Regularly assess the diversity of your workforce, your supplier network, and the impact of your initiatives. Educate Your Team: -Provide diversity and inclusion training for your employees. This can help foster a more inclusive workplace culture and create awareness of the importance of diversity in your business. Share Success Stories: -Highlight the success stories of individuals from underrepresented communities within your business. By showcasing these stories, you can inspire others and demonstrate the opportunities available in the clean tech sector.