Roadtrip Nation: Empowered State

In classrooms and career centers across the nation, jobs in renewable energy are being touted as the future of our economy. But what many may not realize is, the exciting technology, innovation, and opportunities driving the clean energy industry…are already here.

And in the state of New York—which has aggressively pledged to reach 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040—the rise of renewable energy is currently capturing the interest and imagination of young people and career seekers from all walks of life.

In Roadtrip Nation’s upcoming series, “Roadtrip Nation: Empowered State” three young New Yorkers take a road trip across their home state to explore the workplaces and people who are making the ambitious switch to clean energy a reality. Fueled by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the journey includes stops highlighting hydropower in Niagara Falls, green building and city planning in Ithaca, climate justice in Brooklyn, and more. 

The urgency behind our transition to clean energy is being felt by young people across the nation—but for many who dream of making renewables their livelihood, it can feel like the future of our planet lies squarely on their shoulders. The three road-trippers featured in “Empowered State” are all feeling this pressure in different ways, and seeking new clarity and confidence on their journey.

As a senior at Columbia University, David Yang is hearing conflicting messages: Should he enter the workforce now, while the transition to clean energy is rapidly accelerating? Or should he invest in his future by pursuing more education…and risk missing a golden opportunity?

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.

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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

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a public-supported alternative to commercial media. An NPR and PBS affiliate based in San Francisco, KQED is home to one of the most-listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the highest-rated public television services, and an award-winning education program helping students and educators thrive in 21st-century classrooms. A trusted news source and leader and innovator in interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of exploration — exposing them to new people, places, and ideas.