Panel 1: Perspectives on local jobs in clean energy

Solar in Philadelphia

Laura Rigell, Philadelphia Energy Authority

Personal experience in the solar field

NaDerah Griffin, M.Ed, MS Forensic Medicine

Energy efficiency and workforce development programs at ECA in Philadelphia

Walt Yakabosky, Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)

Laura Rigell

Laura Rigell has led the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA)'s solar efforts since 2017. She developed and implemented the nation's largest Solarize campaign, which helped build a residential solar market in Philadelphia. Laura's work prioritizes equity, creating new vehicles to support solar for low- and moderate-income households citywide, and starting Pennsylvania’s first vocational high school solar program, Bright Solar Futures. Outside of PEA, Laura is active with Serenity Soular, a grassroots initiative designed to drive equitable solar jobs and installations in North Philadelphia. Laura has a BA from Swarthmore College and a Masters of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania.

NaDerah Griffin, M.Ed, MS Forensic Medicine

NaDerah Griffin is a native of Philadelphia. Ms. Griffin enjoys spending time with her family. She spends most days volunteering in the Urban Communities, helping others. Ms. Griffin has a passion for providing support for people who are less fortunate, especially for brown males of all ages to cope with their trauma. In addition, Ms. Griffin enjoys empowering brown females, of all ages to be whatever they want to be and to love self. Ms. Griffin is an inspirational speaker, as well as a math and reading instructor. She taught for the School District of Philadelphia. Ms. Griffin also served as the Solar Project Manager and Instructor for the Bright Solar Futures Program, and is a board member at Serenity Soular.

Walt Yakabosky

Mr. Yakabosky spent 19 years in the private sector in sales and senior management. In 1999 he accepted a position as Dean for Technical Education at Delaware County Community College. He received several awards and citations for his efforts in supporting economic development through education including the Governor’s Award for best practices in developing a 2+2+2 career pathways model. Currently, he is the Director of Training at ECA’s John S. and James L. Knight Green Jobs Training Center located in Kensington and is responsible for developing and implementing curriculum and courses related to energy conservation and Green Jobs development.