Our First Annual Solar For The People Rally has a program of speakers that you won't want to miss! Come and hear from powerful voices from your community and beyond about energy democracy, solar power, and the intersections of climate, social justice, faith, and more! Read on for more information about our speakers. *Not in order of day-of program.
Secretary Rachel Edwards | Nez Perce Tribe, Nimiipuu Energy
Rachel Edwards currently serves as Secretary on the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (NPTEC), the governing body of the Nez Perce Tribe. Rachel was first elected to NPTEC on June 20, 2020. In addition to serving as the NPTEC Secretary, Rachel is the Chair of the Human Resources Subcommittee which has oversight over tribal programs and issues including housing, tribal enrollment, seniors, veterans, and youth. The NPTEC Human Resources Subcommittee also has primary oversight over the Nimiipuu Health which provides non-ambulatory health care on the Nez Perce Reservation to enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes. Rachel also serves as a Liaison to the Tribe’s Utility Board. She was present when the Tesla Megapack solar battery system was installed at the Wastewater Utility Plant–the first Megapack ever installed in the state of Idaho.
Shari Baber | Brown Like Me, D15 Rep. Candidate
Ms. Shari has been deeply rooted in Idaho's communities for over three decades, propelled by her love for her neighbors and a steadfast commitment to our beautiful state. She has served as a guiding light of leadership, empathy, and understanding.
After participating in the Conservation Voters for Idaho Boards & Commissions Fellowship program, Ms. Shari now serves as the President of the Boise Parks & Recreation Commission and engages with the Treasure Valley Environmental Justice Collective to help center racial justice in local environmental work. She is also a legislative candidate in District 15, and is endorsed by Conservation Voters for Idaho.
Lisa Young | Idaho Sierra Club
Lisa is the Director of Idaho Sierra Club. An alum of BSU and MIT, her career has been focused on building social movements for clean energy and climate justice. Lisa cares deeply about centering racial justice, economic justice, and Indigenous rights in her work for the environment. She is a mother of two young girls and loves to cook (and eat!) yummy vegan food and sweets.
Anise Welty | Idaho Climate Justice League
Anise is a junior at Borah high school who is 16. She is also a member of the Climate Justice League here in Boise. She is an avid reader who loves being outside. She enjoys fishing, skiing, and bike riding.
Kate Bowman | Vote Solar
Kate oversees regulatory campaigns to advance solar and other clean energy solutions in the intermountain west. She works to protect and expand access to solar energy, ensure fair compensation for families with rooftop solar, and achieve an affordable, reliable and equitable transition to clean energy.
Anika Miller | RevoluSun
As a young person deeply concerned by the climate outlook, Anika has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in the clean energy sector. As an engineer in the solar industry, she has the privilege of working on projects that promote both sustainability and community resilience through cutting-edge technologies. The most fulfilling aspects of her work are projects in collaboration with the Nez Perce tribe that aim to both restore a way of life and conserve our waterways. Her work experience has reinforced her belief in the need for a safe, sustainable, and equitable future for all.
Leigh Ford | Snake River Alliance
Leigh is a 4th generation Idahoan and loves to travel, but like a salmon, Idaho always draws her back. Both her grandfathers worked at the Idaho National Laboratory so she has deep emotional ties to the surrounding area and the water beneath it. Leigh feels strongly that she needs to do her part to help support the clean up of nuclear waste and protect it for future generations. “Water is our most precious resource and I intend on defending and protecting it in any way I can. I want my children and future generations to experience the beauty, clean water and fresh air Idaho offers.
Jim Bigelow | Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Jim Bigelow is a retired senior software/firmware engineer, now chair of the Social Justice Council and the Climate Action Team of the Boise University Universalist Fellowship. We are dedicated to creating a sustainable way of life in a just and compassionate world.
Sarah Jareczek | Intermountain Fair Housing Council
Sarah Jareczek is a lover of humans, puzzles and intersectional environmentalism. She is currently a Community Engagement Specialist with the Intermountain Fair Housing Council, and considers her time at IFHC to be the most meaningful thing she has pursued in her lifetime. In her free time, Sarah can be found getting into nature, playing board games with her pets, and searching for the best bottle of hot sauce.
Linda Engle | Portneuf Resource Council
Linda Engle has a BS in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s in Mathematics Education and a Graduate Certificate in Energy Policy and Management. Formerly an ISU Mathematics faculty member, now with the Portneuf Resource Council, she has been instrumental in the success of a variety of SE Idaho climate actions including Solarize Pocatello, which installed over 80 SE Idaho residential solar systems, ISU’s first vehicle charging stations and Sustainable Idaho, a student run KISU podcast.
Martha Bibb | Climate Action Coalition of the Wood River Valley
Martha is a wife, mother of two and grandmother of four. She is a retired dentist and business owner, having had a dental practice in Portland before retiring to Hailey to be close to his older son and his family. She has long been a volunteer for the forest service doing trail work. She became interested in clean energy as she attended meetings with the Great Old Broads for Wilderness. When she moved to Hailey they built their home with solar panels and added battery backup. They made this decision to help decrease the devastation folks are experiencing from fossil fuel caused pollution. She hopes most people will be able to make this transition.
Alex McKinley | Empowered Solar
Alex is the co-founder of Empowered Solar, an Idaho-based solar installation company. They work to connect communities of all economic levels to the benefits of renewable energy. For example, Empowered Solar helped Boise Bicycle Project install solar on its roof to reduce power bills and allow it to focus its funds on providing bikes for community members in need. Alex studied renewable energy at the Carl von Ossitzky Universität in Oldenburg, Germany as part of the European Masters in Renewable Energy program.
Fred Johnson | Rural Solar Owner/Producer
Fred is a high school science teacher of 28 years who lives with his wife Whitney and two daughters Isabella and Edy in Marsing. He just recently invested in solar only to later find out about the PUC’s decision.
Jeremy | Urban Solar Owner/Producer