At New Energy Economy, we are working to revolutionize New Mexico's energy system and make true energy democracy a reality!Â
We are so excited to introduce these electric team members to you and welcome them to our growing New Energy Economy family!
"I am thrilled to be with New Energy Economy! I have long anticipated this new chapter in my life and am very ready to join the work to create energy democracy in New Mexico, and to make New Mexico's electricity 100% renewable by 2035. We can do this!"
- Gail
Gail Evans, Legal Director
Gail comes to NEE after 14 years as the Legal Director of NM Center on Law and Poverty where she led the Center’s legal work fighting for the rights of low income New Mexicans in the courts and the legislature.
Recently she led the Yazzie education lawsuit against the State which resulted in a landmark win for New Mexico’s children -- the court ruled that the state must comply with the constitution and provide New Mexico public school students with the resources and services they need to succeed in school. Gail also spent 10 years leading a campaign to win New Mexico’s farm workers the right to be covered by workers compensation if they are injured at work.
Read more about Gail's groundbreaking work on behalf of New Mexico Children HERE and the legal action protecting the health and dignity of farmworkers HERE.
"The arc of my life's journey has led me to seek out and engage in struggles for social, economic, and environmental justice. It is a grand responsibility and tremendous honor to join New Energy Economy during this decisive moment for our State and planet's future.
100% Renewable New Mexico and a Just-Transition. I agree with Gail, we're going to do this!"Â
- Miles
Miles D. Conway, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
Miles comes to NEE following 15 years serving New Mexico's Labor Movement. Since 2012, Miles worked for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 18 - New Mexico, as their Communications and Member Mobilization Coordinator.
Through his work, Miles worked to innovate and modernize union communications systems, while embracing traditional, tried-and-true methods to build power for all working families. By assisting rank and file union members to share the power of their experiences on the frontlines, Miles helped evolve public opinion of unions, their role in our society, and allowed governmental bodies to better inform their policy decisions. Miles also worked for the Communications Workers of America and New Mexico Federation of Labor.
"I could not be more excited to join New Energy Economy and facilitate the 100% renewable transition in New Mexico. I am proud to work for an organization which empowers and prioritizes the wants and needs of New Mexicans and indigenous peoples."Â
- Sara
Sara Mayane Barudin, Community Liaison
Sara comes to New Energy Economy just as she has completed her Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford. A proud indigenous woman and member of Kewa Pueblo, Sara hopes to enable economic prosperity and environmental justice for her community and indigenous peoples worldwide through environmental policy input and renewable energy initiatives.
Sara is also affiliated with the United Nations Indigenous Peoples Forum to increase recognition for indigenous peoples’ rights. Her mission toward indigenous empowerment sees her continually embracing the big picture and her achievements show us all that indigenous peoples, as tribal members, activists, and professionals, and especially women, can continue to defy all odds and limitations. She brings her passion and incomparable work ethic to New Energy Economy with a focus on Community Solar for the upcoming New Mexico legislative session.
***Meet and hear Sara speak on the promise of Community Solar this Sunday, 9/9/18 in Santa Fe, see below***Â
Journey Santa Fe: New Energy Economy Speakers Series
What: Journey Santa Fe, 4-part series featuring New Energy Economy Who: Bianca Sopoci-Belknap, NEE Associate Director and Sara Mayane Barudin, NEE Community Liaison Where: Collected Works Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Santa Fe - 202 Galisteo St, Santa Fe, NM 87501 When: Sunday, 9/9 from 11:00AM - 12:00 Noon
Bianca and Sara will speak on the revolutionary work of Community Solarization, a foundational pillar of New Energy Economy's work, and share the amazing story of local wealth creation resulting from Picuris Pueblo’s solar array. There will be discussion and a Q&A on New Energy Economy's vision for 100% renewable energy, Community Choice Aggregation, and our 2019 strategy to champion positive New Mexico Legislation that will usher in true energy democracy.
The solar array at Picuris Pueblo has been online and generating electricity since March 2018. Electricity bills have already fallen for tribal members. Each month, Picuris receives a check from the Kit Carson Electric Coop for the additional electricity being generated and sold. The Pueblo has invested these monies in the creation of a baseball diamond and plans to utilize future funds for the creation of a welcome center, local skatepark, and a summer camp program open to Pueblo, and non-Pueblo children of the region.