Mid-Atlantic Staff

Elijah Perry is the Executive Director of the regional GRID Alternatives affiliate. Elijah directs the Workforce Development team and the implementation of Solar Works DC Training Program, as well as managing GRID Mid-Atlantic’s communications, philanthropic and other fundraising, and various partnerships. Among other roles and responsibilities, Elijah provides strategic planning and direction; implements a variety of fundraising strategies; researches, identifies, builds, and tracks relationships and partnerships for funding and other goals; oversees program reporting and finances; and is the liaison for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) efforts. He has over 30 years of experience in the civic, public interest, and social organization sectors, including federal government service and academia.


Prior to joining GRID Mid-Atlantic, Elijah was Corporate Development Manager at PFLAG National, and has also worked in other organizations in the nonprofit sector including Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, National Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Feeding America. Elijah has a natural talent for making connections and cultivating long standing relationships with people from all professions and backgrounds, which he has brought to bear in mentoring and assisting Solar Works DC participants through the challenges they face. He attended University of Maryland in College Park, MD, where he studied and earned his B.S. degree in Paralegal Studies. He also received his Masters in Classical Music Composition from Berklee College of Music.

Mike, a solar Renaissance man, grew up in Ward 8 of Southeast D.C. He graduated from the Solar Works DC program in 2017, beginning his career in the solar industry. Before moving into his current role, he worked as a solar installation supervisor (SIS) at GRID Mid-Atlantic and an installer at New Columbia Solar. As a workforce training supervisor, Mike will train Solar Works DC trainees on how solar works, the fundamentals of installing solar, and how to make it in the solar industry. Outside of work, Mike is a talented tattoo artist and basketball player.

Malaysia, who is from Washington D.C., began working at GRID Mid-Atlantic after a family member told her about the organization. As a Community Engagement Coordinator, Malaysia communicates with clients about GRID’s no-cost solar program, how solar works, and how to apply to have solar installed. She also keeps clients informed throughout the installation process by answering questions and providing regular updates. She loves working at GRID because it allows her to give back to the community she came from. Outside of work, she enjoys watching movies and baking with her children and her family.

Daniel is a natural communicator who has connected with audiences over various platforms across the country. He studied journalism at the University of Missouri and worked at the Columbia Daily Tribune for four years as a sports reporter. At the Tribune, Daniel broke news, wrote feature stories, hosted and produced a weekly sports podcast, and frequently contributed to local TV and radio programs.

When Daniel moved to the District in 2019, he brought a deep love of storytelling and a hunger to help his community. He accepted an AmeriCorps VISTA fellowship with GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic. The fellowship introduced him to solar energy and amazing residents all around the District of Columbia. After years of writing about football and basketball, these days, Daniel is much more fulfilled telling stories that help advance social and environmental justice through renewable energy. He still enjoys watching and playing sports, plucking around on a guitar, and riding his bike.

Ian brings six years of experience in the solar industry to GRID Mid-Atlantic's construction team. He previously worked at Vivint Solar, where he was responsible for planning, coordinating, and installing solar energy systems. Prior to Vivint, Ian worked as a security officer and warehouse technician. He is originally from Maryland.

Javante' is a solar veteran, having worked in the industry since 2014. He has experience as a solar installer, electrician, crew leader, and foreman. Before working in solar, Javante' built his skillset as a skilled apprentice and as a roofer. He is from Maryland.

Born and raised in DC, Michael entered the solar industry when he joined the fall 2020 Solar Works DC cohort. Even during the height of the pandemic, he gained valuable work experience through the program's virtual training courses that prepared him for a career in solar. As a trainee, his passion for clean energy and being a positive force in the community stood out, and he joined the GRID team in 2022. Michael spends much of his time outside work with his six children, and he enjoys playing sports and reading about history.

Khalede Deye leads GRID Mid-Atlantic’s residential solar design efforts. A native of the northwestern African nation of Mauritania, Khalede gravitated to solar power because it can provide everyone in the world access to clean energy. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in physics and a Master’s degree in concentrated solar power from Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, Morocco. He is excited to support GRID’s mission to promote environmental justice in underserved communities. Outside of work, Khalede enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and playing soccer and tennis.