OAKLAND, CA; September 21, 2023 – GRID Alternatives is thrilled to announce that Grist, a leading environmental news organization, has selected Tanksi Clairmont, GRID’s Director of the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund, as one of the distinguished recipients of the prestigious Grist 50 Award. The Grist 50 Award is an annual recognition that honors emerging leaders from various fields who are driving positive change and innovation in the realm of sustainability and climate action.
Tanksi Clairmont, a visionary environmentalist and Native American renewable energy advocate, has been selected for her outstanding contributions to addressing pressing environmental challenges and her dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for tribes. Her remarkable work in creating grant opportunities for tribal people has helped create a more sustainable future for Indigenous communities all throughout Indian Country.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Grist 50 Award," said Clairmont upon learning of her recognition. "This award not only reflects my own commitment to environmental stewardship, but also recognizes the collective efforts of countless individuals and organizations working tirelessly to combat climate change and protect our planet."
As a Grist 50 awardee, Clairmont joins a distinguished community of change-makers, innovators, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of sustainability and environmental advocacy. Each year, the Grist 50 list highlights individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, creativity, and impact in their respective fields, inspiring others to take meaningful action in the fight against climate change.
Clairmont was recognized alongside the other Grist 50 awardees at the annual Grist 50 Gala, held in New York city on September 19, 2023. Clairmont was selected as a keynote speaker for the Gala, which provides a platform for honorees to share their insights, connect with fellow environmental leaders and celebrate their collective achievements.
For more information about Grist and the Grist 50 Award, please visit https://grist.org/fix/about-grist50/
About Grist
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Each year, we publish the Grist 50, a list of leaders in climate and justice who are working on unique and impactful solutions – we call them “Fixers.” The Grist 50 list highlights policymakers, artists, farmers, activists, entrepreneurs, chefs, clean-energy inventors, and more, and has often identified leaders before they become household names. The list aims to illustrate what a vibrant, diverse climate movement looks like, and amplify stories of those making a difference.
About the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund was launched in 2018 and is entering its fourth year of grantmaking to tribes and tribal individuals for renewable energy projects, fellowships, internships, and scholarship programs. The fund is an extension of GRID’s national Tribal Program and aims to catalyze the growth of solar energy and expand solar job opportunities in tribal communities. In addition to supporting GRID’s work helping tribes build renewable energy capacity, resilience, and energy sovereignty, the fund provides grants for tribal solar projects on an application basis. For more information, visit www.tribalsolar.org.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. Using a unique, people-first model, GRID develops and implements solar projects that serve qualifying households and affordable housing providers, while providing hands-on job training. GRID has installed solar for more than 22,000 families to-date and helped households and housing providers save $599 million in lifetime electricity costs, while training over 32,000 people. GRID Alternatives has nine regional offices and affiliates serving California, Colorado, the mid-Atlantic region, and Tribal communities nationwide, and serves communities in Nicaragua, Nepal and Mexico. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org.
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