Erika Cortez
Program Coordinator, Clean Mobility Outreach
I’m from Hayward, CA. Born and raised in the Bay Area. I come from a Mexican family and we are all very tight-knit. I’m a first-generation Latina college graduate, and happy to say I am the first to have graduated from college.
I earned my bachelor’s in Criminology, Law & Society, and Urban Planning at the University of Irvine. During my time in college, I learned more about the climate crisis we are facing and became more aware of my ecological footprint in the world. Not only have I made lifestyle changes of my own but I made a conscious decision to pursue careers that would improve my communities’ well-being.
I enjoy going out to community events, having family gatherings grilling carne asada, hiking, my animals, singing while driving, creative projects, and cooking. In my spare time, I stay involved in my local government as a Personnel Commissioner and mentor college students at my Alumni Chabot College.
Before GRID Alternatives, I worked at the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs’ Activities League, also a non-profit, as a Small Business Liaison where I created a coalition of small local businesses that come together to increase economic development in their neighborhoods.
I thrive on being an important link between the community and my work. Hence, I’ve continued my work at GRID as a Program Coordinator in Clean Mobility Outreach. I support and implement outreach for multiple affordable EV charging programs within GRID Alternatives.
On a fun day, you’ll see me outside engaging with tenants and educating them on the benefits of EVs. With my new position, I’m hoping to help our communities breathe easier and cleaner air here in the Bay Area.
I earned my bachelor’s in Criminology, Law & Society, and Urban Planning at the University of Irvine. During my time in college, I learned more about the climate crisis we are facing and became more aware of my ecological footprint in the world. Not only have I made lifestyle changes of my own but I made a conscious decision to pursue careers that would improve my communities’ well-being.
I enjoy going out to community events, having family gatherings grilling carne asada, hiking, my animals, singing while driving, creative projects, and cooking. In my spare time, I stay involved in my local government as a Personnel Commissioner and mentor college students at my Alumni Chabot College.
Before GRID Alternatives, I worked at the Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs’ Activities League, also a non-profit, as a Small Business Liaison where I created a coalition of small local businesses that come together to increase economic development in their neighborhoods.
I thrive on being an important link between the community and my work. Hence, I’ve continued my work at GRID as a Program Coordinator in Clean Mobility Outreach. I support and implement outreach for multiple affordable EV charging programs within GRID Alternatives.
On a fun day, you’ll see me outside engaging with tenants and educating them on the benefits of EVs. With my new position, I’m hoping to help our communities breathe easier and cleaner air here in the Bay Area.
