GRID Success Story: Jorge Valdez, Volunteer of the Year

Among GRID Alternatives’ five-thousand volunteers in the Greater Los Angeles region, Jorge Valdez has stood out through his two and a half years of volunteering. He has dedicated 900 volunteer hours to GRID Alternatives GLA! Our Solar Installation Supervisors love working with him, praising his work ethic and infectious enthusiasm. He will show up whenever he is needed and will do so with a smile on his face.

Jorge started volunteering with GRID Alternatives, Greater Los Angeles (GLA) after his teacher at Rio Hondo College recommended that he volunteer on a residential solar installation project. At the time, Jorge was completing an Alternative Energy Technology Associates Degree. Unfortunately, Jorge was homeless at the time, staying with his cousins, his girlfriend, and even in his car. Despite his rigorous academic schedule and challenging living situation, Jorge persevered, and found his calling through his volunteer work with GRID Alternatives working in the solar industry.

Fast-forward two years - Jorge has since graduated and is making a living while pursuing his passion for solar energy. He has worked with several solar companies and continued volunteering with GLA.

What keeps Jorge coming back to volunteer with GLA? He enjoys the opportunity to continue learning and teaching others about solar power: 

GRID Alternatives taught me and gave me an opportunity to learn solar. Now as a Team Leader with GLA, I can teach others. Being able to pass down the knowledge is what keeps me coming back. [My Solar Installation Supervisor] Norm, is the one that gave me my first opportunity. He taught me everything from the  roof to the ground, and it made me more confident about my work. Whenever he needs me, I’ll be there. You can say you’re really good, but you’re not that great until you can teach others.

Now, with more experience and education under his belt, Jorge is aspiring to grow his career; he strives to become a solar contractor and entrepreneur. “I want to start my own company. I would like to hire people that GRID Alternatives trains, and give them an opportunity as was given to me,” explains Jorge.

Jorge is the perfect example of the success one can achieve with hard work, perseverance, and passion. He advises others who also want to break into the solar industry:

In order to get hired, you need experience, and GRID Alternatives will give you that. No other organizations spend their time training you this way. Keep working hard, come learn everything, from the roof to the ground, electrical - everything. Learn all the detials. You come, you put in the work, and you will get hired. This is a great opportunity to change the world. 

Jorge continues to volunteer on installs with GLA while studying to become a solar contractor. His hard work and dedication to GRID Alternatives GLA recently earned him the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2014. We wish Jorge the best of luck as he makes his dreams a reality! We thank him for his service to GRID Alternatives all of these years. Keep passing on the knowledge, Jorge!