GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles (GLA) held its first all-women solar installation of the year on September 30th and October 1st as part of GRID Alternatives' National Women in Solar Initiative, in partnership with SunEdison. Under the leadership of GLA’s Team Leaders Ilana Feingold and Vivi Fuentes, and the guidance of Solar Installation Supervisor Sal Torres, ten volunteers completed the installation of a 2.3 kilowatt system for the Yanez family in Long Beach.
The volunteers created an atmosphere of teamwork and clear communication at the worksite -- proof that women can shine in an industry where they are underrepresented. “The energy at the install was different and in a good way. We all come from different backgrounds, yet we all communicated well and that lead to encouragement and learning which only made our work better. I had a great time," said Team Leader Vivi Fuentes, who also designed the layout of the solar electric system.
Cheryl Rich, a volunteer who recently attended GLA’s all-women volunteer orientation a few weeks ago, was thrilled to have participated in this install as well. “Sal gave us the kind of guidance that made me realize that even at the stage and age that I am in my life, I could do it,” said Rich, “and guess what...on that roof top, I was able to do things that I never thought I could do. I must have done at least OK, because Sal stated that I should come back.” Cheryl is just beginning her journey with GLA and is already looking forward to becoming a team leader. We are sure she will make that a reality in due time!
Thanks to all the excellent women that made this special install possible. We hope you all learned some new skills on the roof and enjoyed yourselves! You can browse through pictures from the install here or read more about our Women In Solar Initiative here.
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