“GRID IE is doing more work in Mecca and North Shore, and Diana Centeno is the first of three interns to be funded by the TCC Riverside County Development Grant that we’ve been awarded,” shared Sandra Romero, the Workforce and Training Manager, whose team helped recruit Diana for her Community Engagement internship that started in April 2025.
With the awarded grant, the internship includes:
10 weeks, 4 days/week
Hybrid role
$20/hour
Priority to candidates residing in and around the Mecca and North Shore communities
After a look at our social media pages on Instagram and Facebook, Diana was immediately interested in GRID IE’s mission. She knew she wanted to be a part of an organization that directly helped her community in Mecca and North Shore: “I saw this internship as a chance to grow my experience in the nonprofit energy field,” said Diana.
Over the course of her internship, Diana had opportunities to participate in climate resilience-related meetings and projects. Her biggest and most challenging goal was to assist in enrolling 50 families for the Mecca and North Shore roof repair and electric box project, which focuses on solar+battery projects.
“We've already successfully enrolled 44 families, which is great progress, but I’m really hoping we can reach all 50 families before my internship ends. It would feel a great accomplishment to complete that goal,” shared Diana.
By the time Diana’s internship ended in June 2025, their goal to reach 50 families was completed. What an achievement!
Diana (center), with Sandra (left), and Nadia (right).
Diana worked closely with her supervisor, Nadia Sanchez, who is the first Residential Solar & Storage Program Manager at GRID IE. Nadia saw Diana’s internship as an opportunity to prepare for the growth and ambitious goals of GRID IE’s new battery operations for solar+battery. “We thought obtaining 50 projects was going to take us a long time, but with her help, we were able to finish early. Diana being part of the community of Mecca and North Shore has helped us a lot in gaining community trust,” said Nadia.
“With Diana's help, we successfully obtained ALL 50 of the projects we needed." –Nadia S., Residential Solar & Storage Program Manager.
Throughout her internship, Diana appreciated Nadia’s patience and willingness to share her knowledge. She also recognized Erica Lomeli, an Outreach Coordinator from the Outreach Team, who supported her and brought great energy during their neighborhood canvassings. “I truly appreciate both of them,” said Diana.
Now having completed the internship, Diana plans to apply her new skills to a more permanent role in the nonprofit sector and to further explore her interests in energy, sustainability, and community impact.
To those interested in applying for the next Community Engagement Internship opportunity, Diana says, “Go for it! You’ll gain valuable skills and be part of a team that really cares about their mission and their interns.”