North Valley Staff

Pablo started his solar career installing residential and commercial solar in 2011. He specialized in off-grid design and construction, and became a NABCEP PV Installation Professional in 2013, and a Master Electrician in Pennsylvania in 2018. Pablo lives and breaths solar, so in some of his free time, he works as a solar consultant for companies looking to install solar and wanting to create a more reliable grid in regions where that is lacking. In his non-solar free time, he enjoys hiking and biking with his wife and puppy.

Achini brings over seven years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, and grant-funded project management to GRID NV. Achini transitioned to the nonprofit environmental field following a career in academic research, where she managed large collaborative cancer research projects. She is excited to be a part of GRID's efforts to address our global climate crisis and bring equitable energy and employment access to our North Valley communities. Achini holds a Bachelor's in Chemistry and Mathematics and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Bioorganic Chemistry. Achini loves watching SciFi series and documentaries. Mountain lakes are her favorite geographical feature.

Denice brings over 15 years of Administration and Operations experience to GRID. Her well rounded skill set includes proficiency in technical matters and a rich background in business operations, encompassing asset management, contract negotiations, renovations, and project management. Her enthusiasm for making an impact in renewable energy and supporting underserved communities aligns perfectly with GRID's mission. When not at work, you'll often find Denice exploring California's picturesque lakes and mountain trails. She is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of domestic violence victims, displaying a strong dedication to community and social causes.

Kevin begun at GRID Alternatives as a SolarCorps Construction Fellow and soon after he transitioned into a Solar Installation Supervisor position for North Valley Sacramento. Kevin is originally from Humboldt County, but now calls Davis his home. Kevin is very grateful and excited to be working for a company where he can learn, teach, and share ideas. When Kevin isn't crushing it on the rooftops, he is at home scaring his dogs with his saxophone playing.

Originally a history major at Chico State University, Calen found a new rewarding opportunity when he found a job posting for a Construction SolarCorps Fellows in the North Valley office in 2017. Drawn to GRID's mission, Calen has devoted all the years since to providing solar systems to underserved communities and learning the ins and outs of solar energy. In 2021, Calen transitioned from installation to design, and he strives for providing families with as much energy savings as possible. In his spare time, Calen can be found reading, listening to podcasts, and drinking glorious coffee.

Cori Ring-Martinez (they/she/elle/ella) leads GRID North Valley’s fundraising efforts to support GRID’s mission and vision of building community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy. They are passionate about empowering people and communities to bring about transformational change for a more just and equitable world. She has a background in international solidarity accompaniment, community and labor organizing, and a BA in Anthropology from Fordham University. Cori is queer and bicoastal with roots in El Salvador. She enjoys fantasy and sci-fi novels, swimming, and traveling.

Sacramento native Emily Potter joined GRID at the beginning of 2017. She graduated in 2013 from University of the Pacific with a major in Global Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies. Her undergrad studies included a year abroad studying in Peru where she was able to improve her Spanish and finally learned how to roll her "RRRRRRRs". Since then she has worked with local government and nonprofits working towards solutions where climate change issues intersect with under served communities. In the year prior to joining GRID, Emily grew as an educator working as an alpine ski instructor, English teacher in Peru, and mentor to young soccer referees. Emily is stoked to be a part of GRID and use her strengths to benefit her beloved city. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. In her free time, you will likely find Emily on the slopes with friends, bobbling along in her kayak, or eating cookies at her Grandma’s house.

Summer brings over five years of experience in Renewable Energy working with Tesla/ Solar City and Paramount Solar. She has an extensive knowledge of contracts, project management, design, and interconnection for both residential and commercial projects. She is excited to be part of the GRID team and looks forward to helping under served communities benefit from Solar power. Summer is a Chico State graduate now living in the Sacramento Area with a grand dream of owning a small craft brewery with a farm to table flair. In her free time, Summer loves spending time with her husband and two girls, practicing yoga, traveling, visiting craft breweries, going to the beach and collecting all varieties of plants.

Seth oversees and manages the strategy and daily operations of the North Valley office’s workforce development program. Before joining GRID Alternatives, Seth used his career to design, support, and lead community initiatives, capacity building efforts, and policy implementation analyses for State and local governments entities in California looking to equitably address climate change or improve their approach to workforce development. He is a Stockton native and a Sacramento resident, and enjoys reading just about anything, organizing semi-professional or downright silly events for his friends and community, and performing songs on piano for his cat.

Born and raised in Sacramento, Bakari Touray boasts a wide and eclectic job history from arcade technician to jazz musician but it was in 2016 when he found his calling in the world of renewable energy. Bakari joined GRID Alternatives in 2019 as Project Developer in the North Valley office. Bakari looks forward to putting his skills to the test and serving the city that he loves to call home. When he's not in the office, Bakari can typically be found writing music, catching up on his back-log of books and movies, or attempting to improve his novice cooking abilities.