Sandra Begay, an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and a Navajo Nation member, is one of four mentors guiding this effort.
This training initiative is part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between Sandia and Red Cloud Renewable, a nonprofit organization in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, that focuses on advancing energy independence for tribal members and communities.
Known as the Bridging Renewable Industry Divides in Gender Equality, or BRIDGE, Program, the initiative provides a five-week immersive training experience that emphasizes practical skills in photovoltaic installation.
In August, Begay joined the first group of participants in South Dakota.
"Five weeks is a long time to be away from home," Begay said. "I provided encouragement and reminded the women that they made the right choice to participate in this program. We also used the time to reflect on what they learned."
Participants are taught the components of photovoltaic systems and how to install them safely and effectively.
Begay also provided insight into the energy challenges faced by tribal communities.
"There are more than 20,000 homes on the Navajo Nation and some rural homes on the Hopi reservation that don't have electricity. These are off-grid homes," Begay said, noting that many of these homes depend on diesel generators. "We're looking at a clean energy future. We want to move away from those types of fuels and look at clean energy sources such as solar."
She highlighted that large-scale solar projects are being developed by the Navajo Nation and the Mountain Ute Tribe in Colorado.
"This program will provide participants with new employment opportunities and a better understanding of where we're headed with clean energy," Begay said.
Red Cloud Renewable also supports the women with resume building, interview training, networking, and job placement services.
With over 30 years of experience championing renewable energy in Native American communities, Begay is committed to maintaining relationships with participants.
"I am making a long-term commitment to the women in the BRIDGE Program," Begay said. "I will share any job openings I see with them and support them in their job searches."
Teamwork for success
Begay emphasized the critical role teamwork plays in photovoltaic installations.
"Photovoltaic installation happens with a team of people. How do you work through that group dynamic? How do you work with each other as a team? Those questions are underemphasized in the work we do. They're going to rely on each other when installing photovoltaic systems," she said.
Alicia Hayden, Red Cloud Renewable's communications manager, noted the strong bond formed among the participants.
"What stood out to me was the incredible camaraderie among the women," Hayden said. "They were genuinely supportive of each other and grateful to be participating in this program alongside women who share similar backgrounds."
Funded by the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technology Office, the project is set to continue over the next few years and aims to train two additional groups, eventually involving around 45 women.
"These women will be equipped to take on installer jobs within their own reservations, bringing valuable skills and opportunities for sustainable development to their people," Hayden said.
Despite being highly underrepresented in the solar industry - comprising just 0.05% of the sector, according to Red Cloud Renewable - Native American women stand to gain from this initiative.
Begay expressed optimism about the impact of the BRIDGE Program.
"It's very gratifying both professionally and personally to see where we can help women who are underrepresented in the workforce, let alone in a unique technology like photovoltaic installation," Begay said. "We're seeding ideas for the women that they would never have thought of doing. I think that's what's unique."
Related Links
Sandia National Laboratories
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
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