Promoting clean energy in underserved communities: Grace Umaña represents All In Energy at the BuildingEnergy Boston conference.

There is an abundance of information available about clean energy, with numerous discussions, writings and actions that have become part of our everyday language. Phrases like “going green,” “becoming eco-friendly,” and “using renewable and clean sources of energy,” are now musts in our modern society and they could even be considered “trendy.”

However, what happens when we step back to see the whole picture and the different shades of green? Grace Umaña, a Community Programs and Partnerships Manager at All In Energy, has first hand experience in this area. She presented recently at the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s BuildingEnergy Boston 2023 conference, focused on "Building Relationships: Community Ambassadors and Advisors." Here are some of the highlights:

During her presentation, Grace brought attention to the substantial disparities in participation rates in clean energy programs among various populations. She emphasized that moderate-income households, renter-occupied units, and English-isolated speakers were the most underrepresented groups, highlighting the need for targeted outreach and support to address these disparities effectively.

Quoting a Boston resident, Grace shared: “I became more indignant because this type of resource is not promoted enough to those in need.”

​In her presentation, Grace highlighted the work that All In Energy does and the main barriers our organization is trying to address. These barriers include lack of trust, ineffective goal prioritization, insufficient relevance, and inaccessible knowledge. All In Energy implements straightforward yet effective strategies to tackle these challenges.

​By engaging with cities and local community-based organizations, meeting individuals in their own neighborhoods and workplaces, and considering residents' unique journeys and their capacity to engage, All In Energy effectively addresses these barriers. The organization also utilizes data-driven approaches to allocate resources where they are most needed, ensuring greater success in its mission.

Her presentation was packed with valuable information, along with personal experiences serving communities. Quoting a Boston resident, Grace shared: “I became more indignant because this type of resource is not promoted enough to those in need.” 

Wrapping up her participation, she emphasized the significance a shift in focus can have. She shared impressive statistics on the number of households served and the upgrades archived: in some cases, participation increased by more than 300%!

Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives, Grace welcomed questions and facilitated lively debates during the conference. By fostering an inclusive environment, she encouraged collaborative problem-solving and highlighted the significance of considering the entire picture when promoting change.

Grace viewed this conference as a great opportunity to connect people and their efforts to lead a more significant and collective impact.

Just recently, Grace moved on from All In Energy to take a new job as a Resident Engagement + Resource Navigation Specialist for the Department of Housing and Community Development in Chelsea, MA. We are immensely proud of the work Grace did  at All In Energy. Her passion,commitment and dedication to helping her community and making a difference are truly remarkable and we can’t wait to see what she does next with the City of Chelsea!