Actualizing My Worldview
By Renee Sam-Earle
Growing up in a multigenerational immigrant household, in The Bronx, NY, was always my norm. Bilingual phone calls, traditional dishes and fast food, religious music and global news playing in the background. These simple yet staple elements have completely shaped my worldview. However, it wasn’t until I had opportunities to go out in the world to know what that would really mean…
My name is Renee Sam-Earle, I am a 2025 Hazel M. Johnson Fellow, working with Kinetic Communities Consulting as their Energy Equity Fellow. I first learned about this fellowship and BGE during NYC Climate week, 2024. In less than a year's time my understanding and involvement in climate work has deepened greatly. I was sitting in the audience when a passionate speaker began to talk about the need for intersectional representation and implementation within the climate sector. This speaker was Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist. I knew then, I wanted to get involved. I have a degree in electrical engineering and a desire to make an impact. Prior to this, I wasn’t sure how to merge these two worlds. Climate work became a goal. A way for me to learn and teach in ways that could lead us to a more sustainable future.
When I received my acceptance email into the second cohort. I remember jumping out of my seat. I Immediately started a video journal so I could capture the moment and emotions surrounding my entrance into the climate sector. This summer, I look forward to learning about the relationships local government, community based organizations, public utilities and NYC residents have to create / maintain in order to meet the energy efficiency demands. “100% zero-carbon electricity supply by 2040,” that’s one of the ambitious goals my fellowship employer is tackling. Through project management and consultations with NYC building owners, upgrading their infrastructure, to workforce development in clean energy. KC3s offerings allow me to experience the frontline work needed to meet high level goals.
The team at KC3 also inspires me as the organization is a certified M/WBE B-corp. A minority & women led business dedicated to people and planet. I am grateful for this opportunity because it shows me what is possible when you are willing to pivot for passion and impact.
Hazel M. Johnson, the mother of Environmental Justice once said, “If we want a safe environment for our children and grandchildren, we must clean up our act, no matter how hard a task it might be.” I know this is a sentiment my comrades in this second cohort resonate with and I am excited to see how we use this fellowship to propel our missions and dedication to Environmental Justice together. Whether we grew up in immigrant households or are native to this land we all have a duty, to be stewards to the soil we stand on and the souls that carry us through the day. Thank you Black Girl Environmentalist, for a chance to actualize my worldview.
