MHC Fellow - RECESS - Cohort 4

About the site:The mission of the Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sectors (RECESS) non-profit is to empower disadvantaged and environmental justice communities by promoting equitable access to clean energy resources, fostering education and workforce development, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices. Through collaboration and community-driven initiatives, RECESS aims to create a sustainable and just energy future where everyone can thrive.

RECESS, the nonprofit organization, was founded by Carla Walker-Miller the CEO and Founder of Walker-Miller Energy Services. Walker-Miller Energy Services is a 25-year-old Detroit-based, core-values driven company committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. The organizations are mission-aligned affiliates with separate legal and governance structures.

RECESS started as a conference hosted by Walker-Miller Energy Services. Building on the work started at the conference, the nonprofit aims to:
1. Promote Equity and Inclusion: Advocate for policies and practices that prioritize equity and inclusion in the clean energy sector, ensuring that disadvantaged communities have a voice and stake in industry.

2. Foster Education and Workforce Development: Provide educational programs, training, and resources to equip individuals from underrepresented communities with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in clean energy careers.

3. Support Clean Energy Initiatives: Facilitate the development and implementation of community-based clean energy projects that address local needs and promote sustainable development.

4. Build Collaborative Networks: Create a platform for collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and community organizations to drive systemic change and foster a more inclusive clean energy ecosystem.

Dates of Service: 1/13/2027 – 8/20/2027

Position Type: Hybrid (2 days in-person, 3 days remote)
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Site Location: 8045 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

MHC Fellow Role and Responsibilities:The fellow will primarily support two strategic initiatives:

1. RECESS Clean Energy Education and Workforce Development Programs
The fellow will support innovative programs connected to the RECESS Conference and year-round initiatives focused on clean energy education, stakeholder engagement, workforce development, and community empowerment, particularly within underserved communities.

2. Commercial Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Initiative
RECESS and Walker-Miller Energy Services are collaborating with community-based organizations, commercial entities, and institutional partners to develop a Commercial Virtual Power Plant proposal for DTE. The initiative will aggregate distributed energy resources across multiple facilities to provide more than 1 MW of flexible grid capacity during key demand events while demonstrating equitable participation in the clean energy economy.

Specific Fellow Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional projects aligned with RECESS’s organizational goals and measure the annual and cumulative impacts of RECESS23-25.
• Collaborate with internal teams, as well as community partners, universities, governments, and other external stakeholders to advance strategic priorities.
• Educate and engage communities on clean energy initiatives including those tied to Virtual Power Plants.
• Develop case studies showcasing success stories and best practices.
• Research clean energy technologies, distributed energy resources, and virtual power plant best practices.
• Empower the community to access climate resources by planning meetings, educational programs, and/or other activities to consistently share information.
• Participate in MHC Fellows development shared learning and collaboration activities, including three MHC Fellow in-person convenings and MHC Fellows monthly virtual trainings (training calendar will be provided).