Transcript:
A year ago, Jacinta goggles in Ethete, Wyoming were working in a low-paying job, aimless for the future of her career.
Goggles: “I don’t feel like I’m helping anyone or doing anything particularly productive in life.”
But now, the 28-year-old says she finds herself a call from a solar panel installer.
Last summer, goggles participated in a fully funded solar vocational training program targeting Native American women run by women in the nonprofit Red Cloud in South Dakota.
Over the course of five weeks, she and about a dozen indigenous women learned about solar energy and received hands-on guidance that ultimately provided on-site installations for tribe members.
Goggles: “So it's so cool to know… we can do it. It's so cool to see your hard work pay off in such a short time.”
Now, Goggles serves as a solar installer at Energize Wind River, a team dedicated to expanding solar access to bookings for the Wind River where she lives.
She said if she didn't have the opportunity to participate in the training program…
Goggles: “I may still be trying to find various minimum wage jobs to support myself.”
But now, she has a career she loves and is proud to help her community move towards a cleaner energy.
Goggles: “This is definitely something I want to do.”
Report Credit: Sarah Kennedy/Chavobart Digital Media
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