2.08 On Inspiring the Next-Gen Clean Energy Workforce with Chaun MacQueen

Chaun MacQueen oversees CE - Clean Energy. Bright Futures., a clean energy and career-connected education program at the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). She offers innovation and creative thinking in scaling the impact of CE’s work throughout the U.S.  Chaun has over 25 years of experience designing and managing environmental education and social impact programs in the U.S. and abroad for diverse audiences.

In September 2021 (and also in 2015 and in 2008), BEF’s CE program was selected for a Green Power Leadership Award for Leadership in Green Power Education, presented by Center for Resource Solutions and EPA.  CE began in 2002, originally called Solar 4R Schools, and they’re celebrating 20 years this year! 

Prior to working for BEF, Chaun worked as a Senior Analyst at The Cadmus Group, Inc. where she implemented and evaluated energy education programs and conducted process evaluations of utility energy efficiency programs in various states in the U.S. Chaun served as Program Director for Community Energy Project in Portland for nine years, where she managed energy education, water conservation and environmental health education, direct service, and professional training programs. She also has experience with stakeholder engagement, coalition building and startup of new social and environmental impact initiatives both stateside and abroad.

Chaun has an M.S. in environmental studies from the University of Oregon and she graduated from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a B.S in Natural Resource Management and Environment & Forest Biology. She also served as a community forestry Peace Corps Volunteer in Far-western Nepal (1997-1999).

Quotables

“The only way that innovation happens is by doing projects.” – Gregg Fraley

“I want to stay in my lane, but I don’t want to be stovepiped, either.” – Amy Simpkins

“These young people are going to help you remember why what you’re doing is so cool.” – Chaun MacQueen 

“Bringing it [knowledge of the energy grid] all more into the forefront and saying no it’s not boring and it’s not solved science and it’s not all figured out. This is very interesting, very cool, and ripe for innovation.” – Amy Simpkins

“My niece and nephew are going to have to think about car purchase in terms of kilowatt hours, not miles per gallon.” – Chaun MacQueen

“Energy literacy is changing and appreciation of not just energy but all the roles of the people doing it.” - Chaun MacQueen

“Those kids are one strategic plan away from joining you in the field already.” – Chaun MacQueen

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