Community Energy Project is proud to provide a variety of direct, in-homes services and educational workshops, and participate in important advocacy work. Behind all of these vital efforts is a team of vibrant, multifaceted, and hardworking individuals. We are excited to introduce the CEP Staff Spotlight, a series dedicated to the people who make everything we do possible. Today’s spotlight shines on CEP’s Climate Justice Associate: Alma Pinto.

• Favorite quote or piece of advice: “Do work that matters. Vale la pena” – Gloria E. Anzaldúa

• Describe your role at CEP and what makes you passionate about your position.
  • As a Climate Justice Associate at CEP, I advocate for the frontline communities we serve in state legislature, local government, and Oregon Public Utility Commission spaces to advance energy justice, climate justice, and housing equity. I am honored to be a part of impactful and necessary justice/equity work, and I love working with such passionate and intelligent people!

• What is your work background and one unique skill you bring to CEP?
  • Prior to CEP, I interned with Metro and Energy Trust of Oregon. Before I moved to Portland in 2018, I used to work as a project coordinator at the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC), an environmental non-profit in South Texas. I’m proud to contribute my eagerness to learn and collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders in order to work towards a more equitable and just future.

• Describe one accomplishment you’ve made at CEP or a goal you have for the future in this role.
  • A goal of mine is to take a lead on more coalitions that could benefit from CEP’s voice, representing the interests of the community we serve. Being engaged with more hands-on advocacy work with our clients would also help me be a stronger and better informed advocate.

• If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? / What is a hobby you have?
  • I would have a Sichuan-style hot pot feast! 
  • I like to DJ during my free time.