CEEM’s invisible (or visible) hand in my future

Before working with CEEM, I had no experience in clean energy policy. Previously, my policy background was in juvenile justice and education equity for marginalized communities, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect or how to prepare. My time as a public policy intern with CEEM not only allowed me to immerse myself in an area I hadn’t yet explored, but also allowed me to explore what opportunities might be available to me that I hadn’t considered before.

One of my responsibilities as a policy intern for CEEM was tracking energy bills during the 2025 legislative session. I also attended hearings for energy bills heard in the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee throughout the legislative session. One bill I worked on with CEEM was the Minnesota Energy Alley Bill, HF 1013/SF 761. With this bill, I was able to learn more about what goes into cleantech and energy startups. After attending meetings, listening to bill hearings, and even hearing Gregg, CEEM’s Executive Director, testify, I reflected more on clean energy and ways to incorporate a green future into my advocacy work moving forward.

Diving deeper into my growing interest in policy and advocacy, I had the opportunity to write a letter of support for a bill, HF 2735/SF 2426. This bill proposed to appropriate money to the MAD DADS of Minneapolis organization, which would help provide marginalized communities an opportunity to join the growing clean energy sector. The workforce program connects the clean energy workforce with equity and incorporates juvenile justice, a topic I’ve always been passionate about. I’ve been so fortunate to work alongside an amazing team that has helped me find ways to connect my passions and introduced me to different ways to fulfill them.

Even before going into my freshman year of college, I had planned to pursue law and dip into policy, but I never knew how to do both. I’ve always been the type of person who has a plan and follows through on it, so naturally, I set myself up to pursue my undergraduate degree, with the goal of attending law school afterward. Being a first-generation college student, it has always been important for me to follow through on my academic plans so I can promise a future for myself and my family. Because of this, policy wasn’t front and center in my mind, though it has always been present. When I was matched with CEEM through Capitol Pathways, I didn’t really understand clean energy, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how to be helpful without much experience surrounding the topic. I was hesitant about how I would fit in with the heavy focus on energy. However, I knew I was always extremely passionate about policy, and this internship has multiplied my love for the work that gets done at the Capitol and public policy in general.

Before interning with CEEM, I was already weighing my options between pursuing law school or a degree in public policy. In an earlier conversation with Chandra, my supervisor and Senior Policy Associate for CEEM, we connected on the challenges of choosing between the two. She introduced me to a few lobbyists working in clean energy; some with law degrees, and others without. Meeting different lobbyists helped me think more about which career paths I wanted to take. I felt at a crossroads between policy and law, and I wasn’t sure which one made more sense; I still wasn’t sure which path felt like the right one. Chandra and I researched options together, like a dual degree program for policy and law. While I am not committed to anything yet, my internship at CEEM allowed me to pivot my educational career plan to all of my passions. If it weren’t for Chandra, introductions to lobbyists, and my internship with CEEM, I don’t think I would’ve considered changing anything to fit my aspirations better. Although I’m only entering my sophomore year of undergrad, I know the determination and commitment I have to advocacy work will push me toward a future where I can work in both law and public policy. I’m so grateful for my time with CEEM and the opportunity I’ve had to not only learn about clean energy and public policy but about myself and my future.

Workforce Table with Gregg

In addition to being at the Capitol, I was fortunate enough to attend various meetings with the organization. One meeting I know has already made an impact on me was the McKnight Foundation’s Clean Energy Workforce Development table I attended with Gregg. It was amazing to have the opportunity to sit at a table and be part of this discussion after my own public advocacy for inclusivity in the workforce. I’m thankful for having been able to sit at tables where topics like this were being discussed, and feel my passions connect to the internship.

Shadowing Nichole

Being passionate about advocacy, CEEM has allowed me to pursue that passion through various opportunities. I was able to shadow Nichole, a powerhouse lobbyist working in clean energy. Everyone I’ve worked with during my internship was extremely down-to-earth, and Nichole was no exception. She introduced me to Chair Acomb of the House Energy Committee and talked me through everything that was happening despite the chaos of the Capitol. She shared why she became involved in lobbying, and we connected over similar interests. Shadowing Nichole helped me develop my passion for political advocacy even more and showed me what my future could look like.

Conclusion

My time as a policy intern with CEEM has been filled with learning and a chaotic and unusual session at the Capitol, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I can’t speak highly enough of the CEEM team and everything they’ve done to make sure my experience has been filled with learning, the hustle and bustle of the Capitol, and fun. Every event I attended, every Friday check-in with Chandra, and every hearing at the Capitol had something for me to take away and an opportunity to learn more. I’m so thankful for my time with CEEM and the role this experience has played in what my future may look like.