Utility-scale solar plus projects—such as the 150 MW Baldy Mesa and 50 MW Silver Peak in California owned and operated by AES —typically generate hundreds of construction jobs, the majority of which are filled by skilled union labor. In an effort to support economic empowerment and restorative justice in the City of Adelanto where these projects are located—home to the Adelanto Detention Center and a community disproportionately impacted by the carceral system. Tanya, as lead developer, worked closely with the City and partnered with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 477 to create a re-entry workforce development program.
This initiative was designed specifically to provide pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals and those on probation to receive training and certification as electrical workers and become members of the union. Through hands-on apprenticeships and union-backed job placement, the program aimed to break cycles of incarceration by offering meaningful, skilled employment in the growing clean energy sector.
By investing in local talent and prioritizing inclusive hiring, the project not only generated clean energy—but also helped spark new beginnings for community members too often left out of economic opportunity. Since its creation, the program has helped more than 20 individuals graduate and begin new chapters in their lives. As one graduate beautifully shared, “Just because you made a mistake, you don’t have to live in it. We are just a product of bad choices.” The program stands as an example of how renewable energy development can align with social justice, workforce equity, and healing in impacted communities.
As the lead developer for these projects, Tanya managed all project development activities and supervised subject matter experts from the early stages—such as securing site control—through construction, including obtaining permits, negotiating power purchase and interconnection agreements, securing gen-tie line easements and financing.