Solar Career Highlight: Nonprofit Manager of Programs and Events

The clean energy transition isn’t just about technical innovation and the built infrastructure – it’s also about people, policy, and creating lasting social change. Nonprofit organizations, like Solar United Neighbors, RE-volv, Vote Solar, and many more, play a crucial role in this transformation, working across multiple fronts to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy while ensuring its benefits reach all communities. 

From advancing energy justice initiatives to advocating for supportive policies to expanding clean energy access to fostering workforce development, nonprofits are helping shape a more sustainable and equitable energy future. In this career spotlight, we sit down with Lauren Friedman, Senior Manager of Programs and Events at Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), who shares her advice on seizing opportunities, embracing new challenges, and ultimately making an impact through nonprofit work.

You can check out the full interview with Lauren in the free Solar Career Pathways course. 

Transcript below.

The best piece of advice I always give everyone is to say yes to things – within reason. We have to have boundaries and especially when you’re earlier in your career. Set those boundaries right away because it just gets harder to do that later.  

That was really what was like life changing for me in my career trajectory. I happened to be at organizations that were experiencing a lot of growth while I was there. But even if you’re not, there’s always going to be opportunities where you can raise your hands. I think when you have the ability to do so, it’s a great thing to take on new projects.

I was part of lots of new teams. An example I always give is with people management. That was something I was avoidant of for a very long time. I thought I don’t want to deal with anybody else. But of course, in some roles, you have to become a people manager to advance.

When that happened for me, naturally it became the best part of my job. I loved doing it and it made me a better worker too. It made me a better advocate for the work. I think you’ll never know until you try something new. 

Say yes to things. Give it your best shot. Do your best at it. 

Always be candid when you need help too, because that’s where the biggest growth happens. It’s not when you’re perfect at everything. 

I would also say volunteer. I started in my role at WRISE. I was at GRID for many years and that was when I first engaged with WRISE professionally.

After I left that job, I had to stay involved. So I became a member and a volunteer. I became a super volunteer and led some committees. Then when this program manager position opened up, I jumped at it and it was really perfect. 

Not to say every volunteer opportunity can turn into a job. I’ve had plenty that did not,  but I think you’ll always get something really special out of them, especially like this unique type of opportunity where it is relevant to your career as well. There’s definitely a lot of networking and connections to be made. So, definitely volunteer.

I’ll shamelessly plug that WRISE is always looking for new volunteers. You can find out more about our website if you’re interested. 

Here’s a link to the WRISE Volunteer/Leadership Opportunity Interest Form.