EDWIN WANJI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Edwin has successfully worked for over 15 years in construction both in the private and public sector. After 5 yea...
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Mission
Expand clean energy resilience in
underserved communities through
equitable workforce development
and access to zero-emission electricity
Vision
Our vision is an inclusive clean energy future.
OUR STORY
Edwin Wanji, the founder of Sphere One, grew up in Kenya attending schools with unreliable electricity where he experienced first hand how the disparity in access to something as basic as power could widen economic differences and impede prosperity.
Eventually Edwin arrived in Seattle, initially working for a solar contractor before starting his own solar company. Again, he observed disparities in access, this time to clean solar electricity and the good jobs in the growing renewable energy industry.
In 2019, Sphere One was formed to increase equitable access to clean energy sources. Since then, residents of disadvantaged communities in greater Seattle, WA and abroad have benefited from adopting solar power, learned about job opportunities in clean energy, and undergone training as electrical apprentices and interns to pursue careers supporting the transition to a sustainable future.
IMPACT
Over 200 people traditionally underrepresented in the clean energy workforce have gained awareness or skills in the industry through our career exploration workshops, job training programs, and field apprenticeships.
- 30+ clean energy career workshops
- More than 60,000 hours of job readiness training
- Over 15 community groups and schools served. (including Franklin High School, Nathan Hale High School, Cleveland High School, Suquamish Tribe, Oasis of Hope Community Center, Shiloh Baptist Church)
We have partnered directly with communities to bring solar to over 10 roofs. Funded with grant support, these underserved communities have been able to redirect the substantial savings on electricity bills to essential programs and services. The collective impact of these projects include:
- 350+ KW installed
- Over $35,000 in electricity savings every year
- Electricity generated to power 30+ homes annually
- More than 100 metric tons of carbon avoided annually
MEET our team
Sarah Ali Program Manager
Sarah hails from the East Coast where she managed workforce development programs serving primarily underserved com...
Read MoreMATEO ARBELAEZ ARIZALA INSTRUCTOR
Mateo started as an intern with Sphere and now serves as an instructor. He develops and teaches hands-on, interact...
Read MoreBOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARK MENDEZ President
Mark Mendez is a dedicated leader committed to empowering youth and communities through various initiatives. He ha...
Read MoreMaria Zaller TREASURER
Maria Zaller earned her B.A. in Strategic Communications and Interactive Media Studies from Miami University. She ...
Read MoreJACK GUINN SECRETARY
Born in Houston, Jack Guinn received a JD from the University of Texas and has been a proud resident of Seattle si...
Read MoreOUR PRESENCE
SEATTLE & WA
Sphere One is creating access to clean energy careers for people of color, women, and those with economic disadvantages through a variety of inclusive workforce...
Learn moreKENYA & ABROAD
The power went out a lot during Edwin Wanji’s childhood, preventing him and his sisters from studying and performing basic tasks of daily life. A lack of...
Learn morePartners
We are grateful to our donors, volunteers, and partners who have contributed significant time and resources to advancing clean energy resilience in our disadvantaged communities. Special thanks to:
