The Collective Core
Rooted Power Collective is led by a dedicated core team with deep expertise in energy systems, environmental justice, and community organizing. But we're more than just us—we're connected to a nationwide network of vetted energy professionals, engineers, policy analysts, and advocates through our collective membership. This allows us to bring the right expertise to every project while maintaining our values-driven, collaborative approach.
Rio Martinez, PhD
(they/them)
Founder
Dr. Rio Martinez is driven by a powerful mission: expanding access to clean energy careers for communities that have been historically left behind. Rio brings eight years of experience from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where they worked on everything from high-efficiency solar materials to workforce development and community outreach. They hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as an M.S. and B.S. in Chemistry from San Francisco State University.
As a veteran of higher education and a former community college student, they bring first-hand insight to their current role teaching and supporting workforce development programs at Arapahoe Community College. At Rooted Power Collective, Rio combines technical expertise with inclusive communication and a talent for co-creating strategies that actually fit. They meet clients where they are, because clean energy's future depends on who gets to build it.
Kamyria Coney
(she/her)
Senior Consultant
Kamyria Coney spent six years as a policy analyst and researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where her work focused on promoting equitable distribution of solar energy and advancing the electrification of public transportation. She collaborated with federal programs, universities, and community-based organizations to share knowledge and support community-centered outcomes. Kamyria holds a M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management and a B.A. in Mathematics and Environmental Studies.
At Rooted Power Collective, Kamyria leads educational workshops and workforce development initiatives, supports grant writing, and helps clients navigate technical and regulatory frameworks. She is passionate about fostering community growth through collaboration, understanding, and joy.
Trinity Barnes
(she/her)
Program Manager
Trinity Barnes is a New Orleans native, born and raised in the 7th Ward, whose love for urban communities and cultural dynamics sparked a lifelong passion for sustainability. She holds a B.A. in Environmental and Urban Studies from Rhodes College and brings hands-on experience from internships with the Urban Ecology Center of Milwaukee, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and AmeriCorps. She currently serves as a Climate Smart Forestry Program Specialist with the USDA Forest Service, supporting grant funding for private forest landowners in underserved communities.
Outside of work, Trinity volunteers with organizations focused on green infrastructure and tree canopy restoration in New Orleans, and is always looking for new opportunities to learn about climate change mitigation in coastal communities.
At Rooted Power Collective, Trinity serves as Program Manager, leading partnership development and community education and engagement. She is a connector at heart — ensuring members have the resources, relationships, and support they need to thrive.
Advisory Board
Our work is guided by advisors with deep expertise in renewable energy policy, environmental resilience, stakeholder engagement, and building community support for sustainability initiatives
Latonia Viverette, PhD
(she/her)
Founder - Ivy Environmental Consulting
Dr. Latonia Viverette is a recognized leader in environmental resilience and sustainability with expertise spanning environmental management, compliance, and corporate sustainability across multiple sectors including municipalities, energy, construction, higher education, insurance, and finance. She leads and advises sustainability and energy programs for the Gulf Research Program at the National Academies of Sciences, where she actively develops the next generation of sustainability scientists. Latonia also designs and delivers environmental justice and leadership workshops, bringing a commitment to equity and community empowerment to all her work.
Douglas Ahl, PhD
(he/him)
President & Owner - Driftless Advisory Group
Dr. Doug Ahl is a small business owner and clean energy advisor with more than 30 years of experience supporting community-centered energy, climate, and resilience initiatives. He has held senior leadership roles in mission-driven organizations, advising nonprofits, public agencies, and community partners on clean energy strategy, public-facing education, and stakeholder engagement.
Doug specializes in translating complex energy and climate topics into accessible, locally relevant information that supports informed community understanding and builds durable support for clean energy projects. He brings deep experience aligning clean energy initiatives with local values, economic benefits, and long-term resilience goals. He currently serves as President and Owner of Driftless Advisory Group, providing strategic advisory services to nonprofit and community-based organizations.
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