WRISE Announces 2025 Rudd Mayer Fellowship and Wind at Our Backs Recipients
The ten awardees will attend ACP’s CLEANPOWER conference in Phoenix, AZ, this May.
Brooklyn, NY — WRISE is proud to announce the selection of eight 2025 Rudd Mayer Fellows and two 2025 Wind at Our Backs Awardees. These prestigious fellowships are awarded through a competitive process to outstanding college students and recent graduates.
Established in 2011, the Rudd Mayer Fellowship honors the legacy of wind industry pioneer Rudd Mayer, a passionate advocate for the wind energy sector who passed away in 2002. Launched in 2016, the Wind at Our Backs Stipend supports emerging professionals pursuing degrees or training as wind technicians. Both programs are designed to nurture the growth of the next generation of leaders in the wind energy industry and the broader renewable energy sector.
Through these initiatives, WRISE continues to empower individuals committed to driving innovation and growth within clean energy.
Meet the 2025 Rudd Mayer Fellows:
- Leslie Cano Ochoa Huerta – Recent Graduate, California State University, Los Angeles, Mechanical Engineering
- Alex Urbina – Recent Graduate, Duke University, Electrical and Power Engineering
- Emily Jones – Recent Graduate, University of Texas at Austin, Mechanical Engineering (with a focus on clean energy technology)
- Tara Greig – Recent Graduate, University of Texas at Austin, Environmental Engineering
- Toriana (Tori) Richards – Recent Graduate, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Environmental Policy (with a focus on offshore wind projects)
- Avery Kelly – Recent Graduate, Wesleyan University, Environmental Studies and Public Policy
- Flavia Martini Andrade da Silva – Current Student, USD School of Law, Environmental and Clean Energy Law
- Jamiya Barnett – Current Student, The Ohio State University, Public Management, Leadership, and Policy
Meet the 2025 Wind at Our Backs Awardees:
- Morgan Klaus – Current Student, High Plains Technology Center, Wind Energy Technology
- McKenzi Whitson – Current Student, High Plains Technology Center, Wind Energy Technology
“Clean energy’s future is forged through the strength of our community, where every voice, every talent, and every idea amplifies collective progress,” said Doseke Akporiaye, Executive Director of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy. “At WRISE, we’re committed to nurturing that community by connecting these fellows and scholars with mentors, partners, and the resources they need at CLEANPOWER and beyond to drive innovation and power a more resilient energy landscape. Through our national chapter network and alumni community, we cultivate peer-to-peer learning, policy engagement, and cross-industry collaboration, equipping these fellows and scholars not only with technical expertise but also with the confidence, networks, and advocacy tools they need to dismantle barriers and drive systemic change.”
As part of their selection, Rudd Mayer fellows will receive a range of invaluable benefits designed to accelerate their careers in the wind energy industry. They will gain complimentary access to the ACP CLEANPOWER conference, which will provide exclusive opportunities to engage with industry leaders and key stakeholders.
In addition, they will benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, helping to build connections that can enhance their professional growth. The program also offers professional development programming, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the renewable energy sector. They will also have the unique opportunity to learn and collaborate with a dynamic peer group, fostering a supportive community of emerging leaders.
The fellows will be recognized at ACP’s EmpowerHer + WRISE Networking Reception from 5:00 – 6:00 PM PT at CLEANPOWER.
Wind at Our Backs Recipients receive a stipend to support their education and growing wind career.
For more information or to get involved, contact us at info@wrisenergy.org.
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About the Rudd Mayer Fellowship:
The Rudd Mayer Fellowship is WRISE’s way of supporting new wind professionals in the academic community, college students and recent graduates, who are interested in expanding their knowledge and engaging in the renewable energy field by attending the CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition.
About the Wind at Our Backs Stipend:
The Wind at Our Backs Stipend was launched in 2016 for those graduating from degree and training programs for wind technicians. The goal is to further grow the wind energy workforce. Wind technicians are a fast growing, family sustaining career in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, but diversity in this sector remains a challenge. Both programs are made possible this year by generous contributions from the American Clean Power Association.
Both of these annual fellowship and stipend opportunities are awarded on a competitive basis and selection is based on commitment to renewable energy development, academic achievement, alignment with WRISE’s organizational potential for future contributions to the U.S. renewable energy community, and financial need.
About Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy:
Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), formerly Women of Wind Energy (WoWE), was founded in 2005 to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future by igniting the collective power of the community. WRISE has local chapters across the US and Canada; national programming that includes the annual luncheon, Leadership Forum, fellowships, the Speakers Bureau, and webinar series; and a growing grassroots network of more than 25,000 participants. The organization is supported through hundreds of volunteer hours and the generous contributions of individuals and corporate partners. For more information about WRISE, visit www.wrisenergy.org.