WRISE Member Profile: Meet Amanda Fornelli

Amanda Fornelli
Strategic Partner
2R Group
WRISE Los Angeles Program Director

How did you get involved with WRISE?
I first heard of WRISE back in 2018 when I attended the Chicago chapter’s WRISE & Wine Annual Tasting & Fundraiser and was incredibly thrilled to find a community of like-minded women to talk about renewable energy with. I have since attended many more events including the Leadership Forum and participated in the Peer Group Mentor Program. My passion and interest in WRISE led me to help found the Los Angeles Chapter of WRISE and now serve as the Chapter Director.

What advice would you give a woman trying to start her career in renewables? My advice to a woman starting a career in renewable energy is don’t be afraid to dive in head first! The renewable energy industry can be a wild ride but can be extremely exciting and rewarding. I suggest finding a female leader in your specific industry/company and reach out for support and advice. I have realized that all the women in this industry are incredibly excited and willing to pay it forward!

How did you get started in this field? I started my career as an engineer at a natural gas utility right out of school. Realizing I wanted to transition into the cleantech space, I went back to school to pursue an MBA at USC Marshall School of Business where I developed the required skill set and network to complete my pivot. I was fortunate and excited to have been provided an opportunity to develop utility-scale solar projects at Cypress Creek Renewables right out of grad school and now work as a Strategic Partner/Consultant for the 2R Group serving renewable energy clients across the U.S.

If you could give a high five to any person dead or alive who would it be? Neil deGrasse Tyson! I’d give him a huge high five then discuss astrophysics with him over lunch.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Butter Pecan because it’s nutty and buttery!