Growing Impact Through Collaboration: A Q&A with Board Member Raymond Chao
Meet our latest board member, Raymond Chao! As an associate with EDF Power Solutions North America, a company focused on low-carbon energy solutions such as renewable energy projects and modernizing grid infrastructure, Raymond supports solar and battery storage development across New York and Canada. His deep commitment to community well-being was honed through his previous work in the New York City Mayor’s Office and Department of Health, where he advanced mental health and public services in historically underserved communities.
Raymond’s commitment to equity and climate justice and his renewable industry expertise is invaluable as we expand our paid student internships and champion student-led sustainability initiatives in schools.
In the Q&A, Raymond shares his vision for leveraging his public sector and renewable energy experience to expand CAPS’ industry collaborations and scale our program's reach.
As a former public servant for local governments, why did you decide to move into renewable energy? How does your experience as a public servant play into your role as a CAPS board member?
I worked for seven years in the New York City government at the Mayor’s Office and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It’s thrilling, meaningful, and important work, and I loved the people I worked with and the mission to serve all New Yorkers. The climate crisis has been escalating for decades, and I saw it as the next step in my career to serve not only local citizens, but global citizens. If people are going to have healthy and fulfilling lives, the sustainability and public sectors need to be synergistic. With my experience as a public servant, I believe I’ll be able to help map out how CAPS’ initiatives can scale and expand their reach over time, similar to how public initiatives become established.
What opportunities do you see in the collaboration between green industry professionals and public educators?
Educators are vital in preparing youth for a fruitful life. Unfortunately, the climate crisis is a challenge that will be around for the foreseeable future, and it’s important for the next generation to fully understand the issues at hand and be equipped for efforts to rehabilitate the planet and society.
Why is it important to prepare high school students for careers in clean energy?
High school students are teenagers beginning to understand themselves and the world. It’s vital to provide them with options and a vision of what they can do in the future. Sustainability endeavors such as clean energy development are meaningful professions that can contribute to a fulfilling life.
What do you see as unique or particularly effective about the CAPS model?
The most exciting aspect of the CAPS model is its approach to engaging both the school system and the student body. By having students participate in developing initiatives to reduce emissions and energy use at the very building where they study, the program provides an elegant approach with a long-term multiplying effect. These students will continue in their education and careers to make positive impacts in other communities.
What are your ambitions and goals as a CAPS board member?
My goal is to contribute to the CAPS mission by strengthening and expanding its initiatives. As CAPS continues to generate positive outcomes in its work and expands with additional partner schools, I will help amplify its success stories and build relationships with sustainability experts in adjacent industries to explore areas for collaboration.