Let There Be Light International

My Summer as LTBLI’s Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Intern

by | Sep 2, 2025 | LTBLI news and updates

Antonia's reflections on her summer as the Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Intern

Hear from Antonia Ramirez, this summer’s Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Intern, as she reflects on her time with LTBLI. Shine on, Antonia!

 

My Interest

As a rising senior at Tufts University majoring in Economics, Philosophy, and French, interning at LTBLI as the Climate Justice & Renewable Energy intern was an unforgettable experience. Since high school, I’ve been drawn to creating sustainable energy solutions for resource-constrained countries. I was born and raised in Colombia, a country rich in natural resources but lacking sustainable methods to harness them. So, when the opportunity to work with LTBLI came along, I was excited to deepen my skills and contribute to expanding energy access.

 

Projects and Experiences

Associate Director Hannah Schulman and Executive Director Sarah Baird gave me the chance to take on diverse projects that made my summer both meaningful and eye-opening. I attended the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, where I saw firsthand how governments, organizations, and activists are working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementing programs across the globe to improve access to basic needs while protecting the planet. Furthermore, I had the chance to work with the Solar Health Uganda team, located in Uganda, whose insights into the reality of energy poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa and experience as a primary implementing partner of LTBLI programming stressed the importance of partnerships with local NGOs.

Safe Births + Healthy Homes Statistics from Report          United Nations SDGs for the High-Level. Political Forum          Photo for Safe Births + Healthy Homes Impact Report

Throughout these experiences, I came to understand how LTBLI grounds its programs in data. Surveys and follow-ups ensure that solar lights reach the households where they will have the greatest and most lasting impact. I also worked on larger data-focused projects, including updating the 2025 SB+HH Impact Report, which gave me both quantitative and qualitative insight into how our programs are designed and implemented. Just as importantly, I learned how to translate data and impact metrics into accessible communications for advocacy, from creating social media content to writing a blog with the help of George Mike Luberenga on the importance of African-led energy initiatives.

 

Looking Ahead

This internship reminded me that energy access and climate justice are inseparable from human dignity. We live in a world where access to light, safety, and opportunity is still very unequal. Addressing that gap means not only investing in technology but ensuring that resources reach those who need them most. I hope to continue working toward this goal by pursuing a master’s degree at the intersection of economics, environmental studies, and policy.

 

You can see more of Antonia’s work on LTBLI’s social media!