Meet Our Team
Our team is powered by passionate people committed to energy justice and community-centered impact. From our dedicated Board of Directors to our dynamic support team—including our Associate Director, interns, and volunteers—we work together to expand clean energy access with a vision of leaving no one behind. Our work is grounded in collaboration, and we’re proud to partner with incredible grassroots organizations across sub-Saharan Africa to center local knowledge and experience in our programming. Together, we’re shining on!
Board of Directors
Representing diverse perspectives, experiences, and geographies, our Board is proud to participate in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through solar programming. The Board of Directors is responsible for oversight, operations and the strategic planning of Let There Be Light International.
Sarah Baird
Executive Director
Founder of Let There Be Light International, Sarah advocates for renewable energy access to be included in social safety net programming and is a member of international climate justice and clean energy action groups. Shine On!
David Baird
LTBLI Board Member
An early childhood educator, David works as a classroom teacher focused on literacy, numeracy, and community building. David is passionate about the universal need and importance of a safe and sufficiently lit living and learning environment.
Alissa Benchimol
LTBLI Board Member
A Project Manager at the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, Alissa is an expert in Sustainability and how access to energy intersects with basic human rights. A native of Brazil, Alissa’s firsthand knowledge of energy poverty drives her commitment to LTBLI’s mission.
Rubens Mukunzi
LTBLI Board Member
Founder and Executive Director of Karibu News and Madiba Janitorial Services. Originally from Rwanda, Rubens came to the US as a refugee and has firsthand knowledge of Energy Poverty. Rubens is a proud Rotarian and is passionate about helping others.
Thatcher Mweu
LTBLI Board Member
Based in Nairobi, Thatcher is a seasoned growth and operations strategist with a focus on startups and scale-ups. She is the current Operations Lead at Mazi Mobility, a Kenyan e-mobility startup.
Jamie Perry
LTBLI Board Member
Vice President of Insurance Programs at Azeros Health Plans. Jamie has broad expertise in outreach, community engagement, and organizational management and has volunteered with LTBLI for 8 years.
Jennifer Shiao
LTBLI Board Member
Jennifer serves as General Counsel at Valmar Merchant Services. Jennifer is an avid traveler and ardent supporter of empowering communities through economic development, education, and improving healthcare.
Rachel Stukenborg
LTBLI Board Member
Rachel is an engineer with a focus in sustainable energy for development. She is passionate about increasing awareness on the relationship between poverty and energy access and carries out data-driven outreach and education for LTBLI.
Kaitlin Bruskin
LTBLI Board Member
Kaitlin is an Engineering Manager at Verdani Partners, accelerating sustainability in the built environment. As an ESG consultant and a FitWell Ambassador, Kaitlin is passionate about furthering impactful climate action.
Emeritus Board Members
Support
In 2024, LTBLI welcomed a part-time Associate Director to our team. We frequently work with students, climate activists, and academics as interns and consultants. Reach out to us at [email protected] if you’re interested in working with us!
Hannah Schulman
Associate Director
With a background in Community Health and Climate Action, Hannah is committed to addressing health and environmental injustices linked to energy poverty. She champions collaborative partnerships for a sustainable and just energy transition.
Jordan During
Solar Technology Intern
Jordan is a junior majoring in Industrial Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. With hands-on experience in solar energy and sustainability projects, Jordan is dedicated to leveraging solar solutions to address energy poverty.
Antonia Ramirez
Climate Justice & Renewable Energy Intern
Antonia Ramirez attends Tufts University, majoring in Philosophy, Economics, and French. She is drawn to working internationally in the non-profit sector, supporting communities and advancing climate solutions.
Partners
Let There Be Light International works in partnership with local NGOs in our countries of impact.
Let’s shine on, together!
100% of donations support communities without energy access by providing light to vulnerable families and off-grid health clinics.