Power to the People works together with communities in the developing world to install solar electric systems (photovoltaics) on community buildings like schools, health care centers, libraries and orphanages. We are an all-volunteer organization and all of the funds we raise go towards our projects.

We believe sustainability is not just about the environment, but is about living a balanced and healthy life. Through access to information and opportunities, we all make better decisions and are more likely to act in a way that does not harm the earth or future generations.

Who is Power to the People?

Power to the People is made up of volunteers from the solar industry and other eco-conscious folks. Below are the people that make up our Board of Directors along with some of our key volunteers. There are dozens of other people that are not listed that are actively donating their time to make our projects possible.

Jenean Smith is an advocate for the advancement and use of renewable energy technolgies. She currently works in the solar industry and created Power to the People to help people in the developing world benefit from renewable energy. Before moving to Califonia, she was the Youth Program Director for the Riecken Foundation in Honduras where she created a youth leadership program for rural Honduran teenagers in 33 communities. Before her time in Honduras, she was a small business/IT volunteer in the Peace Corps in San Lorenzo, Nicaragua.  During her time in the Peace Corps she worked with community members to create a financially sustainable community library, teaching people basic computer and business skills.  She has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston, and a Master's degree in Sustainable International Development from the Heller School of Policy and Management at Brandeis University.

John Hoffman currently works as an energy consultant with California Green Designs based in Los Angeles, CA.  John ‘s focus is  commercial PV feasibility and system design.  Before this, John lived in Aspen CO where he was the  co-founder and co-owner of Johnny McGuire’s Deli (established 1989).  John recognizes the importance of integrated design in operations and construction and is currently pursuing LEED credentials.  John graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1989 with a BBA in Finance and is a licensed California Real Estate Salesperson. 

James Kao is a city planner with experience in landscape architecture, urban design, smart growth, green building and sustainable communities.  He currently works at the City of Signal Hill near Long Beach where he has begun coordinating development and implementation of a sustainable city plan.  James holds a BS degree in landscape architecture from Cornell University and a Masters in Real Estate Development from USC.  He is a lifelong outdoors and nature enthusiast with a passion for world culture, languages and adventure travel and has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and Europe.  James is a proponent of developing sustainable communities powered by renewable energy here and abroad and is also a member of a dozen environmental advocacy organizations that focus on alternative transportation, urban forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. 

Barbara Martello is a Japanese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine practitioner in Berkeley, Calif.  She earned her Master's of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California.  In addition to her appreciation of Oriental Medicine, Barbara is an avid environmentalist and is excited to be a part of an organization that is bringing solar power to the developing world. It is her hope that all medical centers in rural areas have access to power so they can better serve and enrich the lives of the people who live there.

Diana Buttz is a freelance solar engineer, designing solar-electric systems for homes and businesses in Southern California. She is earned her Mechanical Engineering degrees from MIT and is a NABCEP Certified PV Installer. She used to build and race solar cars, designed diesel-electric motorcycles, all-electric outboard boating motors, solar modules, and some other cool 'stuff' for the military that she can't talk about. Diana grew up in El Paso, TX, nicknamed the "Sun City" and crowned as the 2004 "Sweatiest City in America." No wonder she is a solar engineer.

Heather Wadia is a strategic communications consultant who works with corporate and non-profit organizations focused on renewable energy, sustainability and international development. With more than 15 years of experience, she has managed PR efforts for Fortune 500 companies and directed significant public advocacy and community relations programs nationwide. Recently, she was Vice President, Corporate Practice at MS&L San Francisco, where she led client strategy and activities relating to corporate reputation, crisis and issues management, public education campaigns and media relations. Earlier in her career, Heather was Director at Public Strategies, where she spent 11 years working on the public affairs firm’s largest accounts. Heather now works with organizations focused on humanitarian issues and sustainable practices. 

Crystal Adams is a diverse graphic designer and environmental enthusiast. Graduate of The Art Institute with a BS degree in Graphic Design, she contributes her talent to local non-profits such as projects for
service learning educational programs. As a recognized volunteer
leader, she helps run events for the regional work of TreePeople in
the Harbor area, directing volunteers at these events in how to plant
and properly care for trees. She is excited to continue helping
communities thrive and succeed in development with renewable energy,
extending her volunteerism outside her own backyard.

Jeremy Hammond graduated from the University of Oregon in 2006 with a degree in international studies and currently holds the position of Strategic Account Manager at Clean Power Finance, a renewable energy solutions company.  After graduating from university Jeremy worked in Salzburg, Austria at the Salzburg Global Seminar, an NGO dedicated to bring together future and present world leaders to solve global issues. He then spent one year in rural Rwanda working with the Access Project of Columbia University, an NGO that aims to improve health management systems.  Additionally in Rwanda Jeremy did freelance photography publishing work in Forbes magazine and winning a national photography award with IKAZE magazine.  Returning from Rwanda, Jeremy joined Clean Power Finance, helping launch their online solar installer sales platform CPF Tools.  He is passionate about cultures and languages, renewable energy , and photography .

Violeta Moran was born and raised in El Salvador. Since a young age she demonstrated a high interest in business and altruism. At the young age of 12, she got involved in her family's real state business, Costa Dorada. She began as a translator, and soon became personal assistant and eventually help run the organization with her mom, president and owner of the business. During her free time, Violeta would collaborate with her family on projects such as individually teaching women from their hometown Panchimalco how to sow and assemble clothing.  Evolving into a family mission, Violeta, her mom and sister, decided to put together a small business and workshop in which these women could learn, create, and produce clothing and accessories. Women learned how to manufacture clothing, use their creativity, and sustain their families. Currently, Violeta is a Business Administration college student on the East Bay, CA. and continuous to get involved in the various family businesses.