Our People
Honoring
Al Weinrub
We would like to express our deep gratitude and admiration for Al Weinrub. Al had been the coordinator and visionary behind the Local Clean Energy Alliance (LCEA) for 14 years. It was with great sadness that he passed away August 30, 2023 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Through his leadership, we have witnessed transformative change in countless communities where previously marginalized voices are now heard and building power towards equitable solutions for energy democracy and justice.
Al Weinrub’s unwavering commitment to energy equity has contributed to the creation of several alliances, and a growing national movement for energy democracy.
Al’s dedication to fostering collaboration and building strong partnerships has enabled us to forge meaningful alliances with grassroots organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders, resulting in impactful policy reforms and lasting environmental improvements.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Al has been an inspiration and mentor to all of us fortunate enough to work alongside him. His unwavering passion, integrity, and compassion have left an indelible mark on our organization’s culture and values.
LCEA recognizes the immense legacy Al is leaving behind. His leadership has built a solid foundation upon which we will continue to grow and make strides towards Energy Democracy and Justice.
On behalf of the entire organization and the communities we serve, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Al for his extraordinary dedication, tireless efforts, and profound impact on building movement infrastructure and new leadership to democratize energy.
Staff
Jessica Tovar, Executive Director
Jessica initially joined the Local Clean Energy Alliance to become its Energy Democracy Organizer in 2012 ? Having grown up in East Los Angeles, Jessica worked for over a decade as an environmental justice organizer in a variety of urban, rural, and indigenous communities throughout California and Arizona. Jessica interned with the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative in 2003, working with organizations across the U.S. on issues of climate justice. Previously she had also been an organizer for Communities for a Better Environment in Richmond, California, where she successfully mobilized against expansion of the Chevron oil refinery. Jessica enjoys comedy, art, traveling, and spending time with family.
Daniela Suarez, Energy Democracy Campaign Organizer
Dohee Kim, Campaign Organizer
Dohee is focused on strengthening community resilience and implementing true systems change. As a former Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) Commissioner for the City of Berkeley, Dohee dived into local housing advocacy, guiding denser development and accessible housing with her local community. At the Greenlining Institute, she created an Embedding Equity Into Policy Toolkit for legislators and changemakers nationwide, and she lobbied for greener policies at the CA State Legislature that center environmental justice, anti-racism, and economic equity. Based in Huichin-Ohlone land in Berkeley, CA, Dohee is a committed civic strategist and currently serves on the Board of Directors with the YWCA Berkeley/Oakland, a social justice organization serving the community for more than 135 years. Her intersectional work experience with Teamsters Local 2010, UC Berkeley Labor Center, UC Berkeley Human Rights Center, UC Berkeley School of Law, City of Berkeley, and New Leaders Council has overall deepened her dedication to build people-based movements towards justice and equity in labor, clean energy, and housing. During times of restoration, she enjoys aimless walks in her neighborhood, lively jam sessions, and political education with community organizers over warm tea.
Support Committee
