Carolina Ramos: From Community Service to Clean Energy Leader in NJ
Rooted in Hudson County, New Jersey, Carolina Ramos has always felt a deep connection to her community and a strong drive to make a positive impact. Her journey has taken her from academic studies to impactful roles in local government, and eventually into the rapidly expanding field of clean energy. At the heart of her story is a powerful example of turning passion into opportunity—and a reminder that others can follow a similar path.
A Personal Commitment to Making a Difference
Carolina studied environmental sciences at Rutgers University, and after graduation, she joined AmeriCorps VISTA in Jersey City, where she contributed to recycling programs. This led to a role in the city’s sustainability department—a place where she felt truly at home.
“That was when I realized how much I loved serving my community,” she reflected.
Recognizing the clean energy sector’s growth potential, Carolina sought to deepen her knowledge and skills. She took courses in data science, built relationships with industry professionals, and got involved with Latinx in Sustainability, where she played a key role in launching mentorships, development grants, and educational webinars to broaden access to energy careers.
“We wanted to make it clear that the clean energy space is open to everyone,” she said.
Opening Doors Through the Right Connections
Carolina’s network eventually led her to the Clean Energy Jobs (CEJ) Program, a New Jersey initiative that connects residents with training and employment opportunities in clean energy. CEJ partners with the state’s Department of Labor, utilities like PSE&G, and various public and private organizations to support job seekers in everything from skilled labor to consulting roles.
With help from CEJ, Carolina refined her resume, found openings that matched her goals, and received guidance through the application process.
“They helped me understand exactly what kind of work I was aiming for,” she noted.
A Meaningful Career with Room to Grow
With CEJ’s backing, Carolina secured a role at an energy consulting firm. Her work now involves analyzing energy use, improving efficiency, and helping clients—including PSE&G—adopt innovative, sustainable solutions.
“It’s been rewarding to gain technical skills, challenge myself, and dive deeper into the industry,” she shared. “I’ve always wanted to serve diverse communities, especially Spanish-speaking ones, while growing as a technical professional.”
Beyond her own career, Carolina continues to support others. She volunteers at resume workshops and talks to students and job seekers about the many paths available in the clean energy space.
“There are so many people who feel like they don’t belong in this field because they haven’t earned a four-year degree or are still in community college,” she said. “But there are countless roles—whether you’re interested in trades, certifications, or analytical work like mine. This industry is thriving, and we need more voices to help shape its future.”
Building a Sustainable Future—Together
Carolina’s story highlights what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Programs like CEJ make it easier for people to enter the energy workforce with purpose and direction.
For anyone considering a career move—whether into technology, skilled trades, or consulting—now is a prime time. The clean energy sector is expanding, and like Carolina, you might discover a meaningful, fulfilling career waiting for you.
A Personal Commitment to Making a Difference
Carolina studied environmental sciences at Rutgers University, and after graduation, she joined AmeriCorps VISTA in Jersey City, where she contributed to recycling programs. This led to a role in the city’s sustainability department—a place where she felt truly at home.
“That was when I realized how much I loved serving my community,” she reflected.
Recognizing the clean energy sector’s growth potential, Carolina sought to deepen her knowledge and skills. She took courses in data science, built relationships with industry professionals, and got involved with Latinx in Sustainability, where she played a key role in launching mentorships, development grants, and educational webinars to broaden access to energy careers.
“We wanted to make it clear that the clean energy space is open to everyone,” she said.
Opening Doors Through the Right Connections
Carolina’s network eventually led her to the Clean Energy Jobs (CEJ) Program, a New Jersey initiative that connects residents with training and employment opportunities in clean energy. CEJ partners with the state’s Department of Labor, utilities like PSE&G, and various public and private organizations to support job seekers in everything from skilled labor to consulting roles.
With help from CEJ, Carolina refined her resume, found openings that matched her goals, and received guidance through the application process.
“They helped me understand exactly what kind of work I was aiming for,” she noted.
A Meaningful Career with Room to Grow
With CEJ’s backing, Carolina secured a role at an energy consulting firm. Her work now involves analyzing energy use, improving efficiency, and helping clients—including PSE&G—adopt innovative, sustainable solutions.
“It’s been rewarding to gain technical skills, challenge myself, and dive deeper into the industry,” she shared. “I’ve always wanted to serve diverse communities, especially Spanish-speaking ones, while growing as a technical professional.”
Beyond her own career, Carolina continues to support others. She volunteers at resume workshops and talks to students and job seekers about the many paths available in the clean energy space.
“There are so many people who feel like they don’t belong in this field because they haven’t earned a four-year degree or are still in community college,” she said. “But there are countless roles—whether you’re interested in trades, certifications, or analytical work like mine. This industry is thriving, and we need more voices to help shape its future.”
Building a Sustainable Future—Together
Carolina’s story highlights what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. Programs like CEJ make it easier for people to enter the energy workforce with purpose and direction.
For anyone considering a career move—whether into technology, skilled trades, or consulting—now is a prime time. The clean energy sector is expanding, and like Carolina, you might discover a meaningful, fulfilling career waiting for you.
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