Cherie Brooks
Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award Selection Committee Member
Cherie Brooks, native Baltimorean, is the Visionary Co-Founder, President & CEO of Power52 Foundation (Power52, Inc) a 501c3 non-profit. As CEO, Cherie is dedicated to advancing clean energy access and economic empowerment to historically marginalized communities by way of resiliency hubs, clean energy resources, education, training, and sustainable jobs. Cherie serves on the frontlines of the intersection of environmental and economic justice.
Ms. Brooks’ flagship accomplishments have been the development and oversight of Power52 Energy Institute, the first Clean Energy focused Private Career School in the State of Maryland. Power52 Foundation is one of two non-profits ever granted approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to own and operate a private career school in the State’s history. Cherie also managed the development to convert Living Classrooms’ community center, POWER House, into a Resiliency Hub, serving a public housing community in East Baltimore, whose residents are commonly at the highest risk during emergencies. The POWER House is the first solar powered, community-based resiliency hub in the nation.
Before launching into the 501(c)(3) world, Cherie worked as a Site Acquisition Manager in the wireless industry leading a team of consultants, contractors, and legal counsel through the build process. This included managing subcontractors, site acquisition specialists on all project phases (leasing, zoning, compliance, A&E, and Regulatory) on AT&T’s LTE Project as well as Verizon’s New Site/Raw Land Builds. Ms. Brooks developed over 200+ telecom sites, oversaw each site through leasing to construction milestones.
Cherie’s strengths lie in her creativity, drive, and leadership, and she thrives on challenges that expand the organization’s reach. Rooted in her passions for philanthropy and ministry, she envisions Power52 Foundation becoming the primary pathway to careers in solar and renewable energy, addressing under-employment and climate justice on a national scale, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities.
Ms. Brooks, a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10KSB Executive Program, attended Bowie State University for undergrad and has obtained her Master Trainer credentials from the National Center for Construction and Research (NCCER) as well. Actively involved in community organizations, she is a member of Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc. and an active member of Jack & Jill of America, Columbia, MD Chapter where she has held various chair positions during her ten-year tenure. Cherie also contributes her expertise to various committees, including the Vote Solar Access & Equity Advisory Committee, Howard County Chamber Small Business Committee, Maryland Non-Profits Accelerator Program Advisory Committee, and the DLLR Correctional Education Council, Successful Employment for Returning Citizens Subcommittee.
Cherie’s commitment to positive change has garnered recognition, including the 2023 Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award. Notably, she graced the cover of Baltimore Magazine’s October 2023 special Game Changers edition, recognized as a Game Changer Award Winner for her impactful contributions to social justice in Baltimore. Outside of her professional endeavors, Cherie resides in Maryland with her three children and an adorable dog named Snickerdoodle Hudson Wallace.