Anapaula Abarca

Community Solar Program Manager at Solar One

Anapaula is a first-generation college grad. Born in Peru, she has lived in Glendale, Queens, her entire life.

Her interest in environmental issues developed during her undergraduate years at Hunter College, where she decided to major in Environmental Studies after witnessing the pollution in her native country during a visit home. Determined to make a difference, she switched her major to Environmental Studies. During this time, she also participated in the Young Professionals in Energy (YPE: NYC) mentorship program, which further increased her interest in energy.

Anapaula currently works at Solar One as the community solar program manager, focusing on initiatives that provide equitable access to solar energy for communities disproportionately affected by social and environmental injustices. She is making an impact in low-income communities by raising awareness about community solar and providing technical assistance to help other non-profits develop their own solar projects.

Additionally, Anapaula is pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and is expected to graduate this Spring. In her free time, she enjoys building Lego sets, crocheting, and traveling.