Welcoming Tanya as our new Collaborating Consultant and Facilitator of Energy (in)Equity trainings!
Portrait of Tanya Paslawski against a plain background with the words “Tanya Paslawski, Common Spark’s Collaborating Consultant’ written on top
Tanya Paslawski (she/her) joins the Common Spark team as our newest Collaborating Consultant from Elevated Engagement! She will also co-lead the Energy (in)Equity trainings, including the upcoming public training on October 24 & 25.
She comes to us as an attorney and energy industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in regulatory policy analysis, development, and advocacy. She is also the co-founder and facilitator for Advancing White Anti-Racist Education (AWARE), which provides training and supported conversations on systemic inequities and tools for change to white affinity groups. Tanya was also the lead author of State Energy Justice Roundtable Series: Participation in Decision Making, a publication of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Read more about Tanya Paslawski.
Our team is extremely excited to work with Tanya and learn more about how she brings her personal connections to her work and encourages others to do the same. She is committed to continuously learning and sharing how anti-racism can be practiced in our personal life and work in the energy industry. We look forward to her leading these conversations through the Energy (in)Equity trainings.
As a Common Spark way to introduce Tanya to our friends and partners, we invite Tanya to a short Q&A below.
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What brought you to Common Spark?
Someone told me about the work Michelle and Common Spark were doing when I first began energy justice work full time. When I looked at the website, and then talked to Michelle, I saw a group centering justice and the need to address systemic inequities head on. That was the work I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. Michelle has been a mentor as I started my company and I was looking for an opportunity to be part of the team. I participated in the inaugural Energy (in)Equity and was impressed by the content and approach. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of and was overjoyed when the chance arose to co-facilitate. It’s a dream come true.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Seeing the growth of policies and tools in the energy industry that create pathways to a more just and humane system of providing energy. There is so much opportunity ahead.
What does a just clean energy future mean to you?
That people and lived experience of those most adversely impacted by legacy policies are at the center of how we make decisions, resulting in greater community-led decision making, ownership and wealth-building opportunities, and increased health and well-being for all.
What song / album instantly puts you in a good mood?
Hmmm, many. These days I am drawn toward stations on my music platforms more than a single song or album. For example, we participate in jazz Sunday each week at my house that is the Miles Davis Radio from Pandora. That always makes me happy. I have also curated a fantastic Radiohead Radio station, also on Pandora, over many years of likes and dislikes. I also recently discovered Acoustic Alternative on Amazon Music that as become my go-to work music.
Snack of choice?
Homemade popcorn made with coconut oil and topped with a mixture of ranch seasoning, truffle salt, and popcorn salt. Yummy.
Common Spark Consulting not only works externally with our clients and partners, but we also strive to work inwardly, recognizing that we must internalize the care, thoughtfulness, and intention we hope to represent as individuals and an organization. The Thought Library is where we share our ideas and thoughts, where we are at right now, on topics and issues that we hope will spark conversation for a brighter, more inclusive energy future.
