Personal information and professional background
Info about yourself and how you came to e-mobility
I have dedicated my life to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. For nearly two decades, I have worked on clean energy, alternative transportation fuels, and electricity sector issues in government, for-profit, and non-profit roles.
Before joining CharIN, I was the Director of Global eMobility for the World Resources Institute (WRI), the Principal of Transportation Electrification for the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), an alternative fuels and clean energy consultant with ICF International, and a Clean Cities Coordinator and Renewable Energy Manager for the South Carolina Energy Office.
I am currently a Research Fellow with the World Resources Institute, serve on the Board of Directors for Forth, and serve as an EV advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy.
I was named a 2023 and 2021 Top Woman in Electric Vehicles for Policy & Advocacy by DriveElectric, a 2022 Remarkable Women in Transport by the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI), one of the 2021 Women Driving the EV Revolution by Motion Magazine, and a 2020 Fortnightly Under 40 by Public Utilities Fortnightly Magazine for my work in vehicle-grid integration.
"I have dedicated my life to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector."
Inspiration
What inspired you to work in the e-mobility industry?
I have worked in and around the e-Mobility space for 14 years and love how electric vehicles provide exponential benefits for the environment, the economy, and consumer choice and savings. I can’t imagine working in a more impactful field than e-mobility at this moment in history. I feel lucky to be working alongside so many inspiring and intelligent men and women.
What excites you about your work with CharIN?
CharIN is working on some of the most urgent and pressing challenges facing transportation electrification today. I am excited to be in a position where I can support the industry in a meaningful way. As the first Executive Director of CharIN North America, it is really fun to help define CharIN’s work in this region and help fill critical needs related to EV open standards and interoperability. I also love working with CharIN members which comprise such a diverse mix of automotive manufacturers, charging-station companies, component suppliers, energy providers, and grid operators amongst others.
"I can’t imagine working in a more impactful field than e-mobility at this moment in history."
Motivation
Do you have any advice for young women interested in working within the e-mobility industry in the future?
My advice is to find like-minded women in the e-mobility industry that are in a similar place in their career that can be your own personal ‘board of directors’ and help you navigate the uncertain and constantly changing EV landscape.
For example, I have a monthly breakfast meeting with two amazing EV leaders based in the Washington D.C. area who provide great insights into the EV world as well as navigating work-life balance. I also have EV friends around the globe who I know I can call on any time for support and advice. You can’t underestimate the importance of a strong network and good relationships.
"Find like-minded women in the e-mobility industry that are in a similar place in their career."
Contact Erika