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Antoinette West
Equity & Access - Climate Solution Career Pathways - Summer Internship Opportunities
Professional Background
Antoinette West is a dedicated professional currently serving as the Career Pathways Manager for Equity & Access at Elemental Excelerator, a position that places her at the forefront of developing innovative solutions in the climate and clean infrastructure sectors. In her unique role, Antoinette is responsible for identifying and facilitating career pathways, focusing specifically on internships and careers that uplift frontline communities and low-income individuals, particularly communities of color who are often disproportionately affected by climate change. Antoinette's vision is to create equitable opportunities within the climate solutions space, ensuring that those who are usually left out are given the tools they need to succeed in these vital sectors.
Prior to her current position, Antoinette was the Project Director for ACT303, where she led collective impact initiatives aimed at empowering residents and business owners in East Colfax—an area that faces numerous challenges related to displacement and economic insecurity. Her expertise in social impact and community engagement is evident through her efforts in this role, which revolved around providing resources that enable community members to thrive despite systemic obstacles.
Before her tenure with ACT303, Antoinette served as the Manager of K-8 and Virtual Career Exploration within the Office of Career and College Success at Denver Public Schools. Here, she played a pivotal role in fostering student engagement and career readiness, equipping young learners with the skills needed to excel in their future endeavors. Her diverse background includes positions such as Program Coordinator for the Spark Industry Introduction Program at Denver Public Schools and Coordinator of the Careers+ Mentoring Program at Goodwill Industries of Denver, showcasing her deep commitment to education and career development across various age groups.
Antoinette’s passion for empowering communities has also led her to serve in the Peace Corps as an Education Sector Trainee, where she gained invaluable insights into effective community engagement and teaching methodologies. Additionally, she holds a fellowship with the Engaged Social Sciences program at the University of California, Los Angeles, furthering her exploration into effective social strategies that foster positive change.
Education and Achievements
Antoinette West holds a distinguished educational background that complements her extensive career achievements. She graduated from the Presidio Graduate School in 2020, earning both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sustainable Management and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Sustainable Solutions. Notably, she was recognized with the prestigious Eva Auchincloss Award for Academic Excellence, underscoring her commitment to academic rigor and excellence in her field.
Her educational journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Howard University, where she developed a strong foundation in critical thinking and social science. Antoinette furthered her academic credentials with a Certificate in Financial Accounting from Harvard Business School Online, equipping herself with essential financial skills necessary for navigating the complexities of sustainable management.
Antoinette's commitment to expanding her global perspective is highlighted by her study abroad experience at the University of the Western Cape, where she immersed herself in diverse cultural and academic environments that enriched her understanding of global issues.
Achievements
Antoinette possesses a track record of impactful contributions and achievements in her career thus far. As the Career Pathways Manager at Elemental Excelerator, her primary goal is to develop sustainable pathways that lead to meaningful careers in climate and clean infrastructure fields. Through her work, she is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and ensuring that individuals from marginalized communities can access opportunities traditionally reserved for more privileged counterparts.
In her previous role as Project Director for ACT303, Antoinette was instrumental in creating initiatives that directly supported individuals and businesses vulnerable to displacement in East Colfax. Her ability to mobilize resources and unite various stakeholders showcases her skills in leadership and community organization.
Antoinette's work at Denver Public Schools reflects her passion for education and youth empowerment. She has consistently developed programs aimed at nurturing the interests and potential of K-8 students, ensuring they have access to a broad spectrum of career exploration opportunities. Her involvement in mentorship programs at Goodwill Industries further highlights her dedication to guiding youth in their career aspirations.
Overall, Antoinette West's journey is characterized by a remarkable dedication to social impact, equity, and community empowerment. Her combination of academic excellence, diverse work experience, and profound commitment to underserved communities illustrates her as a trailblazer in the realms of sustainable management and social solutions.
