Judges and reviewers

Alexis Cureton has served as an Energy Project Manager at Microsoft, but his expertise and impact are not limited to the tech world. Prior to this, Cureton worked for the Greenlining Institute and the Natural Resources Defense Council — roles through which he advocated for policy outcomes that intersect with clean energy access, positive health impacts, environmental justice, and economic development for African Americans. Cureton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma — the home of Black Wall Street. He spent his formative years between Atlanta and Indianapolis. Alexis holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Clark Atlanta University and a master’s degree in energy and policy analysis from Indiana University, where he conducted research on the social and environmental implications of energy transitions. Cureton is a recipient of the GreenBiz 30 Under 30 award, which recognizes young leaders who are driving positive change in the sustainability field.

Dr. Cynthia Finley is the Vice President of Workforce Strategies and Innovation at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), where she spearheads initiatives aimed at raising awareness and diversifying access to high-quality careers in the clean energy sector. In this role, she leads IREC’s workforce strategy, Green Workforce Connect, which provides critical resources and technical assistance to job seekers, education and training providers, and employers across the country. Dr. Finley also serves as the leader of the National Clean Energy Workforce Alliance, a collaborative platform that brings together a broad range of stakeholders to drive impactful workforce development strategies and share valuable resources in the clean energy industry. With a Ph.D. in education focused on research in underserved communities, social capital, and the barriers to education and training, Dr. Finley is deeply committed to advancing equitable opportunities for all in the workforce.

Dr. Kristine Gilmore is a renowned leader in education, dedicated to student success and community engagement. With over two decades of experience, she made significant contributions during her 19 years as superintendent of the D.C. Everest District, earning national recognition for innovative education and community involvement. Starting as a teacher, Dr. Gilmore joined D.C. Everest in 1997 as Junior High Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, later serving as Principal of Evergreen Elementary and D.C. Everest Middle School. She has also been President of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators and an Adjunct Professor at Edgewood College, mentoring aspiring administrators nationwide, especially women. Recently, she served as Senior Director: Employer of Choice at Greenheck Group. This year, she returned to education as Associate Executive Director of AASA, continuing to support and mentor educational leaders across the nation.

Chelle Travis is the executive director of SkillsUSA, a national organization of nearly 413,000 teachers and students operating within the framework of CTE. 

Prior to this, she served as the senior director of workforce and economic development at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), where she built valuable partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and postsecondary institutions. Travis also served as associate vice chancellor for students for the Tennessee Board of Regents College System. There, she provided leadership in promoting student initiatives across 40 technical and community colleges. Travis holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance, and a master’s degree in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University. She is currently a doctoral student at Tennessee State University.

Darryle Ulama is the Technology and Infrastructure Manager for Clean Air Task Force’s Carbon Capture program, where he focuses on infrastructural constraints and opportunities for broader decarbonization goals in the United States and Europe; develops analytical tools and models to inform carbon capture and storage policy analysis, technology development, and advocacy; and investigates regional and sector-specific industrial decarbonization pathways. Darryle was previously at Bloom Energy, where he led legislative and regulatory strategy as Senior Policy Manager in New York, focusing on electricity market design, electrolytic hydrogen, and industrial decarbonization. Darryle’s prior work also includes providing technical input to the Energy Futures Initiative/AFL-CIO’s analysis of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and serving as a Policy Fellow in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Resiliency. Darryle holds a master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Planning from MIT and an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is based in New York City.