The Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute is thrilled to welcome one of our newest staff members: Grace Mott, Administrative Manager. As Administrative Manager, Grace Mott supports all of REWI’s operations and manages key administrative and development-related projects and initiatives. She has 6 years of experience working in nonprofit operations and is a certified IT support specialist. She received a B.A. in International Studies and French from the College of Charleston.
Julia Worcester, REWI’s Communications Manager, sat down with Grace to talk about what brought her to REWI and what she looks forward to learning and contributing to the organization.
Julia Worcester: What attracted you to this position at REWI?
Grace Mott: I’ve worked at nonprofits for my whole career, so when I was considering my next move, I asked myself what was most important to me and where I would continue to find fulfillment. I knew my answer was something in wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability, which are very important to me and such an urgent focus in today’s world. I found REWI and couldn’t apply fast enough. The Administrative Manager role seemed like the perfect opportunity to use my strengths and skills to be part of a larger effort that motivates me.
JW: What are you looking forward to learning about in the world of renewable energy and wildlife?
GM: I’m new to the renewable energy world, and I don’t have much of a science background, so I have a ton to learn. I’m in awe of the passionate scientists and other industry experts I’ve already had the opportunity to meet; I can’t wait to continue to be impressed by their work and do what I can to support it. I’m excited to learn more about how renewable energy sources will shape the global decarbonization effort, and the complexities of their implementation – the actual physics as well as the wildlife and ecosystems that are affected. I want to get a better grasp of what getting to net-zero really looks like, and how ecosystems are being harmed in the effort. I’m looking forward to having more informed conversations about wildlife conservation and what’s at risk. I also want to discover new reasons to have hope for the future of our planet and its inhabitants.
JW: What are some of your hopes for REWI’s growth and development over the next few years?
GM: I love to see the staff growing in capacity as our mission expands to solar and beyond. I think I joined at a very exciting time in REWI’s history, and I’m thrilled to take part in all the upcoming plans. As Administrative Manager, I hope to enhance our staff’s efficiency, and see the introduction of new tools and technologies to improve workflows and expand collaboration both internally and externally.
JW: What do you like to do outside work?
GM: Outside of work, I spend most of my free time on an ambulance or rescue squad as a volunteer EMT/firefighter. The station is my happy place (except for when I’m anywhere on or in or near the ocean); it pushes me and keeps me driven. I love the opportunities it gives me to actively practice compassion on a regular basis and create mutual trust with strangers. I get to see the absolute best of humanity, and sometimes worst. I also like to surf and scuba dive, and do anything outdoors, and I have a few casual hobbies including mushroom hunting and playing the saxophone.