2019 Community Impact Report

Dec 30

Greetings, Allies!

This was a year of connection and newfound purpose. We were pleased to co-host two successful educational seminars with the Columbus chapter of the Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE), illustrating to the public how the power grid is changing, what drivers are shaping this change, and how the shift towards a renewables-based electrical grid will change the way we consume and utilize energy.

STEAM Matters

This educational seminar format drew unexpected popularity among many of our graduate student and young professional members. They relished the opportunity to learn about the industries and expertise among their fellow members, and the casual forum provided a great “dress rehearsal” venue for presenters prior to practice their material prior to a higher-stakes presentation for a conference or at work. This culminated in our “Drunk Powerpoint” series, which proved sensationally popular at our Columbus location.

Serving Rural and Remote Communities

Having started as an online platform to connect several of Mike’s friends cohorts over time, it seemed natural to use this infrastructure to connect to Queer folks living in rural communities that often feel alone and isolated in their social lives. Thus, we continue to explore ways to use our tools and resources to engage Queer folks out there who might be looking for comradery and a community to call “home.”

Sincerely,