The Great Plains Institute (GPI) and Hispanics in Energy (HIE) have joined forces in a strategic partnership to expand opportunities for Hispanic Americans in the energy sector. This collaboration combines HIE’s expertise in advocacy for Hispanic inclusion with GPI’s research ability to highlight Hispanic Americans’ contributions to energy and identify ways to unlock their full potential to support progress toward a carbon-free economy.
Why this partnership matters
Hispanic Americans represent about 20 percent of the nation’s energy workforce, impacting critical aspects of the energy sector, including workforce development, infrastructure, and day-to-day operations. However, there is a significant gap in data measurement in assessing their specific contributions, challenges, and opportunities in the field.
“Hispanic communities have shaped the energy industry for generations, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. This partnership is focused on changing that by building the data and insights needed to highlight their role and ensure they have the resources to navigate the industry’s future.”
– Jose L Perez, President & CEO, Hispanics in Energy
Addressing this gap is essential for maximizing the potential of Hispanic American communities and meeting workforce needs in the energy transition. The technology deployment and infrastructure required to achieve midcentury climate goals will demand thousands of additional workers in both new and existing energy roles, from construction to research and development.
Leveraging the potential of underrepresented populations, including Hispanic Americans, is a critical strategy to address the workforce demands of our ambitious midcentury climate goals and a step toward greater equity and inclusion. The scale of this transition requires bold action to ensure the energy sector is equipped with the talent necessary to achieve its full potential.
Collaboration benefits
GPI and HIE can deliver actionable insights by identifying strategies to strengthen workforce development, foster pathways to more equitable opportunities, and equip decision makers with resources to drive meaningful change. By addressing systemic barriers and leveraging data-driven solutions, this collaboration supports Hispanic communities in expanding their role within the energy sector and contributes to broader progress across the industry.
Through this partnership, GPI and HIE are positioned to achieve the following:
- Develop data-driven reports and metrics to better understand Hispanic Americans’ participation, challenges, and contributions in the energy sector.
- Identify barriers affecting underserved communities and recommend actionable solutions.
- Collaborate on initiatives to expand access to energy roles, including workforce development and skills training programs, ensuring equitable opportunities for historically underserved populations.
- Provide insights and resources that empower policy makers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to make informed decisions.
- Create Spanish-language energy education materials to enhance accessibility to important resources and opportunities, better serve Hispanic communities, and broaden outreach efforts.
A shared vision for inclusivity
At the heart of this collaboration lies a commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and empowerment. GPI and HIE share a vision of an energy sector that serves and benefits all communities. Centering this effort on Hispanic Americans acknowledges their significant yet underrepresented presence in the energy space and emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic gaps.
This focus is part of a larger strategy to ensure that all communities can equitably participate in and benefit from the opportunities created by the energy transition.
Get involved
As GPI and HIE work together to advance this partnership, we recognize that meaningful change in the energy sector requires collaboration across diverse topics and expertise. We invite other organizations and stakeholders interested in supporting this effort to work with GPI and HIE to shape a more inclusive and equitable energy future collectively (reach out to GPI’s carbon management team to connect).
Together, we can amplify the impact of this partnership and create opportunities that drive meaningful change in the energy sector.
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