Nicole Duchesne
Legal Counsel
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As Legal Counsel, I provide full-service legal support across all departments of the company. My responsibilities shift depending on what is required on any given day, whether that involves reviewing contracts, advising on land or project development, or collaborating with other teams to address legal matters. The variety of the work keeps things interesting and is one of the aspects I enjoy most about the role.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of my most memorable experiences so far has been working on large-scale renewable energy projects. They are among the most impactful developments I have been involved in, both in terms of their scale and their environmental focus. Being part of initiatives with ambitious sustainability goals has made the experience incredibly rewarding. It is exciting to contribute to work that will have a meaningful, long-term impact.
What led you to a legal career and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
My journey to law was not a traditional one. I began my academic path in commerce, specializing in accounting, and went on to complete my graduate studies in that field. However, during my undergraduate degree I had taken several corporate law courses that sparked my interest and that ultimately led me to law school. I started my legal career working in tax and estates law because of my accounting background, but I found myself looking for ways to expand my horizons beyond these limits. Renewable energy and environmental advocacy has always been an interest of mine and I was excited to break into this field when I joined GSI and switched to renewable energy law. It has been a refreshing transition to pivot to this new career path.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I love a good adventure trip! Soon I will be crossing off a bucket list item with a two-week trek in Botswana where I will be camping in the wild among the animals in their natural habitat, and I could not be more excited. I do not think many people know where I am heading, so this might be an interesting fact.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I horseback ride regularly, and my two-year-old dog keeps me busy with daily walks. My husband and I also enjoy playing tennis, and our home backs onto a wooded area where we often go hiking as a trio. Being in nature and staying active are an important part of my routine outside of the office.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
Visiting Antarctica is very high on my bucket list. I have always wanted to experience its wildlife and unique landscapes and am especially excited about the possibility of seeing penguins in the wild. I am passionate about animals and hope to continue checking off travel experiences like gorilla trekking in Rwanda or a horse safari in Mongolia. This upcoming trip to Botswana is hopefully just the beginning!
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Mamma Mia!
- TV Show: Friends
- Musician/Band: Ed Sheeran
- Restaurant (City): L’Oree Du Bois (Chelsea, QC, just outside Ottawa)
- Food: Chocolate anything
- City: Cusco, Peru
Together, GSI and Ocean Man First Nation are excited to announce the rebranding of the Iyuhána Solar project to Turning Sun Solar. This change reflects a renewed commitment to the partnership following the election of Chief Ernest Standingready and the new Council of Ocean Man First Nation in June 2025.
This 100 MW utility-scale solar project in southeast Saskatchewan, among Canada’s top 10 by size, will power the equivalent of approximately 25,000 homes under a 25-year PPA with SaskPower.
With this rebranding, GSI has updated the project specific social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram to reflect the Turning Sun Solar name. We have also launched the updated project website at www.turningsunsolar.ca.
With continued progress towards the commencement of construction in Q4 2025, Turning Sun Solar reflects our shared commitment to sustainable energy, responsible stewardship of the land and driving economic and social prosperity in communities across Canada.
As the North American renewable energy subsidiary of Libra Group, GSI, alongside Ocean Man First Nation, is proud to advance Saskatchewan’s clean energy goals.
For more information on GSI, visit: www.greenwoodinfra.com.
For more information on this groundbreaking project, visit www.turningsunsolar.ca
New York, NY – Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), the North American renewable energy subsidiary of Libra Group, announced the closing of a development credit facility with NYCEEC. The facility, with a total capacity of up to $10 million USD, will support development costs for solar projects across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
The credit facility marks a significant expansion from GSI’s prior financing arrangements and provides flexible financing for a broader range of development expenses, while supporting projects in multiple states.
Current projects financed under the facility are located in New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, with potential expansion into additional US markets pending further diligence. The closing process is structured in two parts, allowing for the inclusion of additional markets and projects in the near future, further strengthening GSI’s regional footprint.
“Our partnership with NYCEEC on this credit facility provides the financial flexibility needed to scale solar development across priority U.S. markets,” said Mazen Turk, CEO of Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure. “It reinforces both organizations’ commitment to advancing sustainable energy while ensuring that impactful renewable projects move from concept to reality.”
“GSI’s ability to attract innovative capital partners, such as NYCEEC, is a testament to the quality of our pipeline as well as our team’s execution capabilities.” said Ahmar Zaman, CFO of Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure. “We look forward to the success of this new stage of our long-standing relationship with NYCEEC.”
This transaction represents NYCEEC’s first foray into solar development financing, building on its extensive experience in other clean energy projects. “NYCEEC is excited to support GSI’s innovative solar initiatives, marking a significant step in our mission to deliver financing solutions and advance markets for energy efficiency and clean energy in communities.” said Curtis Probst, CEO, NYCEEC
The partnership between GSI and NYCEEC highlights a shared commitment to expanding access to clean energy and fostering sustainable development across the United States. As GSI continues to grow its portfolio, this credit facility positions the company to deliver high-impact solar projects that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
For more information about Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure and its renewable energy initiatives, visit www.greenwoodinfra.com.
About Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI)
GSI, a subsidiary of Libra Group, is a renewable energy company focused on developing, constructing, and operating utility-scale solar and battery storage projects across North America. With a portfolio of approximately 388 MW of renewable energy projects and a pipeline of 2.3 GW, GSI is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
About NYCEEC
NYCEEC is a nonprofit green bank sourcing funds from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to support community clean energy projects through debt financing. Launched in 2010 by the New York City Mayor’s Office, NYCEEC has since expanded its geographical reach throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. To learn more about NYCEEC’s team and its Board of Directors, visit their website at www.nyceec.com.
Conner Polkky
Engineering Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
Coming into this internship, I wanted to understand how a professional office environment works, especially across different departments. I wasn’t as focused on the industry itself at first, but I was excited to put myself out there and see how the corporate world functions. Since starting at GSI, I’ve learned a lot about solar energy, from production and manufacturing to the financial aspects of solar photovoltaic power plants. On a personal level, this experience, being in a whole new country, has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me more adaptable, and helped me become more confident when talking to new people.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how this internship fits with my future. I’ve always enjoyed electrical engineering because there’s so much I don’t know, and I love learning more. Renewable energy is a great field to be in because it’s always evolving and will always be relevant. I also have a strong interest in the space industry, and I’ve been thinking about how solar energy could play a role in space, like powering spacecraft or satellites. The idea of combining solar and space is super exciting to me.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I was actually born on a farm. Not in a barn, but just a couple hundred feet away in a farmhouse. A family friend who worked as a traveling nurse helped with the delivery, which makes for a pretty unique birth story.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
- Tv Show: The Office (US)
- Book: “Eat Like a Fish” by Bren Smith
- Musician/Band: Arctic Monkeys
- Restaurant (City): Sky Sushi in Houghton, MI
- Food: Chicken Alfredo
- Sports Team: Green Bay Packers
- City: Tokyo, Japan
Emily Theodosopoulos
Strategic Capital and Asset Management Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
I came into this internship hoping to better understand how businesses work, since that wasn’t something I’d been exposed to before. So far, I’ve learned a a great deal. I’ve been able to sit in on meetings and get an inside look at how the company operates across different departments. It’s been really cool to see how teams like asset management, strategic finance, and development all work together. I especially enjoyed learning about asset management; it’s something I’d love to keep exploring.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
I’ve always known that I wanted to go into a career related to finance, so this internship has been the perfect opportunity for me. I’ve been working closely with the strategic finance and asset management teams and gaining hands-on experience every day. Since I’m the only intern on the team, I’ve had a chance to really immerse myself in the work. I’ve learned way more than I expected and I’m confident this is setting me up for success in whatever I do next, ideally something similar to what I’m doing now.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I have an Australian Labradoodle named Charlie who we got during COVID. He’s five years old now and absolutely adorable. Definitely one of the best parts of my life.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: The Parent Trap
- TV Show: Gilmore Girls (I’ve seen it at least 20 times!)
- Book: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
- Musician/Band: Taylor Swift
- Restaurant (City): Momoya in New York City (Chelsea)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: New York Yankees
- City: New York City (I live and go to school here, so I’m a little biased)
Jared VandenBerg
Corporate Affairs Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
In my internship with GSI, my main goal is to determine what I want to do as a career. As a university student, I am still quite unfamiliar with how ‘real world’ jobs function and their roles and responsibilities. So far in my position, I’ve learned a lot about how the corporate world works and the place I may have in it. I have also developed a lot of simple skills I may use in the future, everything from advanced photoshop techniques to printing address labels.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
As an economics student, it may not be immediately clear how my position relates to my career goals. However, I believe there are many ways in which it aligns. First, I have always had an interest in studying environmental economics specifically, so having experience working in this sector is extremely important. I’m also very interested in graphic design, and based on my work here, I feel that I would really enjoy a marketing role in the future.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One thing I think is interesting is that my very first memory was of a Paul McCartney concert. Specifically, I can remember singing the outro section of Hey Jude on the plains of Abraham in 2008. It took me until recently to learn that that memory was from a few weeks before I turned 3 years old.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
- Tv Show: Malcolm in the Middle
- Book: Freakonomics Steven D. Levitt
- Musician/Band: The Beatles
- Restaurant (City): Giordano’s Pizza (Chicago)
- Food: Shawarma
- Sports Team: The Green Bay Packers
- City: Vienna, Austria
Tala Anouti
Development Intern
What are you hoping to learn from an internship with GSI, and what have you learned so far?
Because my major is in electrical engineering and I have a minor in sustainability, this internship has been a whole new experience for me, and one that aligns well with both fields of study. I’ve learned a lot about renewable energy, from how bill statuses work to how laws vary by location. I didn’t know much about this field going in, so I’ve had to look up and research a lot along the way, and I’ve found myself genuinely excited to keep learning. There are always new updates, new legislation, and something fresh to dive into each day. I’m open to learning everything I can. I would also like to explore different divisions within GSI to better understand how projects are built from the ground up, starting with early-stage research and policy analysis and continuing through implementation and impact assessment, because that full project lifecycle ties directly into both my sustainability background and my engineering mindset.
How does this internship align with your future career goals?
This internship directly supports my goal of building a career in clean energy, particularly in areas like storage and hybrid project development. It helped me see how all the pieces of the energy ecosystem, policy, markets, utilities, and technology interconnect to move projects from concept to reality. Understanding this big picture is essential to the kind of work I want to pursue. Being named to the Dean’s List seven times reflects my commitment to learning and excellence, and I’m excited to apply that same drive to the evolving world of clean energy, where there’s always something new to explore. I can honestly see myself staying in this field long-term as I am happy here.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I love playing chess. Not competitively, just for fun. I got into it during the pandemic, and now I use it as a way to unwind or challenge myself during breaks. I spend a lot of time on Chess.com doing puzzles and quick 5-minute games.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Now You See Me (the first one is the best!)
- TV Show: Bob’s Burgers
- Book: “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King
- Musician/Band: Kendrick Lamar
- Restaurant (City): Maggiano’s in Richmond, VA
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: FC Barcelona (been a fan since I was five!)
- City: Tokyo, Japan
Annika Shiffer-Delegard
Project Development Associate
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As a Project Development Associate at GSI, I support the advancement of our New York and Pennsylvania portfolios. My work mainly involves managing permitting, interconnection, and environmental processes to help get projects shovel ready. No two days look the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role; the constant variety keeps the work dynamic and engaging!
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of my most memorable experiences was when my colleague Drew and I traveled to the Finger Lakes to finalize project documentation for the Martin and Horning sites. It turned into a whirlwind day of driving between different landowners’ homes, many of whom couldn’t travel themselves, to collect notarized signatures and additional approvals. It felt surreal, almost like a movie, and despite the stress, it was very rewarding to meet with our landowners and play a hands-on role in such an important milestone. We were driving documents back through the night around the holidays – it felt like we were on a rescue mission for solar projects!
What led you to a career in project development and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I’ve always known I wanted to work in sustainability as that’s what I studied in college, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that path would look like. My first role out of school was at another development company working on interconnection. From there, I gradually got more involved in permitting, environmental diligence, and project sale prep, and I quickly realized how much I loved the development process. It’s a field that blends technical knowledge with communication and problem-solving, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to work in an industry that actively contributes to building a more sustainable future.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
In addition to taking environmental studies, I was also an English major in college. I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing, and I even did a lot of creative writing during university. While I don’t use those skills directly every day, I find that they’re still very applicable, especially when it comes to communication and storytelling in project work.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Living in New York City, I love taking advantage of all the arts and culture the city has to offer. I try to attend theatrical performances and concerts a few times each month. I’m especially drawn to indie music and smaller shows; there’s always something new to explore, and it’s one of the ways I recharge outside of work.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I’ve been wanting to travel to Japan for quite some time, and I’m actually planning a trip for next year. It’s been at the top of my list, and I’m really excited about the opportunity to explore the culture, food, and natural beauty of the country.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Rear Window
- TV Show: Parks and Recreation
- Book: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- Musician/Band: Lana Del Rey
- Restaurant (City): Dishoom (London, UK)
- Food: Waffles
- Sports Team: New York Liberty
- City: Paris, France
Kim McLoughlin
Paralegal
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As a Paralegal at GSI, I support the legal team across a range of activities, ensuring that everything runs smoothly in whatever way I can. My role serves as a key communication bridge between internal teams and external partners. Every day presents something new and I really enjoy the variety and problem-solving aspects that come with supporting a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of the most memorable aspects of working at GSI is the company’s culture of mutual respect and thoughtfulness. What stands out to me is how seamlessly all departments interact and contribute toward shared goals. A specific highlight has been witnessing GSI’s commitment to forming meaningful partnerships with various landowners for projects. Being part of efforts to preserve land while advancing renewable energy initiatives has been incredibly rewarding and speaks to the values that first drew me to this sector.
What led you to a career as a paralegal and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
My journey to becoming a paralegal wasn’t direct. From early on, I knew I wanted to work in the legal field in some capacity while at the same time helping to preserve our natural environment. In fact, I designed my own major because there were no formal programs available to me at the time. After earning my degree, and my paralegal certificate, I worked in various paralegal roles tied to mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and as an in house corporate paralegal. That combination of legal structure and my sustainability focus eventually led me to GSI. What’s most rewarding now is being able to contribute to a company that’s actively shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future, something I’ve been passionate about for years.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One fun fact that surprises people: I’m a proud mom of three! Balancing work and family keeps life dynamic and fulfilling.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love being outdoors whenever possible. Whether it’s a beach day or a long hike, I try to get outside with my family regularly. It’s a way for us to unplug and really be present together; no screens, just fresh air and connection. Nature has always been important to me, and it’s also how I find balance after a busy week.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
One dream I have is to take a fully off-grid trip, ideally somewhere remote like the Alaskan wilderness or a national park. There’s something incredibly freeing about disconnecting from technology and immersing yourself in nature. It’s an experience I’d love to share with my family and one I think we’d all remember forever.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Star Wars (Past & Present)
- Book: I’ll be Gone in the Dark by: Michelle McNamara
- Musician/Band: John Williams
- Food: Beets, Beet Soup – Any temperature!
Ahmar Zaman
Chief Financial Officer
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As CFO of GSI, I oversee several core functions related to the company’s financial health and overall operations. This includes leading our finance, accounting, and strategic capital teams, as well as supporting HR initiatives. My role involves ensuring that our financial records are accurate, that we have the funding needed to support our strategic goals, and that we’re able to clearly report on our financial performance. I also work closely with our partners at Libra and with our Executive Team to support budgeting, planning, and broader company objectives throughout the year.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
The most memorable moment I’ve had at GSI was the executive offsite retreat at Blue Mountain this past January. It was a valuable opportunity for the management and executive teams to come together, align on our goals for the year, and have thoughtful conversations around the company’s direction and areas for improvement. It was also a great chance to connect with colleagues in a more personal setting.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and had a strong interest in business, which naturally led me to a career in finance. What drew me in even more was the forward-looking nature of the field—while accounting tends to focus on the past and ensuring accuracy in historical data, finance is all about forecasting and planning for the future. I find it incredibly rewarding to think strategically about where a business is headed and what’s needed to get there.
I began my career in banking and spent about a decade on Wall Street. I entered the renewable energy sector in 2006, just as the industry was beginning to gain momentum in North America. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the industry—visiting the factories of many publicly listed module manufacturers, working with developers across the U.S. and internationally, and helping raise capital for solar projects in different parts of the world.
It’s been a fulfilling journey, and after nearly 20 years, I still find the work exciting. Being part of a sector that’s making a tangible impact on the future is incredibly rewarding.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One interesting fact that many of my colleagues might not know is that I grew up in Nigeria. I was born in Pakistan, and arrived there in 1978 and spent the next 10 years of my life immersed in the culture before moving to the U.S. in 1988. It was a formative experience that shaped much of who I am today.
When I first arrived in the States at age 16, I had a strong Nigerian accent and could speak the local language, Hausa—which is commonly spoken in the northern region where I lived. Nigeria is incredibly diverse, with 95 different languages representing 95 distinct tribes across the country. While I’ve since lost most of the language, the experience of growing up in such a vibrant and multicultural environment left a lasting impression on me.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family. I have two sons—one is 13 and the other is 18—so they definitely keep us busy. My older son is preparing to head off to college this fall, and my younger one is about to start high school, which makes this an exciting time for our family.
We enjoy spending time together playing basketball, going for walks around the city, and catching a good film. My older son is really into art cinema, so we’ll often go see screenings—especially films by Wong Kar-Wai, a renowned Hong Kong director whose work from the ’80s and ’90s we both admire.
Beyond that, I love to travel, try new restaurants, and cook at home . Exploring new places and cuisines is something we really enjoy together.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
One thing I’d really like to cross off my bucket list is getting my racing license. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a while. In the US, if you want to participate in club-level racing events or take certain cars out on a track, you need to be certified. I’d love the opportunity to take something like a Porsche Cayman or a 911 Carrera out on a proper track and really open it up.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Top Gun (1986)
- Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- Musician/Band: Guns N’ Roses
- Restaurant (City): Locanda Verde (New York City)
- Food: Cajun food, Pakistani cuisine, and Hakka (Chinese/Indian)
- Sports Team: New York Knicks
- City: Hong Kong
Neel Mathur
Investment Analyst
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I support the development and adjustment of financial models across all GSI portfolios in both Canada and the U.S. I also help prepare materials for approaching lenders or prospective project buyers. At its core, my focus is on the numbers—ensuring we have a clear understanding of the potential financial returns and expected outcomes that drive key business decisions.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
During my time at GSI, the most memorable moment was the visit from Libra’s Executive Chairman, George Logothetis. Hearing him articulate Libra’s vision for GSI and how our work fits into the broader strategy was both informative and inspiring. It reinforced the impact of what we do and provided a meaningful perspective on the company’s long-term goals.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I was drawn to a career in finance largely because of my early exposure to the field. My father was an investment banker, and growing up, I was fascinated by the way he viewed the world through the lens of finance. He would explain how market events influenced investment opportunities, which sparked my interest in understanding financial systems. I also enjoyed working with numbers and data, which naturally led me to financial modeling. Over time, I found that finance is not just about numbers—it’s about translating financial insights into stories, which deepened my appreciation for the field.
As for the renewable energy sector, my interest developed through hands-on experience in clean tech and renewable energy during past internships. What I find most rewarding is the rapid innovation in the space—new technologies, evolving regulations, and emerging opportunities constantly reshape the industry. The dynamic nature of renewables means there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a breakthrough in solar efficiency or a shift in policy that drives investment. Knowing that my work contributes to a more sustainable future makes it even more fulfilling.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
One interesting fact about me is that I used to cater food for family and friends’ events. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and while these days it mostly translates into meal prepping, I still love making Thai dishes like fried rice and curries. I also have a passion for French cuisine and enjoy preparing traditional stews, steak, and even duck—though that’s usually just for myself.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I stay busy with a variety of hobbies. I play the drums and have been involved in a music club at the University of Waterloo. I also produce music, spending time recording, mixing, and mastering tracks for friends, with a focus on funk, jazz, rock, and pop. Beyond music, I enjoy rock climbing and traveling—I’ve been to every continent except Australia. Exploring new places and staying active are things I’m really passionate about.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
Skydiving is definitely at the top of my list. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time but haven’t gotten around to doing yet. I’ve heard that once you’re in the air, it’s surprisingly peaceful, so I’d love to experience that firsthand.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Pulp Fiction
- Book: Lord of the Rings
- Musician: Stevie Wonder
- Restaurant (City): Dusit (Edinburgh)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: Toronto Raptors
- City: Tokyo, Japan
Drew Rogerson
Senior Project Developer
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I am the Senior Project Developer in New York, leading our NY solar development efforts. We have quite an extensive pipeline and I deal mainly with moving projects forward to NTP, through working with landowners, liaising with local governments to acquire permits, and everything in between.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
My most memorable moment has been visiting our under-construction Martin & Horning sites in Penn Yan, NY. I was able to meet the landowners who are great people to work with and it was awesome to see how much progress our engineering & construction teams have made so quickly.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I’ve aways been passionate about the environment and conservation of nature since I was a kid. It started by me spending time around and being interested in the ocean. It always frustrated me when I’d see trash at the beach, which drove me to want to make an impact and developed my interest in finding a career in the environmental space. Before I began working, I studied Energy Business and Finance at Penn State. After school, I dove right into the energy industry, doing solar engineering and consulting, as well as solar + wind project development before joining the GSI team in 2024.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I’ve been a competitive water polo player for most of my life. I played since I was 12 years old, won a state championship in high school and continued for all 4 years at Penn State, which I was the team captain for 2.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I really enjoy doing CrossFit, and I’m also a big surfer and snowboarder. It can be tough to surf in the city, but when the waves are good, I’ll pack up my surfboard and wetsuit and get on the train to the beaches in Queens or Long Beach. I also usually try to do a couple of snowboard trips per year. This year I plan on going to Jackson Hole and Utah. On the days I’m just sticking around the city, I love spending time with my dog, Koda.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I’d Love to learn how to properly sail a boat. I took sailing lessons as a kid, but I think it would be amazing to take a sailing trip in the future.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Book: Dune by Frank Herbert
- Musician: Led Zeppelin
- Restaurant (City): The Four Horsemen (Brooklyn)
- Food: Philly Cheesesteak
- Sports Team:NY Giants
- City: Ericeira, Portugal
Kyra Windrim
Project Coordinator
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I support the development team’s Western Canadian initiatives, with specific emphasis on Saskatchewan. A large portion of my role is currently focused on our 100 MW Iyuhána Solar Project located in the RM of Estevan, Saskatchewan. My role involves regulatory permitting, community and stakeholder engagement and all things project management.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
My most memorable moment with GSI were in my first few weeks of joining GSI. Members of GSI’s Iyuhána team made the journey to Estevan for a productive and enjoyable business trip, including the first Community Open House for the Project, touring the future project site with the RM of Estevan Reeve and attending Ocean Man First Nation’s 2024 Pow wow. It was great to get to know my colleagues outside of the typical work environment.
What led you to a career in Project development and coordination, and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
Right from high school I knew I wanted to pursue a career that made a difference, and I also had a passion for the environmental field, which led me to complete my degree in Environmental Sciences. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan and doing some travelling, I started my career as a Project Coordinator in environmental consulting, and I quickly learned that I enjoyed the project management side. Though I was interested in the renewables industry, there were very few opportunities in Saskatchewan in this field. When the opportunity came to join GSI, I focused on catching my renewable industry knowledge up to speed and with the help of the incredible team at GSI. Although there is plenty to learn yet, I feel like I’ve made great strides in my renewable energy knowledge since joining the team.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I visited 8 countries and 3 continents in 2024:
- Thailand
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Japan
- Italy
- Portugal
- Ireland
- United States
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I spend a lot of time being active – I am a personal trainer on the side, so whether it’s myself or my clients, indoors or outdoors, I spend a lot of time in the wellness industry. I also travelling, adventuring, spending time in the mountains and hiking. Lastly, I love spending time with my little puppy, Poppy!
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I would love to see the 7 wonders of the world. I’ve been to the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, but it’s my goal to see the remainder:
- Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
- Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
- Machu Picchu (Cuzco Region, Peru)
- Petra (Ma’an, Jordan)
- Chichén Itzá (Yucatán, Mexico)
- Great Wall of China (China)
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Interstellar
- Musician: Taylor Swift
- Restaurant (City): Osteria da Fortuna (Rome)
- Food: Pizza
- Sports Team: Edmonton Oilers
- City: Amalfi, Italy