Karina Garbesi, Ph.D.
Outstanding Contributor to Community Engagement Award, 2016-17
East Bay
Department of Anthropology, Geography & Environmental Studies
Dr. Karina Garbesi's accomplishments are in expanding the capacity of sustainable energy systems with a social purpose in the poorest regions and communities of the world, at home and abroad. Most recently, as a founding member of the Board of Directors of the United Nations award winning non-profit, We Care Solar, she has contributed to the installation of solar-power and lighting systems in energy-deficient women’s health clinics, schools, orphanages, and refuge centers in 30 countries. Dr. Garbesi has also developed and implemented educational programs, within and beyond the CSU, to expand the human capacity to assess, install, and maintain such systems and to give low-income students access to careers in the rapidly expanding renewable energy industry.