Rachael Aptowitz

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT RACHAEL APTOWITZ

With over ten years of experience in advancing clean energy solutions, I am passionate about driving innovative solutions to the climate crisis. As an alumna of MIT with a SB in Mechanical Engineering, I\'m eager to leverage technology to engineer a more sustainable future. I\'m currently overseeing electric vehicle initiatives, clean energy projects, and advancing sustainability and resilience as a Senior Environmental Specialist at the San Diego International Airport (SAN), the busiest single-runway airport in the US. I’m also a part time student at the City College of New York (CCNY), where I’m pursuing my Masters degree in Sustainability and further deepening my commitment to addressing the challenges of our time. Let\'s connect and collaborate!Previously, as a Senior Program Manager at GRID Alternatives, the nation\'s largest nonprofit clean energy installer, I led the development and implementation of programs to unlock electric vehicle adoption for low-income renters and multifamily affordable housing residents. I leveraged my expertise in EVs, analytical skills, and communication to design, pilot, and scale initiatives that increased access to clean transportation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and created economic opportunities for underserved communities. I managed multiple projects and grants, and worked with stakeholders including utilities, manufacturers, and regulators, to address barriers for EV adoption. I brought a unique perspective to the team, with my background in engineering, and my experience working in different countries.Prior to joining GRID Alternatives, I was a Program Manager at SecondMuse, a global innovation agency that supports entrepreneurs to address complex social and environmental challenges. I accelerated breakthrough climate technologies in partnership with NYSERDA\'s Tech to Market team and served as the PM for the Scale For ClimateTech program, which helps early-stage hardware startups commercialize and manufacture their products. In this role, I provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to over 40 climate tech startups. I also facilitated cross-sector collaborations, stakeholder engagement, and community building to foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem.My career in clean technology began as an engineer at General Motors during the automotive industry’s pivotal shift towards electric vehicles. I worked across the vehicle development timeline, from manufacturing to design, and contributed significantly to the integration process of the Cadillac Lyriq, the brand’s pioneering entry into the EV market.