ICAST’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program: Meet the VISTA Members
Since 2021, ICAST has been a host site for Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members. Some VISTA members from that first year went on to other organizations, while some stayed with ICAST. Recently, new VISTA members joined the team. Their hard work and dedication help us reduce low-income households’ energy burdens, preserve affordable housing, and fight climate change.
Cas Kraft
Marketing Research and Content Development VISTA
Cas joined ICAST in February 2023. They help ICAST’s Marketing Department streamline and improve its processes to benefit of ICAST’s customers. They also support ICAST’s Solar Programs Department in its efforts to scale clean energy technologies in underserved communities. “ICAST plays an important role in social and environmental justice and in helping to reduce the extent and impact of climate change,” Cas notes. “I’m passionate about having a positive impact in the world, so I’m glad to be a part of this organization.” Cas has been with the AmeriCorps program for two years, and ICAST marks their second service round. They enjoy being a part of the ICAST community and look forward to continuing to work with the team.
Cas received their B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, where they focused on Renewable Energy, and their M.S. in Natural Resources and Energy Policy, both from the Colorado School of Mines.
Destiny Galeano
Policy Research VISTA
Destiny joined ICAST in October 2022. She works in the Business Development Department, researching state and federal legislation related to solar, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, multifamily housing, and more. “One of the things that sets ICAST apart is the internal passion for change and progression. It is inspiring to be surrounded by people who care so deeply about equity, innovation, and sustainability,” she says. “I have loved my experience with AmeriCorps and highly recommend it for anyone that wants to work in the nonprofit world or make a meaningful impact in the community. Joining ICAST, I’ve been able to expand my horizons with a fantastic team. I primarily focus on keeping us up to date on transformative bills across the country. But I also help with grant proposals and support the Marketing team. I am excited every day about what I contribute and all the possibilities for ICAST to continue to aid underserved communities.”
Destiny has experience in the nonprofit sector and is passionate about environmental justice and healthy outcomes. She received her Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy, Law, and Society from Unity College.
Adam Hemauer
Energy Analyst (formerly Technical Services VISTA)
Adam joined ICAST in June 2021 to work as a Technical Services VISTA in the Technical Services Department. In 2022, he came on full-time as an Energy Analyst. He investigates new programs, opportunities, and solutions for ICAST and identifies and analyzes the available and necessary data to determine their viability. He also provides technical and data analysis in various areas, including ICAST’s demand-side management program for Rocky Mountain Power, its U.S. Dept. of Energy-funded program to scale heat pumps in multifamily housing, and its Carbon Credits Project.
“I’m really glad to be able to work in a position where I am both providing aid to underserved communities, and taking part in our collective transition to a more climate-friendly way of life.”
Adam is an experienced community organizer for environmental and sustainability issues and is passionate about environmental justice and affordable transit. He received his Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy from Washington University in St. Louis.
Nicklaus Watson
IT Technician (formerly Internet of Things Contributor VISTA)
Nicklaus Watson began his ICAST career as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer and took on a position as an IT Technician. “Working as the ICAST IT Technician, I have my hands in a number of projects, with varying responsibilities. My primary tasks include setting up new-hire equipment and onboarding new employees during their first week. I am usually one of the first people at ICAST that they speak with. I also have been involved in the monthly utility reporting with the demand-side management managers; I help ensure that all of our data is accurate so that utility companies can get the most up-to-date information on our work here at ICAST. Apart from these tasks, I have been helping implement new software, tools, and processes. My time as a VISTA was very insightful and opened my eyes to everything that ICAST does and has to offer, so transitioning to full-time employment was always my goal. I’m glad that I have been able to help create triple-bottom-line impacts for our customers.”
Nicklaus received his M.S. in Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.