{"id":7484,"date":"2026-07-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gridalt.wpenginepowered.com\/the-current\/wisam-finds-his-voice-and-future-clean-energy\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T19:56:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T23:56:25","slug":"wisam-finds-his-voice-and-future-clean-energy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/live-grid-wp.pantheonsite.io\/es\/the-current\/wisam-finds-his-voice-and-future-clean-energy\/","title":{"rendered":"Wisam Finds His Voice and a Future in Clean Energy"},"content":{"rendered":"

From arriving in San Diego as a child refugee to helping others enter the solar workforce, Wisam is building a career shaped by resilience, service, and support from his GRID SoCal team.<\/p>\n

When Wisam arrived in the United States as a child refugee from Iraq, his family was searching for safety, stability, and a new beginning. They settled in San Diego in 2012 after spending years waiting for resettlement approval.<\/p>\n

As he adjusted to a new country, he developed an interest in renewable energy. GRID Alternatives\u2019 Installation Basics Training program caught his attention and showed him a clear path into the industry.<\/p>\n

Through IBT, Wisam developed technical skills through classroom instruction and hands-on installation experience. The program gave him a foundation in solar construction and the confidence to pursue a career in clean energy.<\/p>\n

Today, Wisam serves as a SolarCorps Workforce Development Fellow with GRID Alternatives Southern California in San Diego. SolarCorps<\/a> is an 11-month paid fellowship that combines on-the-job experience, mentorship, professional development, and community service. Workforce Development Fellows support technical training, employment readiness, and connections to jobs in the solar industry. <\/p>\n

For Wisam, the fellowship has also become an opportunity for significant personal growth.<\/p>\n

\"Wisam<\/p>\n

In March, Wisam joined SolarCorps Fellows from across the country for a four-day midterm retreat in San Diego. The gathering marked the halfway point of their fellowships and, for many, was their first opportunity to meet their peers in person. Workshops focused on networking, r\u00e9sum\u00e9 writing, LinkedIn, and preparing for the next stage of their careers. <\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLinkedIn is a big deal because it\u2019s basically social media, but for professional life,\u201d<\/strong><\/em>Wisam said. He came away from the retreat with a stronger understanding of how professional connections can lead to future opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The r\u00e9sum\u00e9 sessions also gave him practical advice. Wisam learned to study each job description, identify the qualifications and language an employer emphasizes, and make sure his most relevant experience is easy for a recruiter to find.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the whole reason I\u2019m here, to develop my career better,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> he said. \u201cThese are all professionals here trying to help us out, so how can I not take their advice?\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That willingness to learn has helped Wisam grow beyond the technical skills he first developed through IBT. He describes himself as an introvert and said that six months earlier, he would not have felt comfortable participating in an interview or approaching strangers at a community event.<\/p>\n

At his first workforce outreach event, GRID SoCal Workforce Development Program Manager Elisabetta Baratti handled most of the conversations while Wisam stayed quiet and observed. Senior Outreach Coordinator Clovis Honore later encouraged him to prepare what he wanted to say, understand both his own story and GRID\u2019s programs, and develop a clear pitch.<\/p>\n

The practice made a noticeable difference. Wisam now feels comfortable initiating conversations and inviting people to learn more about GRID\u2019s training opportunities.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNow when we go somewhere, I want to go talking,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> he said. \u201cThey built up my confidence a lot.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"Wisam\"<\/p>\n

Wisam said support from his mentors and the wider San Diego team has helped him take initiative and recognize what he can contribute.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy and grateful for everyone here who\u2019s making it possible for me to open up,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> he said.<\/p>\n

As he considers what comes after SolarCorps, Wisam sees more than one promising path. He would like to continue working with GRID SoCal, where his team has encouraged his development and recognized his contributions. He is also considering training to become an electrician, a direction encouraged by his supervisor and trainer.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a $10,000 grant from the AmeriCorps program after we\u2019re done,\u201d <\/strong><\/em>Wisam said. \u201cI might use that toward tuition for becoming an electrician.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Either option would allow him to continue building a career in clean energy while supporting his family and contributing to his community.<\/p>\n

Behind Wisam\u2019s progress is the person he credits with making his opportunities possible: his mother. He remembers her standing in line for immigration paperwork as the family worked to reach the United States, and later seeking help from nonprofit organizations so her children could receive gifts during difficult holidays.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIf I have to shout out one more person, it would probably be my mom,\u201d<\/strong><\/em> Wisam said. \u201cIf it weren\u2019t for her, I would not be here.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Her determination helped bring Wisam to San Diego. His own determination is now carrying that story forward as he builds confidence, develops a career, and helps others find their place in the clean energy workforce.<\/p>\n

\n

SOLARCORPS INFORMATION <\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From arriving in San Diego as a child refugee to helping others enter the solar workforce, Wisam is building a career shaped by resilience, service, and support from his GRID SoCal team.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":6294,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"audience":[],"content-type":[12],"focus-area":[],"region":[16],"series":[],"content-author":[],"class_list":["post-7484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","content-type-news","region-southern-california"],"acf":{"hero_media_type":"image","hero_media_image":null,"hero_media_url":"","hero_media_poster":null,"hero_video_play":"inline","related_stories":null,"pattern_override":null,"story_callouts":null,"media":null,"featured_blog_post":null,"featured_event":null,"pdf_download":null,"blockquote":null,"author":null,"notice":null,"social_embed":null,"contact_card":null,"meta_details":null,"faq":null,"table":null},"yoast_head":"\nWisam Finds His Voice and a Future in Clean Energy - 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