Tanksi M. Clairmont
Tribal Development Director (Managing Director), Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
Tanksi is an enrolled tribal member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate (Dakota) from Sisseton, SD, and Sicangu Lakota Oyate from Rosebud, S.D. She has a B.A. from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. She is deeply rooted in Lakota/Dakota culture through ceremony, language, and social dancing (pow-wow). Tanksi enjoys exercising, sewing and beading traditional regalia, reading, traveling, and best of all being a mother.
Tanksi brings her experience in grant administration, research and evaluation, and advocacy of tribal issues on sovereignty, energy, education, equity, and funding in tribal communities. She has worked extensively in Indian Country to advance and address the unique economic, social and environmental needs while developing, strengthening and enhancing relationships with tribal partners, government relations, funders and industry stakeholders.
Tanksi joined GRID Alternatives in December 2018 as the Managing Director of the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund. She conceptualized and created the tribal-focused grantmaking and leadership programs which have grown in scope and impact over the years. Currently, she provides thought-leadership to the TSAF team and leads fundraising efforts for GRID’s tribal work which includes the TSAF and Tribal Program implementation team.
Christian Weaver
Program Director, Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
Christian serves as the Program Director leading the grantmaking programs for the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund. He has been in the strategic planning, development and organizational development industry for over 20 years and has extensive experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, grant making, and building partnerships. Prior to joining GRID, Christian served as Associate Vice President of Major and Institutional Giving at the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Vice President of Development for the National Congress of American Indians, Director of Organizational Development Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Manager of Major Gifts at the American Indian College Fund.
At his core, Christian is passionate about environmental sustainability, conservation, community development and civil rights. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, a Master’s in Indigenous Law from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Sustainable Leadership from Arizona State University.
Christian is an involved citizen of his tribal community, Shinnecock and is also a board member, art collector, and philanthropist. He enjoys soccer, outdoor adventure and spending time with his family in his free time.
Angelica Wright
Leadership Programs Officer, Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
Angelica is a Citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She serves as the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund’s Leadership Program Officer. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Colorado State University. With a passion for education and sustainability she is working to advance TSAF workforce development initiatives by supporting scholars, interns, and fellows in their education and leadership within tribal renewable energy.
In her role as the Leadership Programs Officer, Angelica helps support tribal energy leaders by overseeing experiential learning, education, and community based programming. She has developed tribal renewable energy specific curriculum focusing on access to project funding, industry related curriculum, project management training and culturally centered professional development.
Prior to coming to TSAF, Angelica worked in college and university settings assisting Native students navigate higher education and professional and career opportunities. Angelica has supported Native college students and youth to access their education and career goals through academic advising, professional skill development, and cultural support.She is dedicated to using these experiences to assist her in helping with the development of tribal energy leaders throughout Indian Country.
John W. Teller
Communications Officer, Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund
John is a Menominee/Oneida from Wisconsin and serves as the Communications Officer for TSAF. John has a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science and a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. John is a United States Marine Corps veteran and is actively involved in the Native American community. John brings a wealth of experience in the media and public relations industry.
Prior to joining GRID Alternatives, John owned and operated his own media company and produced traditional Native powwow music. John has also worked progressively in the education field as well as the Information and Technology markets. John is a former voting member of the Grammy Foundation and is a “40 Under 40” award recipient from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.
John’s communication skills are utilized to help TSAF and all associated partners tell thoughtful and engaging stories in a variety of mediums. John is dedicated to enhancing the value of any project through effective communication strategies which includes: social media, marketing, print and digital media, graphics design, website development, and audio/visual engineering.