Tirzah Thomas

Tirzah Thomas (she/her) serves MHET as a Business Development Associate. Her background in philanthropy equips her to effectively identify potential funders and communicate MHET’s goals and strategies to a wide variety of stakeholders. She’s looking forward to connecting with local communities and assisting MHET in achieving their fundraising goals.

Tirzah recently graduated from Bard College with a B.A. in Sociology and Africana studies where she served as a student leader on campus. Outside of work, Tirzah enjoys reading and visiting museums.

Eblijah Arroyo

Eblijah Arroyo (pronounced Elijah with a B) is a seasoned professional who brings over 20 years of expertise in finance, operations, human resources, IT, and people support to MHET. Originally from New York City, Eblijah fell in love with the Hudson Valley and chose to make it his home. His diverse career spans industries including home healthcare, children’s occupational, speech pathology, and physical therapy, government contracting, and children’s education websites, providing him with a well-rounded perspective and a wealth of experience.

Known as “Bly” to family and friends, Eblijah is also has been a dedicated youth football coach and served as vice president for a youth track club. His commitment to community, loyalty, and passion for personal growth align perfectly with MHET’s mission. Outside of work, Bly enjoys spending time with loved ones, immersing himself in all things football and sports, exploring the outdoors, and is always eager to lend a hand with any hands-on projects.

Anna Scott

Anna Scott (they/them) serves as the Energy Justice Content Creator. They come to MHET with a background in documentary filmmaking, bringing a perspective of dynamic community-based organizing and multimedia engagement. After graduating with a BA in Politics and Studio Art from Oberlin College, Anna has spent the last few years creating independent social justice films, teaching multimedia art, and staying committed to serving the communities in which they reside. Anna’s dedication to MHET’s mission combines environmental concerns, personal politics, and art to bridge gaps of understanding throughout diverse communities. Outside of work, Anna enjoys running, biking, and cooking elaborate meals with friends.

Bhavya Bajpai

Bhavya Bajpai (she/her) serves MHET as a Thermal Energy Networks Associate. She is passionate about ensuring reliable and sustainable energy access for all, with a focus on transitioning to a balanced and diverse energy mix. Bhavya brings a strong technical background from her work on thermal energy networks, district geothermal policies, and sustainable technologies. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Earth and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Sustainable Energy at Columbia University. Her work on various projects highlights her dedication to sustainable, equitable, community-driven energy solutions.
Outside of her studies and work, Bhavya enjoys exploring bookstores and savoring a good cup of latte.

Miguel Johnson

Miguel Johnson (he/him) serves as the Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) Coordinator, where he helps low to middle income homeowners navigate climate resiliency upgrades. He graduated from the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership and seeks to use his background in Political Science, Creative Writing, and Journalism to advance equity in the clean energy movement. During his time as a student, he highlighted how local communities are often kept in the dark,
using the example of a multi-million-dollar Anaerobic Digester Facility being built in Hunts Point, Bronx, which proceeded without residents understanding its purpose, potential negative impact, or benefits. Miguel also serves as the President of the Moynihan Center’s Public Service Fellowship Alumni Board and is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate drones (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, sUAS.)

Kyra Shassberger

Kyra Shassberger (she/her) serves as the Director of Communications and Development at MHET, where she combines her extensive background in marketing, communications, and sustainability to advocate for environmental justice and clean energy solutions. With a passion for sustainability and social impact, she is dedicated to effectively communicating complex sustainability goals and initiatives in ways that inspire action and resonate with a diverse range of stakeholders, from local communities to business leaders. Kyra is driven by her belief in the power of advocacy to create meaningful change. She actively works to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the clean energy movement, ensuring that equity and accessibility are central to MHET’s initiatives. Her expertise allows her to bridge the gap between sustainability efforts and public support, empowering local communities to engage with and benefit from the organization’s transformative work. Outside of work, Kyra enjoys crafting, thrifting, and repairing watches.

Imani-Amie Murphy

Imani-Amie Murphy (she/her) serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, bringing to the role her creative and energetic personality and a love for the people she serves.

Imani-Amie is a junior at Bard College, working towards inclusivity and belonging for Black students as the Black Student Organization Club Head. Outside of work, Imani-Amie enjoys all creative hobbies such as singing, digital art, and graphic design, and is an active member of her church, Beulah Baptist Church in the Falls.

Emily Mauro

Emily Mauro comes to MHET with a B.S. in Community Health Education and a background of 10 years in energy and sustainability efforts. She is most interested in work that explores and addresses the relationship between systemic discrimination and health disparities within disinvested communities. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Public Administration at the City University of New York (CUNY) to deepen her understanding of the policy landscape in the US. Prior to MHET, she was building healthy, energy efficient strawbale homes for low-income individuals on a Community Land Trust. Emily has experience installing solar panels on residential homes, creating and implementing sustainability coursebooks and programs, and has experience writing grant proposals for small-scale renewable energy projects. In her free time, you can find Emily in her garden, enjoying live music, or camping in the mountains.

Emiliano Malizia

Emiliano Malizia (He/him) serves as MHET’s Outreach Manager. With a background in law from the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina, he brings perspective to our mission fueled by a commitment to sustainable development and social justice. Before joining us, Emiliano made contributions to Fundavita, a non-profit organization focused on supporting children with cancer, demonstrating a deep- rooted passion for community service and advocacy. He is also certified as a mediator from the Institution Redes Alternativas in Mendoza, highlighting his dedication to fostering understanding and resolution through dialogue.

He is deeply committed to bridging the gap between our initiatives and the Latino communities we aim to serve by ensuring our programs are accessible and relevant to Latino communities, encouraging greater inclusion and participation in our sustainability efforts. Outside of work Emiliano enjoys skydiving, snowboarding and hiking.

Connor Cantrell

Connor Cantrell (he/him) joined Mid-Hudson Energy Transition in August 2023 as CCA Program Manager. He comes to MHET with six years of experience in New York CCA operations and national energy markets, with a B.A. in Economics from Hamilton College. Connor is interested in rethinking and restructuring energy systems that fail to prioritize the well-being of those they affect.

He is a deep, imaginative thinker with an eye for detail and empathy who plans to leverage these traits to deliver voice, ownership, and support to the communities MHET serves. In his free time he practices banjo, judo, and chess.