Our Mission
ReThink Energy Florida’s Mission is to Educate, Engage, and Empower Floridians to Take Action and Achieve Energy Independence for a Healthier, More Sustainable Environment Through Youth Education, Adult Outreach and Community Organizing.
Who We Are
The ReThink Energy Florida family is comprised of two distinct but connected organizations – ReThink Energy Florida, our 501(c)(3) educational charity founded in 2010, and ReThink Energy Action Fund, our 501(c)(4) social welfare advocacy organization founded in 2016.
After the Deepwater Horizon disaster on April 20, 2010, many Floridians were left feeling hopeless and helpless, and wanting to take action to help ensure that Florida’s environment and economy were protected from the adverse effects of risky fossil fuel development. Founders Kim Ross and Brian Lee, operating as Crude Awakening Tallahassee, organized letter writing parties to engage citizens in demanding that then Governor Charlie Crist call a special session of the Florida legislature to place a referendum for constitutionally banning offshore drilling on the ballot. Although we did not get the legislative results we set out for, we did connect people from all over Florida with their legislators and began building a network of citizens willing to educate and engage on energy and environmental issues.
Our Values
- Empowerment through deliberative democracy
- Evidence-based information
- Solutions-based problem solving
- Education-driven, particularly youth-focused
- Engagement with local, state, national, & world communities
- Grassroots organizing, education, & action
- Earth restoration
- Inclusion and Diversity
- Equity and Environmental Justice
Vision
We envision a world where communities are motivated and empowered to combat the effects of climate change, and where 100% of clean and renewable energy is available and affordable to all. Florida communities will unite in protecting and preserving their environment and lead the nation in developing more sustainable and energy independent communities.
ReThink Energy Florida will:
- Support Floridians in their efforts to affect climate change
- Educate young people about clean energy and motivate them to help in the transition towards global energy independence
- Help create healthy and sustainable communities
- Promote policies making Florida a leader in renewable energy
Program Staff
Kim Ross
Executive Director
Brian Lee
Campaigns Director
Miriam Spada
Associate Director of Development
Cloe Cantin
Associate Director of Campaigns
Emily Ortiz
Associate Director of Education
Kimberly Gerbet
Associate Director of Campaigns
Interns
Executive Assistant: Willmary Anderson
Willmary Anderson is the Executive Assistant at ReThink Energy Florida. She is senior at Florida State University majoring in Finance and Political Science. She is the Treasurer for the Surfrider Foundation at FSU. In her free time, she likes to go to the beach and experiment in the kitchen.
Political Advocacy Coordinator: Brianna Blastick
Brianna is ReThink’s Political Advocacy Coordinator. She is a senior at Florida State University double majoring in Political Science and International Affairs. She also received a certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security as well as a certificate in U.S. Intelligence. She also is a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and serves on FSU’s Relay For Life Executive Board as the Recruitment Chair. In her free time, she volunteers with FSU’s Center for Advancement of Human Rights and enjoys playing with her dogs.
Political Advocacy Coordinator: Cloe Cantin
Cloe Cantin is the Political Advocacy Coordinator Intern for the Tally 100% Together Coalition. She is a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in French. Her passion for conservation was driven by her nine day long backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park. In her free time, Cloe likes to play with her kitten, go on camping trips, and attend music festivals.
Coalition Coordinator: Jackson Oberlink
Communications Coordinator: Lyric White
Lyric White is the Communications Coordinator at Rethink Energy Florida. She is currently a Junior at Florida State University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications. She is involved outside of Rethink with holding positions in other FSU organizations and is passionate about getting involved in political advocacy. In her free time, she is listening to music, watching Netflix and hanging out with family.
Development Coordinator: Harrison Nordheim
Harrison Nordheim is a development coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. He is a senior student at the University of North Florida studying English Literature. His passion for conservation is fueled by outdoor activities he enjoys: reading, hiking, and surfing.
Volunteer Coordinator: Ellie Rill
Ellie Rill is the Volunteer Coordinator for ReThink Energy Florida. She is currently a Junior at Florida State University double majoring in Environment & Society and Economics. She also serves as Social Chair for FSU’s Surfrider Foundation and Philanthropy Chair for FSU’s Surf Club. Her passion lies in science communication and educating others on the importance of conservation. In her free time, Ellie enjoys going to the beach and spending her time outdoors.
Adult Outreach Coordinator: Jordan Hansel
Jordan is the Adult Outreach Coordinator with Rethink Energy Florida. She is currently a senior majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. Her love for science stems from an early age and has grown into a passion for conservation and nature. Jordan is employed with the Walt Disney Company and would love to become a research and sustainability coordinator with them someday. She is also a trained volunteer with a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center called Back To Nature Wildlife Refuge in Lake Nona. In her free time Jordan loves spending time with friends and family, watching her favorite youtube channels and netflix shows, and taking walks outside on nearby nature trails.
Youth Outreach Coordinator: Emily Ortiz
Emily is the Youth Outreach Coordinator. She is a Freshman at Florida State University, studying political science. Her passions include the environment and political advocacy – along with getting the public involved in imminent issues. In her free time, Emily enjoys going sailing with the FSU sailing club and hanging out with her friends.
Social Media Coordinator: Hannah Curry
Hannah Curry is a Social Media Coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. She is currently a Senior at the University of North Florida majoring in Marketing with a minor in Digital Marketing and Analytics. In her free time, Hannah enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Outreach Coordinator: Makena Lang
Makena Lang is the outreach coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. She recently started college at Florida State University and will be graduating in 2024 with a degree in Environment and Society. Some of her hobbies and interests include spending time with friends, being in nature, and painting.
Development Coordinator: Kalysta Strauss
Kalysta is ReThink Energy’s Development Coordinator Kalysta is currently a junior at Florida State University where she studies Psychology with a minor in Statistics. Outside of Rethink, Kalysta works as a caregiver for a woman with special needs. She is also a volunteer with Leon County Adult Literacy and Guardian Ad Litem. Kalysta plans to work in the green energy consulting field.
Webmaster: Maria Morales Ferrebus 
Maria Morales is the Webmaster at Rethink Energy Florida. Maria is originally from Venezuela and moved to the United States five years ago. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Analytics and Information Systems with a minor in Environmental Policy from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Maria is a USF Latino Scholar and a 25 under 25 honoree from the Muma college of business. In 2019, Maria traveled to Washington D.C. as a fellow with Citizens Climate Lobby and participated in an advanced policy camp and international climate conference and Lobby day. In the following fall, she had a fellowship with Our Climate and co-founded the Climate Action Coalition at the University of South Florida. Maria plans to pursue a master’s in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy as she is passionate about climate action and transitioning to a green economy driven by renewable energy. Maria’s hobbies include dancing Flamenco and trying new plant-based recipes.
Graphic Designer: Martha Sizemore
Miami Ambassador: Claribel Garcia
Claribel is a first-generation American who recently graduated from Florida International University with a double BA in Sustainability and the Environment and Public Administration as well as a minor in Environmental Studies. Growing up in Miami, she grew a deep admiration for its unique ecosystems. She plans to advocate for the protection of these ecosystems through policy implementation and youth development. On her free time, she loves spoiling her dog, kayaking, eating vegan food, and visiting her family’s cabin in Asheville, NC
Grassroots Development Coordinator: Hunter Johnson
Hunter is the Grassroots Development Coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. She is a senior at Florida State University studying Religion and International Affairs with a concentration in Geography. She is passionate about environmental justice and conservation. In her free time, Hunter enjoys trying new foods, surfing, playing guitar, and shopping at thrift stores.
Electoral Engagement Coordinator: Hannah Mandatta 
Hannah Mandatta is the Electoral Engagement Coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. This past spring, she graduated from Florida State University, majoring in Political Science and Religion. She aspires to be a public defender and plan on going to law school next fall. Hannah is committed to environmentalist work through an abolitionist lens since environmental justice is a fundamental aspect of dismantling the prison-industrial complex. Outside of ReThink, she is usually studying for the LSAT, admiring her cat, or going for a bike ride.