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
Nikki Knutson
Associate Director of Education
Miriam Spada
Associate Director of Development
Interns
Executive Assistant: Nan Chen
Nan Chen is the executive assistant at ReThink Energy Florida. She is a master student at Florida State University and majoring in Public Administration. In her free time, Nan likes going to the gym, working out, and reading.
Coalition Coordinator: Jackson Oberlink
Jackson Oberlink is the Coalition Coordinator for the Tally 100% Together Coalition. He is a Senior at Florida State University majoring in Environment and Society. Jackson is the Co-President of the Environmental Science program at Florida State and a Co-Founder of the FSU Surfrider Chapter. He is committed to fighting for a fair and equitable energy transfer on a progressive timeline.
Webmaster: Julia Riccio
Julia Riccio is the Webmaster Intern at ReThink Energy Florida. She is currently a Junior at Florida State University studying Information, Communication, Technology. Outside of school and ReThink, she is a leasing agent at an apartment complex near FSU campus called Catalyst. In her free time, Julia likes going to the beach, attending music festivals, and spending time with friends.
Social Media Coordinator: Abigail Aveyita 
Abigail Aveytia is the Social Media and Communications Coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. She is a senior at Florida State University double majoring in Political Science and English Literature. She is also on the executive board for her sorority, Kappa Delta Chi, and FSU’s chapter of Coping Through College. Her passion for service and serving the global community is what drove Abby’s goal for working in the federal government. In her free time, Abby volunteers with CARE and a local soccer team, roller skates, and plays with her dog.
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.
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.
Volunteer Coordinator: Alexys Troyer
Alexys Troyer is the Volunteer Coordinator at ReThink Energy Florida. She is a Junior at Florida State University and double majoring in Political Science and English Literature. She is passionate about serving the community and making the world a better place which is why she has decided to have a future career in Politics. In her free time, she is either reading or hanging out with friends and family.
Floridians Against Fracking Coordinator
Brianna is ReThink’s Floridians Against Fracking 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.
Youth Outreach Coordinator
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.