Kristal Hansley Reflects on Her First 90 Days as CEO in Her Agenda Interview

As the first Black woman to lead a community solar company in the U.S., Kristal Hansley, CEO of WeSolar, is a trailblazer in both the solar industry and the broader fight for environmental justice. In her recent interview with Her Agenda, Kristal opens up about her journey during the first 90 days of launching WeSolar, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons she’s learned along the way.

The interview highlights Kristal’s vision for a more inclusive clean energy future—one where solar power is accessible to everyone, particularly those in underserved communities. She discusses the unique challenges she faced as a Black woman entering a predominantly white, male-dominated industry and how she’s using her position to drive change and break down barriers.

In the interview, Kristal reflects on how her early experiences helped shape her mission:

“I think it was important for me to be present in spaces where it wasn’t necessarily common for someone like me to be. I wanted to be an example of how Black women can thrive in an industry that hasn’t been historically inclusive.”

Kristal also emphasizes the importance of resilience and innovation, especially when launching a company during a global pandemic. Despite the hurdles, she remains focused on bringing affordable, clean energy to communities that have been historically excluded from the solar conversation.

Her Agenda’s feature offers a candid look into Kristal’s leadership style, her commitment to environmental equity, and her belief in the power of entrepreneurship to create change. She shares insights on how she’s navigating the complexities of the energy sector while staying true to her mission of providing clean, affordable energy to all.

If you’re interested in learning more about Kristal’s inspiring journey and her vision for the future of solar energy, read the full interview on Her Agenda and discover how she’s leading the charge in revolutionizing community solar.