Detroit is witnessing a powerful movement driven by Black leaders dedicated to tackling environmental inequities head-on. These trailblazers aren’t just talking about change; they’re making it happen. By transforming Detroit’s environmental landscape through their dedication and innovative solutions, they are setting new standards for what it means to champion environmental equity.
Deana Neely stands at the forefront of this movement. With over ten years of experience in the construction industry, Neely is the licensed electrical contractor and founder of Detroit Voltage, a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) that offers top-notch residential and commercial electrical services. Her journey began with personal trials that transformed into a mission to serve her community. “As the founder and CEO of Detroit Voltage, I am honored to lead a company dedicated to delivering electrical services to the underserved city of Detroit. My inspiration for starting my company stemmed from my background in local government, specifically my work in the City of Detroit BSEED, as well as a failed marriage. Motivated by a desire to take care of my children and offer equitable and timely services to the community that raised me, my experience has been both challenging and fulfilling,” Neely shared.
Neely’s company has been contracted to install EV charging stations across the city on behalf of DTE Energy. This project marks a significant step towards Detroit’s transition to clean energy. “We are excited to work with DTE Energy to install EV charging stations across the metro Detroit area. This project is a big step for Detroit as it moves towards cleaner energy. By making it easier for people to use electric vehicles, we’re helping to reduce pollution and support a healthier environment. This collaboration reflects our dedication to innovation and sustainability, and we’re proud to contribute to a greener future for Detroit,” she said.
However, Neely’s impact goes beyond wiring and lights; she is a role model for women and minority entrepreneurs, showing that success in a male-dominated field is possible. “As a Black woman in a male industry, I’ve faced challenges such as bias and underestimation of my abilities. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience, confidence, and a strong network. At Detroit Voltage, we strive to empower other women and minorities by creating opportunities, offering mentorship, and fostering an inclusive environment,” she explained. Neely envisions a future where environmental equity in Detroit ensures that everyone, regardless of their race or background, has access to clean air, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
Darren Riley brings a deeply personal touch to the fight for environmental justice. Growing up in one of Detroit’s most polluted neighborhoods, Riley developed asthma, which fueled his passion for clean air. As a skilled coder and serial entrepreneur, Riley co-founded JustAir to help folks breathe easier. JustAir provides real-time air quality monitoring, giving communities the tools they need to fight pollution. “Our work is at the intersection of health and climate change. We are seeing radical changes in local air quality due to extreme climate events—wildfires and extreme heat days that influence our breathing environment. It’s imperative that we build solutions that work for the communities hit the hardest, and if we build solutions for those who are often the most overlooked, we will overcome the challenges of climate for everyone,” Riley said.
Riley’s journey from struggling with asthma to spearheading a company focused on cleaner air is a powerful story of resilience and innovation. As a Detroit resident and business owner, Riley sees the pressing concerns for Detroit’s clean energy and climate change progress as ensuring the safety of outdoor workers from extreme heat and securing resilient, low-cost power sources. “Addressing these issues will be vital for the city’s sustainability and the well-being of its residents. I am confident that we have the creative solutions right here, and I look forward to a future where Detroit is a leader in climate solutions that work for all,” he added.
Chanell Scott Contreras made history in November 2023 as the first Black woman CEO of a green bank in the U.S. Michigan Saves, under her leadership, offers financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, helping everyday folks save money and go green. Scott Contreras emphasizes the importance of green banks in driving the transition to clean energy, especially for the Black community. “Green banks are vital for driving the transition to clean energy, providing essential financing and incentives to make renewable energy and energy efficiency projects accessible to all. For the Black community, the impact of green banks is particularly significant. Green banks help to address historical inequities by ensuring that Black families and businesses have access to affordable clean energy solutions. By funding projects that directly benefit marginalized communities, we help to rectify the disproportionate environmental burdens these communities have faced for too long. At Michigan Saves, we are committed to ensuring that the transition to a clean energy future is inclusive and equitable, providing tangible benefits to the Black community and beyond. Our work in Detroit and across Michigan demonstrates that green banks are not just financial institutions; they are catalysts for positive change, creating healthier, more resilient communities for all,” she stated.
Scott Contreras’s leadership is breaking barriers and ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach everyone, not just the wealthy. “After realizing a significant number of our applications from homeowners in Detroit were being denied due to low credit scores, we developed the Access Energy Loan, previously the Detroit Loan Fund, in partnership with TRUE Community Credit Union. The program was designed to provide alternative underwriting for Detroiters, creating accessible financing where it did not previously exist. The pilot program enabled 114 projects that may not have happened otherwise. The success of the program has positioned Michigan Saves to expand the Access Energy Loan across the state, which will launch early 2025,” she explained.
The acknowledgment of climate change in the Black community is crucial. “Michigan Saves is dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and its impacts, while providing the resources and support needed to help marginalized communities thrive in the face of these challenges. Climate change is not just about environmental stewardship; it is about justice, equity, and ensuring a healthy, prosperous future for all,” Scott Contreras emphasized. Detroit’s aging infrastructure requires significant upgrades to support modern, clean energy technologies. Scott Contreras highlighted, “Our aging infrastructure requires significant upgrades to support modern clean energy technologies. Many of the homes, buildings, and energy systems are outdated, leading to inefficiencies and higher energy costs. Upgrading infrastructure is crucial to improve energy efficiency across the city and to enable the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. Ensuring energy equity is a critical concern. All residents, especially those in low-income and Black communities, must have access to affordable clean energy solutions.”
These leaders are not just addressing environmental issues; they’re building a movement that empowers and uplifts. Their efforts show that the fight for environmental justice is about more than policy—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring our communities have clean air to breathe, reliable energy, and opportunities to thrive.
“I envision a future where environmental equity in Detroit means everyone, regardless of their race or background, has access to clean air, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Our work with EV charging stations and clean energy projects is crucial in achieving this vision. By promoting the use of electric vehicles and investing in clean energy, we help reduce pollution and create healthier neighborhoods. This is especially important for the Black community, which has historically been disproportionately affected by environmental issues. Our efforts aim to ensure that the benefits of clean energy and sustainable practices are accessible to all, ensuring a more equitable and just future for Detroit,” Neely concluded.
“As a Detroit resident and business owner, I see the pressing concerns for Detroit’s clean energy and climate change progress as ensuring the safety of outdoor workers from extreme heat and securing resilient, low-cost power sources. Addressing these issues will be vital for the city’s sustainability and the well-being of its residents. I am confident that we have the creative solutions right here, and I look forward to a future where Detroit is a leader in climate solutions that work for all,” Riley added.
These leaders are not just addressing environmental issues; they’re building a movement that empowers and uplifts. Their stories inspire resilience, innovation, and a shared vision for a healthier, more equitable Detroit.
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
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