TONI MCELRATH
Chicago,IL
Summary
Highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong commitment to environmental and social justice. Proven expertise in coordinating energy transition projects, conducting advanced research as a PhD candidate, and advocating for sustainable practices. Skilled in developing strategic documentation systems, managing complex schedules, and preparing comprehensive reports. Deep understanding of project management principles, environmental policies, and community engagement best practices. Dedicated to driving impactful change and achieving sustainability goals.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Energy Transition & Policy Coordinator
Town Of Amherst Energy And Climate Action
08.2023 - Current
- Pioneered community-wide shift to renewable energy by developing and implementing innovative policies, reducing city-wide carbon emissions.
- Spearheaded cross-functional initiatives that integrated sustainable energy practices into local businesses, schools, and households, enhancing energy efficiency.
- Led strategic advocacy efforts to secure funding and support for green energy projects, driving legislative changes and increasing public awareness of renewable energy benefits.
- Conduct research, analyze data, and provide recommendations to local policymakers and stakeholders on climate-related issues
Diversity Operations Associate
Graduate Student Organization
01.2023 - Current
- Analyzed statistical data and reports to identify and determine causes of personnel problems and developed recommendations for improvement of organization's personnel policies and practices
- Organized, directed, controlled, and coordinated personnel, training, and labor relations activities of organization
- Conducted research on best practices in diversity management, making recommendations for improvement.
- Developed and executed diversity initiatives, resulting in a more inclusive work environment.
Lecturer, Social Responsibility and Justice
University Of Massachusetts
09.2021 - Current
- Developed and delivered innovative and cutting-edge curriculum on social responsibility and justice, integrating real-world case studies and interdisciplinary approaches to foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
- Led initiatives and partnerships with local organizations to promote social justice, empowering students to engage in community service projects that address systemic inequalities and drive positive societal change.
- Published research and presented at conferences on the intersection of social responsibility and justice, influencing policy discussions and contributing to the global dialogue on ethical leadership and sustainable development.
- Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Literature Publishing and Digital Humanities
DePaul University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Environmental Humanities (Interdisciplinary)
University of Massachusetts Amherst
05.2025
Skills
- Policy Development
- Higher Level Education and Research
- Legal Research
- Resource Management
- Data Modeling
- Statistical Analysis
- Event Planning
- Operations Management
- Communication
- Relationship Building
- Motivational Leadership
Certification
- Business Data Analytics, UMass
- CITI Community-Engaged Research (CEnR)
- CITI Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
Volunteer Experience
- JEDI (DEIJ) Coordinator, Amherst Survival Center, Amherst, MA Advocated for underrepresented groups by speaking out against discriminatory practices within the organization., Analyzed feedback from surveys measuring employee satisfaction with regard to diversity initiatives., Drafted policies, procedures, and guidelines related to diversity and inclusion., Collaborated with Human Resources team to ensure equitable hiring practices are followed throughout the organization., Assisted in creating educational materials outlining the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment.
Languages
Portuguese
Professional Working
Spanish
Professional Working
Affiliations
- UMass ELEVATE Fellow (Elevating Equity Values in the Transition of the Energy System)
- Research Enhancement and Leadership (REAL) Fellow
Timeline
Energy Transition & Policy Coordinator
Town Of Amherst Energy And Climate Action
08.2023 - Current
Diversity Operations Associate
Graduate Student Organization
01.2023 - Current
Lecturer, Social Responsibility and Justice
University Of Massachusetts
09.2021 - Current
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Literature Publishing and Digital Humanities
DePaul University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Environmental Humanities (Interdisciplinary)
University of Massachusetts Amherst