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Dannia Andrade brings her passion for equity to energy learning design

November 15, 2024
By Yuri Bult-Ito

Dannia Andrade joined ACEP as an energy innovation learning designer fellow in September. During her nine-month term as a fellow, she will help support a variety of activities within ACEP’s education and workforce development program. Her work will focus on energy literacy and place-based and culturally responsive learning design, particularly for rural learners.

Growing up in Hawai’i and working extensively in the areas of education, rural communities and health, Andrade has developed a strong commitment to sustainable practices and community empowerment. She is passionate about ensuring all communities, especially marginalized populations, have the resources necessary to succeed.

Energy is one of the universal needs that connects all of us, yet it disproportionately influences the health and well-being of some communities.

“I hope that during my time as a fellow at ACEP I will gain a new perspective on community health and well-being,” she said. She looks forward to a Hawai’i-����ӰƬ collaboration.

Andrade holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she collaborated with local organizations and government agencies to develop initiatives that promote place-based learning, community engagement and equitable access to healthcare in rural communities.

Andrade plans to apply to medical school for the 2026 academic year. Her interests in interdisciplinary work allow her to bridge the gap between culture and science, fostering a holistic approach to patient care. With a new, additional perspective and experience as a fellow working in ����ӰƬ, Andrade hopes to integrate cultural understanding with medical practice to enhance community health initiatives and promote equity in healthcare access.

“Dannia brings a wealth of talent to ACEP's education and community engagement efforts,” noted ACEP’s Annalise Klein, who works closely with Andrade. “Her passion for holistic health for remote communities informs the way she designs energy lessons for our high school partners.”