Who We Are — ENCOLOR

Ashley Arhin

Associate Consultant

“I am a daughter of immigrants, a first-generation college student, and grew up in a limited income family. I have intimate experiences learning to navigate systems on behalf of myself and others in order to see change. Being able to fulfill my passion of working in partnership with organizations to examine concerns, improve outcomes, and center marginalized individuals and underserved communities has led me to join Encolor.”

Jenna Bagnall

Director of Strategy & Research

“After spending more than a decade researching energy-efficiency programs, I felt that — despite all the wonderful effort to support projects — programs are still missing a large part of the customer base they were intended to support. Even research methods have come up short in capturing the full spectrum of perspectives.

I have also spent a large portion of my life in rural communities where access to services is a constant challenge and often exacerbates any other limitations, i.e., financial or physical, when trying to accomplish simple daily tasks. These life experiences, coupled with my breadth of experience researching market barriers, and passion for pushing programs to do better, has driven me to join the Encolor team.”

Rachel Dortin

Outreach & Engagement Specialist

“‘You’ve done nothing to help you find a career,’ a professor looked at my resume and espoused, about a first-generation college senior who’d been a waitress, restaurant manager, and sales associate. I faced the harsh reality that people who work to survive don’t get as far as those privileged to work to thrive.

I found myself at an impasse several years ago. I was a tenure-track professor in Arkansas — afraid to lose my job for teaching about antiracism or protecting my trans students — watching the COVID-19 pandemic widen the gap between those with power and those fighting to survive. So I left academia to do work to actualize, not just theorize about, equity.

Powerful solutions emerge in communities that have been forced to become resilient, and I believe in a world where they are at the head of the table. I do this work to build a strong foundation for that future.”

Joan Effinger

Chief Operating Officer

“The pandemic created a ‘she-cession’ in the U.S. and a late-blooming feminist in me. It deepened pre-existing inequalities, exposing vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems that have been the backbone of this country. Despite the gains made in recent decades, women still hold the lion’s share of caregiver responsibilities. Women were disproportionately affected by the pandemic — and even now that it is officially over, too many continue to be left behind.

I joined Encolor to stop talking about making change, and to actually create the change. I am honored to be in a position where we can change the face of energy efficiency and bring the benefits to those who need it the most. I come to work everyday in the hopes that our work will help women across the country learn new skills, get back into or join the workforce, earn fair and equitable pay, and have the villages and support systems available that are needed to raise our future leaders.”

Quinn Parker

Founder & CEO

“Diversity isn’t just about gender, race, or ethnicity. It is a much wider tapestry — background, physical ability, age, experience — all the wonderful characteristics that make each person unique and bring different perspectives to the table. In fact, the characteristics that you can’t see are usually those that we are most blind to. At Encolor, our goal is to ensure that every person is seen and supported for who they are.

For me, it’s personal: My son is profoundly deaf in one ear. As a parent of a child with an ‘unseen’ disability, I am even more determined to contribute to a world that is built on the foundation of equity and inclusion. I want all children to be celebrated for their unique identities, rather than judged because some may need more support than others. Encolor is proud to donate a percentage of all profits to the American Society of Deaf Children.”

Kasey Richardson

Independent Consultant

“I engage in doing the work with Encolor because I want to help a global culture of belonging and equitable access to flourish. I do the work because I believe in listening, learning, and amplifying the voices of excluded communities, especially those that are differently abled.

I acknowledge and leverage my privilege in support of those who continue to be underserved and marginalized. I strive to do better and be more proactive every day. I do the work because I understand the importance of engaging in difficult conversations and changing perspectives. I realize that practicing allyship and solidarity in my lifelong DEIBJ journey encourages others to do the same.”