DeAndrea Salvador

The founder of a groundbreaking Charlotte-based organization focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, DeAndrea works to improve the community’s most pressing issues including climate, clean air, and energy affordability. She believes in making commonsense investments into our community. Investments in our failing infrastructure, advocating for affordable–accessible healthcare, and ensuring we are making critical investments in education, are some of her major priorities. DeAndrea is a graduate of Waddell High School, where she served as Class President, as well as UNC Charlotte, where she earned her Economics degree. While earning her degree in Economics, DeAndrea worked in economic development and government affairs for organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Electric Power Research Institute. When she saw her Charlotte neighbors spending more than 20% of their income on energy expenses, DeAndrea took action and founded RETI, a non-profit focused on helping families sustainably reduce energy costs using smart technology, solar energy, efficiency, and education. RETI also consulted on the City of Charlotte’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan.DeAndrea serves on the boards of Clean Air Carolina and Youth Empowered Solutions, and she was on the Mecklenburg County Air Quality Commission for three years. She is a TED 2018 Fellow and recipient of the UNC Charlotte Young Alumna of the Year Award. DeAndrea was recognized as one of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce’s “30 under 30” and honored as a 2019 AACSB Influential Leader.