Rural Beacon Initiative

William J. Barber, III

Founder, CEO

William J. Barber III is a renewable energy professional with over a decade of experience in environmental and climate justice. William has successfully bridged gaps between policymakers, grassroots leaders, faith communities, and corporations. He is dedicated to crafting equitable climate solutions that empower BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

William’s work on community solutions has been featured in numerous outlets, including NextGen’s 30 under 30 Young Black Changemakers and Paypal’s Rising Leaders Series. In addition, Rural Beacon Initiative was also named by Governor Cooper as one of the state’s leading Black STEM organizations in February 2022.

In addition to serving as the principal consultant for Rural Beacon Initiative, William currently serves as the Director of Equitable Investments and Energy Justice at the Coalition for Green Capital, a non-profit that works to halt climate change by accelerating investment in clean energy technologies.