As a research associate, Destiny Nash supports the U.S. program team by conducting critical research, monitoring and analyzing policy developments and supporting RAP publications and outreach.
Destiny is part of the 2024 cohort of the Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship created by Black Girl Environmentalist. As a previous Community Relations Intern at Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) , she helped nonprofit organizations navigate the application process and funding opportunities through the SHINE program. Destiny researched environmental justice and population data indicators within Sacramento districts for the Resource Priorities Map, as well as created data visualizations pertaining to the utility's community impact. Before that, Destiny was a Customer Operations Support Intern at SMUD, working on file and data management while updating databases that would assist customer service.
Destiny Nash was born, raised, and still currently located in Sacramento, California. She got into environmental justice work through volunteering experiences as a student representative for the nonprofit Freeport Renovation on the Move. Destiny assisted in facilitating library openings, holiday-themed events, resource giveaways, sports days and more community engagement events within Sacramento. She currently volunteers as a technical assistant on creating community outreach material while assisting with nonprofit-related documentation and filing. When not working, Destiny enjoys interdisciplinary art, playing video games and reading books.
Destiny graduated summa cum laude from California State University of Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies with a minor in studio art. In addition, Destiny became the first environmental studies student to be awarded the Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies College Dean Award. During university, she served on the Green Team Committee, where she worked on implementing environmentally focused proposals and assisted in creating signage for food waste disposal that adheres to state waste collection laws.
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How did you catch the “energy” bug?
My first internship in high school was with Sacramento Municipal Utility District. It was my first introduction to the energy sector, and I learned more about the roles of utilities, especially in connection with addressing climate change. Ever since then, I have wanted to incorporate energy into the work I do.
What’s your passion outside of RAP/clean energy?
I have always loved art, whether it’s viewing art pieces in museums or creating it through different mediums. Art has always been a great tool for me to communicate ideas, stories, and topics to different audiences.
My favorite dish is Cajun gumbo.