See all of Jake’s Realist Idealist posts
Since 2001 Jake has worked on five continents training and connecting community leaders, and doing his best to translate good ideas into effective and responsible reality.
In the summer of 2008 Jake joined the Energy Action Coalition to help in mobilizing millions of young people in demanding a green economy and a clean energy future in the United States. From small towns in rural Michigan and Tennessee to the boardrooms and events of the largest corporations, Jake’s efforts are aimed always at the business and strategy of creating a more just and sustainable world – particularly through the use of technology and savvy communications.
Prior to joining Energy Action, Jake served as Director of Partnerships on the global management team of Idealist.org, and in his diverse career has served as a corporate consultant in the Middle East oil sector, designed international service-learning programs for universities, conducted community development/research projects from central Jamaica to East Africa to Mongolia, directed Education Without Borders – a biennial event in the UAE convening 1000 young leaders from 100 countries, and and served as executive director of Break Away® - the national organization through which more than 40,000 college students spend “alternative spring breaks” becoming active citizens each year.
Outside the office, Jake is a former All-American triathlete, a published photographer and writer, and in addition to his role with Energy Action, serves on the board of directors for Hostelling International USA, on the international board of advisers of United Planet, as an advisor to the University of Texas Project on Conflict Resolution, and regular advisor to many other nonprofits and socially responsible companies.
