6 Questions with Lyra Perez Dumdum
Volunteer Stories
March 27, 2026
Lyra Perez Dumdum
“Women need to support women. In a technical workforce dominated by men, it’s important to have an advocate.”
Article by Ana Almerini
Solar for Women is lucky to have amazing volunteers to help support our programs, initiatives, outreach, and more! We will be highlighting various volunteers through our website and social media. Special thanks to Natalie Bock for catalyzing this project.
What do you do (in work or in life)?
I am a Battery Energy Storage Developer. But before that, I was in academia, teaching renewable energy topics at NC State University.
How did you first find Solar for Women - What made you want to get involved?
Amanda Bybee, CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, whom I've worked with in the past, had posted a call for volunteers. Because I love Amanda, and because I thought I could contribute some time to it, I volunteered.
Why do you choose to volunteer your time and energy here?
Women need to support women. In a technical workforce dominated by men, it's important to have an advocate.
What has stood out to you about your experience so far?
When I moved to North Carolina from Washington, DC, I had guardian angels. I worked for an energy efficiency advocacy group in DC, but moved to NC to follow my fiancé. My colleagues introduced me to their contacts in the Southeast, and I got a call from the regional director of the Department of Energy in Atlanta!
He introduced me to the Director of the State Energy Office, who then introduced me to so many other people who were at the bleeding edge of the solar industry. This was 2003-2004. I was a 26-year-old newcomer, and yet, they gave me their time, met with me to see where I might fit, and made some calls. I will never forget the kindness of the people in this space, so I want to make sure I pay it forward.
How does having other women in the industry help?
There are issues that I think women can understand quickly. That's not to say men won't understand. I think we have come a long way. But sometimes when you've lived the experience, you don't have to explain yourself. A woman will just get it, without having to explain. Issues like sexual harassment or innuendo in the workplace, general women's safety that's outside the usual workplace safety scope, cramps, having to work 2x as hard at work while also taking a full workload a home...these are issues that many women can relate to. It helps to have others who could empathize without being patronizing.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love dancing, and I love paper crafting! I love to karaoke, and I like to play the piano while people sing.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
I think that the people in the clean energy space are the kindest and smartest people. I hope that we maintain our industry culture even as we expand.