Deepa Vedavyas
Director of Resiliency and Sustainability
Describe your prior experience working in the nonprofit/ government/ public service fields.
Throughout my career journey spanning roles in government, nonprofit organizations, education, and philanthropy, I've remained committed to building trust through meaningful collaborations, driving tangible, fiscally responsible solutions that empower our communities and promote sustainable growth. From spearheading transformative initiatives in the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability in Cleveland to driving innovative projects in community development and impactful grantmaking at The Cleveland Foundation, I've brought a diverse range of expertise and partnerships to the table. My focus remains on delivering results that advance sustainability, enhance economic opportunities, and strengthen our communities from within.
Why NOPEC?
The decision to join NOPEC was strongly influenced by recommendations from two of my respected friends and colleagues. Upon my initial interactions with the NOPEC team, I was immediately impressed by their professionalism, mutual respect, and genuine commitment to serving communities. As cities and regions worldwide strive towards a sustainable future, it became clear that NOPEC was dedicated to playing a crucial role in our region. The chance to work alongside genuinely good people who deeply care about the communities and are determined to continuously improve and serve their best aligned perfectly with my own values and aspirations. It was an easy decision to continue in the process and ultimately join the NOPEC team.
Describe your role at NOPEC and how you hope to help NOPEC communities in the future.
As NOPEC's inaugural Resiliency and Sustainability Director, my role is multifaceted, focused on leading initiatives to bolster the resilience and sustainability of NOPEC communities. I see my responsibilities falling into these key areas: strategy development, community engagement, program development, capacity building, policy advocacy, and measurement and reporting.
As a dedicated public servant and a leader in sustainability, my goal is to strengthen our communities by leveraging existing regional initiatives and partnerships. By embracing innovative strategies and technologies, I hope to drive progress toward vibrant, resilient, just, and economically prosperous communities, work collaboratively to navigate the challenges surrounding energy, and ensure a sustainable future for all.
What is the biggest mark you would like to leave at NOPEC as the sustainability and resiliency director?
This question resonates deeply with me, echoing Albert Einstein's wisdom: 'Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.'
I am deeply inspired by Dr. Greg Norris's philosophy of emphasizing 'handprints'—the positive actions and impact we make—rather than solely focusing on 'footprints'—the negative impacts we avoid. I hope to embody this approach as a net positive individual within NOPEC. By focusing on the positive impact, I aim to contribute to NOPEC's vision of creating a North Star for resilience and sustainability of the communities served. By meeting communities where they are, actively listening to their aspirations, and leveraging our expertise as technical leaders in energy space, I aim to enable NOPEC to create opportunities for capacity building, peer learning and programmatic support for a lasting, positive impact.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I have a variety of interests and activities that I enjoy (apart from working on my second master’s degree). I've recently resumed training in classical Indian music after a 30-year hiatus, which has been a fulfilling journey. I also love to explore our local Metroparks through leisurely walks with friends. Additionally, I enjoy cooking and sharing meals with friends and family, exploring and support our local restaurants, and spending quality time with my husband and two beautiful daughters. Whenever possible, I cherish the opportunity to visit my parents in India and my brother’s family in NJ. I value a balance of cultural exploration, learning, outdoor adventures, and cherished moments with loved ones in my free time.
