Born and raised in Brooklyn, Kristal Hansley has always sought to empower communities through innovation and advocacy. A Howard University graduate in Political Science and Sociology, she began her career in politics, serving as a Legislative Fellow and later with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Transitioning to the solar sector, Kristal became Director of Government and Community Relations at Neighborhood Sun, where she helped low- to-moderate-income families save on utility bills.

Determined to break barriers, she founded WeSolar, becoming the first African American female CEO in community solar, expanding access to affordable renewable energy nationwide. Now CEO and Co-Founder of Wildgrid.ai, Kristal continues to drive change. She serves on the ACORE board, is a fellow with ABLE, and a leader with WISE. Recognized as one of Spencer Ogden’s 100 Most Brilliant Women in Renewable Energy, Kristal remains a trailblazer in sustainable energy and community empowerment.