Power52 Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, has a bold mission – to break the cycle of poverty, unemployment, underemployment, and incarceration in underserved urban communities, not just in Maryland but across the nation. It was born in the wake of the 2015 riots, aiming to eliminate barriers through education and the creation of an accelerated career path for community members determined to shape their own futures, regardless of their past or current circumstances. In March 2017, Power52 launched their Energy Professional Training program, which brings workforce development, resiliency, and wrap-around services to low- and medium-income communities.
“Our mission is not about Power, it’s about Empowerment”
Break the cycle of poverty, unemployment, under employment, and incarceration in our urban communities across the nation through economic empowerment and clean energy access.
To promote an inclusive clean energy economy that drives economic empowerment.
“I had struggles in my life, and I want to empower as many individuals that I can that look like me.”
Cherie Brooks Wallace, native Baltimorean, is the Visionary Co-Founder, President & CEO of Power52 Foundation (Power52, Inc) a 501c3 non-profit. As CEO, Cherie brings clean energy access and economic empowerment to historically marginalized communities by way of resiliency hubs, clean energy resources, education, training, and sustainable jobs. Cherie serves on the frontlines of the intersection of environmental and economic justice.
Ms. Brooks’ flagship accomplishments have been the development and oversight of Power52 Energy Institute, the first Clean Energy focused Private Career School in the State of Maryland. Power52 Foundation is one of two non-profits to ever receive approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to own and operate a private career school in the State’s history. Cherie also managed the development to convert Living Classrooms’ community center, POWER House, into a Resiliency Hub, serving a public housing community in East Baltimore, whose residents are commonly at the highest risk during emergencies. The POWER House is the first solar powered, community-based resiliency hub in the nation.
Before launching into the 501(c)(3) world, Cherie worked as a Site Acquisition Manager in the wireless industry leading a team of consultants, contractors, and legal counsel through the build process. This included managing subcontractors, site acquisition specialists on all project phases (leasing, zoning, compliance, A&E, and Regulatory) on AT&T’s LTE Project as well as Verizon’s New Site/Raw Land Builds. Ms. Brooks developed over 200+ telecom sites, oversaw each site through leasing to construction milestones.
Cherie’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive, and leadership. She thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the company’s reach. Philanthropy and ministry are Cherie’s passions and one of her visions for Power52 Foundation is that it will become the primary on-ramp to careers in solar and renewable energy addressing under-employment and climate justice nationally, for persons from marginalized communities.
Ms. Brooks, a recent graduate of Goldman Sachs 10KSB Executive Program, attended Bowie State University for undergrad and has obtained her Master Trainer credentials from the National Center for Construction and Research (NCCER) as well. Cherie is a member of Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc. as well as an active member of Jack & Jill of America, Columbia, MD Chapter where she has held various chair positions during her ten-year tenure. Cherie lives in Maryland with her four kids and adorable dog, Snickerdoodle Hudson Wallace.
“A lot of people build businesses, we’ve built an infrastructure to actually build people”
Co-Founder, Ray Lewis was born in Bartow, Florida, in 1975. The oldest of five children, Lewis became a football star at Kathleen High School and was recruited to play at the University of Miami. In 1996, Lewis was a first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens. He led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2000, and was named Defensive Player of the Year that same season. In 2013, Lewis led the Ravens to another Super Bowl victory. He retired in 2013. Today, Lewis is a New York Times best-selling author for his breakout memoir I Feel Like Going On, a frequent guest on Fox Sports shows Undisputed and The Herd, as well as an in-demand motivational speaker. He devotes his time to being a father, speaker, businessman and community activist.
Power52 Foundation is dedicated to fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and opportunity, where all board members, staff, participants, community members, and volunteers feel valued. We believe in empowering individuals from all backgrounds, including differences in gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, and socioeconomic status, among others.
We recognize that access to education and clean energy is vital for economic development and empowerment. As part of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture, we encourage a workforce that embraces different perspectives and supports the growth of our trainees. This approach drives innovation and strengthens our connection with the communities we serve.
© 2025 Power52 Foundation. Privacy Policy
Classes begin October 14, 2024
No, we have graduated many women who have become successful in the Renewable Energy field.
Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm.
Power52 graduates complete the program with:
Yes, Power52 Foundation maintains a close relationship with a set of employers who have committed to our vision and appreciate the pipeline of skilled employees our training supports. Representatives commit not only to seeking employees from our graduates, but also participate throughout the training sessions in various ways. Employer Partners come onsite to interface directly with students and answer questions about their hiring and employment processes, so that students increase their comfort with employers and are able to prepare for later interviews over the course of the entire program.
