Who is Jordan Altaras? - A Visionary in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
| Jordan Altaras | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jordan Altaras, PE |
| Occupation | Investment Manager at Statkraft |
| Education | MBA from IESE Business School, BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Southern California |
| Languages | English, French, Portuguese, Spanish |
| Certifications | Professional Electrical Engineer, LEED AP BD+C |
| Volunteer Work | Kiva, Global Brigades, Inc., American Cancer Society, Jumpstart, USC Joint Educational Project, Global Visionaries |
| Notable Projects | Nikola Solaris SX, SensorStick Product Design, Microfinance Brigade in Ghana, Business Brigade in Panama |
Early Education and Formative Years
Jordan Altaras's journey began at Mercer Island High School, where he graduated as the Salutatorian of the Class of 2009. His academic excellence was recognized early on when he became a National Merit Commended Scholar. Mercer Island High School, located in Mercer Island, Washington, is known for its strong academic programs and has produced numerous successful alumni.
Undergraduate Studies and Early Involvements
Altaras pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electromechanics and Energy Systems, as well as a minor in Business/Entrepreneurship. USC is a prestigious institution located in Los Angeles, California, renowned for its engineering programs and strong entrepreneurial culture. During his time at USC, Altaras was awarded the USC Trustee Scholarship, a full-tuition merit scholarship for the brightest and most talented entering freshmen.
Professional Beginnings and Engineering Expertise
After completing his undergraduate degree, Altaras joined PAE Consulting Engineers in the San Francisco Bay Area as an Electrical Engineer. PAE is a leader in sustainable design solutions, and Altaras contributed to over 50 projects, including the conversion of a Facebook warehouse to an electromechanical lab and the development of a Net Zero Energy office microgrid. His innovative work earned him an early promotion and a $20,000 PAE R&D grant to continue his research.
Global Experiences and Language Proficiency
Altaras's passion for languages and global citizenship led him to travel and work in over 80 countries. He spent two years in Latin America, where he worked professionally in Spanish with aEX Energy in Argentina and Uruguay, designing solar energy and energy storage systems. He also achieved professional proficiency in Portuguese during a remote internship with a Brazilian solar company.
Advanced Education and Leadership Roles
Seeking to amplify his skills in energy sustainability, Altaras pursued an MBA at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. IESE is known for its global perspective and diverse student body. As an IESE Trust Scholar, he served as the Executive Vice President of the IESE Energy Club and Captain of the IESE Basketball Club. His leadership and strategic vision significantly grew the club's key performance indicators.
Investment Management and Renewable Energy Focus
Currently, Altaras is an Investment Manager at Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, based in London, England. His role in the MBA Leadership Development Program at Statkraft involved diverse functions such as M&A, investment execution, and public affairs. He played a crucial role in the sale of the Andershaw wind farm and managed the acquisition process of the Alleston solar development. His work in the renewable energy sector is a testament to his commitment to fighting the climate crisis and advancing energy sustainability.
Volunteer Work and Social Impact
Throughout his career, Altaras has been actively involved in volunteer work, contributing to causes like economic empowerment, health, education, and civil rights. He has supported entrepreneurs in 28 countries through Kiva, led student groups with Global Brigades, and raised funds for the American Cancer Society. His dedication to social impact is evident in his ongoing commitment to various organizations and causes.
Certifications and Professional Recognition
Altaras holds several professional certifications, including a Professional Electrical Engineer license and LEED AP BD+C accreditation. These certifications reflect his expertise in the field of sustainable engineering and his dedication to professional development.
Jordan Altaras's professional journey is marked by a commitment to renewable energy, sustainable development, and global citizenship. His diverse experiences and achievements showcase a professional who is not only technically skilled but also deeply invested in making a positive impact on the world.