Jillian Wilde, a 2020 graduate of Northland College, is making waves in the renewable energy industry. In just five weeks, she secured an extraordinary $30 million in renewable energy project funding, a feat nearly unheard of in the field. Reflecting on her time at Northland and her current success, Wilde credits her alma mater for nurturing her confidence and resilience, allowing her to take bold leaps in her career.
Finding Northland: A Perfect Fit
Originally from the Chicago area, Jillian always envisioned heading north for college, considering schools in Canada to experience distinct seasons and pursue her environmental passions. Northland College wasn’t initially on her radar—she visited because it was conveniently on the route home from another campus tour.
But that visit changed everything.
“I didn’t even know a school like Northland existed,” Jillian recalls. “Other schools had these massive lecture halls, then we got to Northland, walked into the cafeteria, and it was smaller than my high school. Everyone was laughing, talking—it felt so comforting.”
At Northland, Jillian immersed herself in unique classes like Ecopsychology and Sociology of the Environment, while building deep connections within the tight-knit campus community.
Jillian says that at a small college like Northland, you’re naturally drawn into a community. “You’re not just going to class and going home. Your professors know you as a person, and your peers support you,” she explains.
A Rising Star in Renewable Energy
Now just four years out of college, Jillian has taken her passion for the environment to new heights. As a project manager, she oversees large-scale renewable energy initiatives, including solar installations, electric vehicle infrastructure, and regional energy grids. Her recent success—a $30 million streak of project acceptances—is particularly impressive in an industry where most projects hover around $200,000.
“No one has heard of that before,” Jillian says with pride. “You pour your heart and soul into these applications, competing against others across the nation. To see those efforts recognized and funded—it’s surreal.”
Her role isn’t just about securing funding; it’s about executing impactful projects. “I manage teams of over sixty people across multiple companies. The projects I work on directly affect communities and companies alike.”
Despite her achievements, Jillian remains humble, admitting that sometimes imposter syndrome creeps in. She continues, “But then I think about all the people I’ve connected with and how much I’ve learned. Renewable energy is such a feel-good industry—everyone is really excited about it. It gives people a lot of purpose.”
Pioneering the Future of Energy
Jillian acknowledges that while renewable energy is booming, the industry faces a significant challenge: workforce capacity.
“Who will operate and maintain these massive projects once they’re up and running?” she asks. “We need to invest in education and workforce development. I wasn’t taught this as a biology major—I’ve had to learn on the job. We’re now writing curriculum and building labs to train the next generation of renewable energy professionals.”
Jillian sees herself as part of a larger movement. “It feels like a torch is being passed from those who’ve been fighting climate change for decades to our generation. To be young and at the start of this movement—it makes my heart feel good.”
Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
Jillian’s advice to students and young professionals is simple: stay open to possibilities.
“You’re not a failure because you’re not exactly who you thought you’d be when you started college. The happiest people I know are those who let life guide them.”
Her final words of wisdom? “Don’t get stuck in the ‘I just got a biology degree’ mindset. Stay curious and let yourself grow. I could’ve been a lab scientist, and that would’ve been fine, but I’m so happy to be where I am now.”
A Legacy of Impact
From her days as a Northland student to her current role as a leader in renewable energy, Jillian Wilde exemplifies the power of education, resilience, and community. Her story is a testament to what can happen when individuals are empowered to think big, embrace change, and create meaningful impact.
Northland College’s unique approach to education fosters leaders like Jillian who are equipped to tackle pressing global challenges. Building on a legacy that goes back over 130 years, we continue to shape the next generation of innovators and changemakers who will continue to drive progress in critical fields like renewable energy.
