Meet Metadel Lee, CUB's Outreach Intern

Welcome to the CUB team Metadel Lee, our new Outreach Intern. She joins the CUB team with a focus on health as she pursues a degree in Public Health Sciences at Hamline University. Metadel is jumping in to make sure we can help as many Minnesotans as possible. Read more about Metadel below.  

Tell us about your background and what brought you to CUB.

My background is largely in nonprofit work in various roles. I have worked as the Resident Resources Coordinator at People Serving People, a family shelter in downtown Minneapolis. I had the privilege of working directly with guests and co-workers to create a safe environment for families as they transition to permanent housing. I gained program and volunteer coordinating experience during my time with Seeds Worth Sowing. During my time as the Digital Services Coordinator at Goodwill-Easter Seals, I created a digital skills program and worked directly with our employment programs to get our students resourced with the skills and digital devices necessary to be successful in our digital economy. 

I enjoy working both behind the scenes and directly with people to connect them with the resources and skills they need to live well. I am excited about the opportunity to join the CUB team and learn how to make utilities more affordable for all Minnesotans. 

What motivates you to work with Minnesotans who face energy challenges?

I am finishing my degree in Public Health Sciences at Hamline University. One of the most impactful frameworks I have learned in my studies is the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework. This framework emphasizes a holistic approach to health, organized around five key pillars: economic stability, education access and quality, social and community impacts, neighborhood and built environments, and health care access and quality. CUB’s work directly addresses the economic stability pillar, which is foundational to improving overall health outcomes. I am eager to work directly with consumers in the community and learn more about energy efficiency and affordability 

What experiences have prepared you to work directly with Minnesotans on energy issues? 

My experience working in nonprofit organizations that provide direct services has prepared me to work directly with Minnesotans on energy issues. Through this work, I have supported individuals and programming leads in navigating complex systems and accessing critical resources, skills that translate directly to helping people understand and manage energy-related challenges. 

Are there particular topics or issues you’re eager to learn more about while at CUB?

I am eager to learn more about outreach strategies, programs, and advocacy strategies that make energy consumption more affordable and accessible, particularly for household across Minnesota. 
I am also interested in learning more about the different types of energy sources we rely on and evaluating which are the most cost-effective while minimizing environmental harm.

Are there particular programs, issues, or communities you’re especially interested in supporting?

I am especially interested in supporting Minnesotans in rural areas, where access to energy efficiency resources can be more limited and energy costs can place a significant burden on households. I am eager to learn more about programs that help residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes, such as weatherization, insulation, and energy education. Through this work, I hope to better understand how these programs are implemented and how they can be made more accessible to the communities that need them the most.

Outside of school and work, how do you like to spend your time?

Outside of school and work, I enjoy practicing yoga and learning how to sew. Both of these hobbies allow me to slow down, focus on one task, and become absorbed in the process. I am especially interested in yin yoga, which emphasizes stillness and intentionality and offers a quiet but rigorous challenge. 

Do you have a favorite Minnesota spot, season, or tradition you’re looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to our beautiful Minnesota summer, especially spending more time outdoors. I hope to explore more state parks and sail on Bde Maka Ska and enjoying opportunities to slow down and connect with nature.

In addition to local adventures, I am excited to travel to new places around the state. Being outside is my main goal, and I want to make the most of the season while experiencing natural beauty and variety Minnesota has to offer.