Build networks. Drive Change.

Connect Puerto Rico

About Connect Puerto Rico

Connect Puerto Rico is a monthly newsletter that dives deep into how U.S. policy, business, science, and technology impact Puerto Rico’s transition to renewable energy.

While progress is being made, several key challenges are holding back the full potential of renewable energy development in Puerto Rico:

  • Outdated Infrastructure
    Much of Puerto Rico's energy grid is aging and not built to handle modern renewable energy sources.

  • Insufficient Workforce
    There’s a growing need for skilled workers to install, maintain, and manage renewable energy projects.

  • Lack of Local Knowledge
    Many outside contractors and legislators making decisions about Puerto Rico’s energy future don’t have the local knowledge necessary to understand the unique challenges and needs of the islands.

At Connect Puerto Rico, we believe that tackling these issues requires collaboration and local involvement. Our mission is to build a community of policymakers, business leaders, and experts who are committed to finding solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and equitable—solutions that not only benefit Puerto Ricans but also strengthen the archipelago’s future. We aim to connect the dots between policy, innovation, and community-driven action.

From Our Readers

A. Noor

“I've recently decided to move to Puerto Rico and establish a satellite of our business there. We are an open-source company that believes cybersecurity — like renewable energy — must be accessible to all. The articles are helping me to understand Puerto Rico.”

M. Starling

“I've been working on a story for the past year about the factors slowing Puerto Rico's grid updates and transition to solar … Your good work is being seen and making a difference. It's no easy task simplifying all of the ongoing news into such a digestible format!”

Our Team

Meet Jillian, the founder of Connect Puerto Rico, a newsletter dedicated to exploring the policy, business, and technology shaping Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition. With over a decade of experience across print, digital, and broadcast media, Jillian has built a career around reporting on issues that matter.

Jillian Melero

Jillian’s current and previous roles include being a contributing editor at The TRiiBE, a platform reshaping the narrative of Black Chicago, and digital editor for WTTW News' Chicago Tonight, Latino Voices, and Black Voices. She’s also worked as a science reporter at Climate Central and a managing editor at Borderless Magazine, reporting on immigration and for immigrant communities in Chicago.

Jillian is a past president of the Chicago Headline Club (2023–2024), and past vice president of the Chicago Journalists Association, and mentors young journalists with the Chicago Reader’s Racial Justice Writers’ Room and students transitioning from high school to college with Chicago Scholars.

Jillian’s academic background includes a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, where she honed her skills in health, environment, and science reporting. From her early days as an editor at South Florida Gay News to her current role at Connect Puerto Rico, Jillian has been committed to centering underrepresented communities and tackling complex issues with clarity and impact.

Driven by a personal connection to Puerto Rico and its renewable energy challenges, Jillian founded Connect Puerto Rico to bridge the gaps between policymakers, business leaders, and local communities. Her vision is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep belief that the future of Puerto Rico is one built on sustainable, resilient, and equitable solutions.

Support Our Growth

At Connect Puerto Rico, we're committed to delivering in-depth coverage of U.S. policy, business, science, and technology developments impacting Puerto Rico's renewable energy transition. Your support will enable us to expand our team and amplify our impact.

Our Funding Priorities

  • Social Media Content Specialist
    To create compelling content that broadens our reach and engages our audience across various platforms.

  • Audience Engagement Coordinator
    To foster meaningful connections with readers, policymakers, investors, and community leaders, ensuring our work reflects their voices and needs.

  • Revenue and Growth Manager
    To develop innovative funding strategies that sustain our mission and facilitate our growth.

How You Can Help

We believe in the power of community to drive change. There are so many ways you can support our mission—big or small—that can make a real difference. Here’s how you can help:

Donate

Your donations keep us going. Here’s how your support helps:

  • Expanding our newsletter to reach more people and cover more critical stories.

  • Hiring team members to focus on social media, audience engagement, and growing revenue.

Every bit helps us connect to build a more sustainable Puerto Rico.

Offer In-Kind Donations

Not all support has to come in dollars. Here are a few things that would really help us:

  • Ad Space
    Share your digital advertising space to help us reach more people.

  • Event Space
    Let us use your venue for community events or brainstorming sessions.

  • Software or Tools
    Tools like Adobe, Canva, or project management software would be game-changers for us.

  • Printing Services
    Help us create professional materials for outreach and events.

Volunteer Your Skills

Got a skill you’re great at? We’d love to have your help! Right now, we’re looking for:

  • Marketing and Outreach Pros
    Help spread the word about Connect Puerto Rico and grow our community.

  • Grant Writers
    Help us secure funding with your research and writing skills.

  • Graphic Designers
    Create eye-catching visuals for our newsletter, website, or social media.

  • Researchers
    Help us analyze renewable energy trends and policies to inform our work.

Sponsor or Partner With Us

If you’re a business, nonprofit, or just someone passionate about Puerto Rico’s future, let’s team up! Sponsorships and partnerships can:

  • Help us host events that highlight renewable energy solutions.

  • Support research or initiatives that drive change.

  • Bring your brand into conversations about Puerto Rico’s clean energy future.

Connect with Us

Connect Puerto Rico is a community-driven, solutions-focused initiative, and we believe in the power of collaboration to drive real change.

We’re looking for investors, sponsors, and volunteers to help further our mission. Whether you’re looking to partner, contribute your time and skills, or support us through donations.

Reach out today to explore how you can get involved and make a difference!

Our Supporters

Craig Newmark J-School at CUNY

Connect Puerto Rico began development with the Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program at the City University of New York from October 2023 to January 2024.

Medill Local News Initiative

Connect Puerto Rico continued development with the Media Innovation and Leadership Academy (MILA) in November 2024. The Medill Local News Initiative is led by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media & Integrated Marketing Communications.

Google News Initiative

Connect Puerto Rico continued development with the Google News Initiative’s Prelaunch Lab from July through August 2024.