“Electric buses are a symbol of hope and means of change” – A Career Conversation with Gilbert Rosas

In this video, Gilbert Rosas shares about his work as the Director of Sustainability and Adaptation for Modesto City Schools. Gilbert is known nationally for work leading successful school bus electrification initiatives for both the Stockton Unified School District and Modesto City Schools. Speaking with Center for Climate Justice Program Manager Remy Franklin, Gilbert discusses why school bus electrification is a climate justice win and how he empowers students to be changemakers and pursue green careers.

If you’re interested in a career similar to Gilbert’s, here’s a word of advice from his interview:

“I think electric buses are a symbol of hope and a means of change…. They cost more money upfront, but as long as you get grants to help pay for them, the importance from a climate and community standpoint is that now it’s around your children. Who else is more important?

We’ve all grown up riding a bus from time to time with the windows down, loud noise, screaming, the kids, everything else going on. But what we realize in the electric buses is it’s quieter. You can hear the kids. And the other advantage is they can actually use air conditioning and have the windows up. So you’re more comfortable, and it doesn’t give emissions when they stop and start the bus or when the windows are down. So huge advantages.

I think from a climate justice standpoint, you are making a difference where it really matters, not only for your kids and for the investment of a school district, but for the whole community, right? I mean, the tide rises for everybody. We help our community by doing these things and being a lamp on a stand that gives a good example of how and what you should do with your money and be a good steward with your resources.”