Rhea Rao is a Project Coordinator for the Smart Surfaces Coalition where she works closely with leading experts and policymakers in energy, climate, health, and environmental justice to identify critical knowledge gaps and pathways for expanding Smart Surfaces implementation.

Prior to joining the Smart Surfaces Coalition, Rhea served as an Associate & Grantwriter at Sustainable Strategies DC where she directly worked with cities across the country to secure federal, state, and philanthropic resources to support sustainable economic development, green infrastructure renovation, and community revitalization efforts.

Rhea holds a B.A. in International Affairs with a dual concentration in Environmental Studies and Public Health, and a minor in Sustainability from the George Washington University.