Meet the 9Zero
Cluster Leaders
The most powerful communities are the ones that lead themselves. Our goal is to build spaces where members don’t rely on us to thrive - but choose to stay because of the community they’ve found. When someone finds true professional connection and purpose at 9Zero, it transforms their experience into something lasting and meaningful.
Climate jobs are broad! Often too broad to find something meaningful to chat with someone about. We make it easier for 9Zero members to find their people and have a curated space to catch up, exchange ideas, and help tackle the climate crisis through clusters, led by our ambassadors.
Our ambassadors are existing 9Zero members who stood out through their dedication to the community, their open-mindedness and ability to connect members to each other. They organize sector-specific meetups, and have their finger on the pulse of the broader climate scene in their area of interest.
Mark Grozen Smith
Climate Infrastructure Ambassador
Founder @ Thresh Power ⚡ | Building the AI stack for energy developers | Ex-Google PM
Mark is on a mission to accelerate the clean energy buildout by automating the slow, manual processes that bottleneck development. At Thresh, he’s pioneering AI tools that help developers move faster with more confidence. Previously at Google, he led product for AR, identity verification, and Android Messages AI. He’s also the force behind Xooglers in Climate, helping hundreds of ex-Googlers pivot into climate. Ask him about clean electrons, infrastructure bottlenecks, or why most people hate their jobs (and how to fix that).
Josie-Dee (Seagren) Li
EV / AV Ambassador
Product leader in EV charging, fleet ops & robotics 🤖⚡ | Ex-iRobot, AmpUp, Accenture | Building intuitive systems for the future of clean, connected mobility
Josie is a systems thinker on a mission to accelerate electrification and autonomy. From smart home robotics at iRobot to fleet charging software at AmpUp, she brings deep experience building scalable, user-centered products at the intersection of hardware, software, and infrastructure. She’s especially fired up about AV depot design, charging equity, and making electrification work for renters and fleets alike. Outside work, she facilitates community meetups, speaks Mandarin, and keeps a thriving jungle of houseplants.
Declan McDonnell
Climate Data Science Ambassador
Senior Data Scientist @ EVgo ⚡ | Climatebase Fellow | Using data to power the clean energy transition
Declan is a mission-driven data scientist who turns messy data into clear climate action. With a background in education, strategy, and public service, he brings heart and rigor to every model he builds—whether it’s optimizing EV infrastructure at EVgo or unpacking grid reliability with causal inference. A Climatebase Fellow and community builder at heart, Declan’s all about using data with people, not just about them. Ask him about ethical modeling, his favorite visualization tricks, or how he pivoted into climate tech.
About 9Zero
We’re a members-only community of founders, investors, scientists, and innovators accelerating climate solutions through meaningful relationships.
Through 9Zero, you’ll make genuine connections that enable your work and unlock what’s next.
If you’re dedicated to building a more resilient world, apply to join the community.
Want to learn more about 9Zero?
For more information, visit our website at www.9zero.com