“I came to MIT Sloan intent on joining a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship and leadership development,” says Alecia Asiamigbe, an MIT Sloan Fellow and MBA student in the MIT Sloan School of Management who is graduating this week.
Before coming to MIT Sloan, Asiamigbe worked as an energy and infrastructure professional with over 20 years of leadership experience, delivering complex energy infrastructure solutions.
It was MIT Sloan’s work to embed sustainability in new ventures that attracted Asiamigbe. Additionally, the MIT Sloan Fellows program gave her the opportunity to earn an MBA in one year. “I was anchored to my choice by the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework and the potential to focus on climate and energy entrepreneurship.”
Currently, Asiamigbe is working to build out a sustainability-focused venture, Resilient Grid, a renewable energy company that aims to convert organic waste into sustainable natural gas able to produce reliable, dispatchable renewable power in fuel import-dependent markets. Its modular systems reduce reliance on imported fuels, lower energy costs, and stabilize grids where solar and wind alone are insufficient. By capturing methane, diverting waste from landfills, and producing useful byproducts, it delivers measurable impact across energy security, emissions reduction, and circular economic development.
“My work in sustainability is deeply rooted in my need to give back to the community and to be an agent for systems-level change. We must solve the dual challenge of providing access to opportunities to innovate and build for those not currently in the loop, while also stopping the damage currently being done to the planet. Knowing that we want better for our grandchildren, what will we do differently?”
The following photo gallery provides a snapshot of what a typical day for Asiamigbe has been like at MIT.
I begin my day by grabbing coffee at the MIT Sloan Cafe. I live on the east side of campus — so convenient! I’m just a few minutes away from the Trust Center, which has become my home.
I’m starting my day with Managerial Finance, taught by Taha Choukhmane. Beyond being a requirement for my finance certificate, I genuinely look forward to this class. Taha's teaching style makes complex concepts accessible and engaging. Through the course, I’m building practical knowledge in financial decision-making that will support my journey to CEO and founder.
Next, I have a meeting with my Resilient Grid team. For Resilient Grid, the Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship has been instrumental in transforming an embryonic venture into something tangible. The resources and mentorship from MTC, PKG, and Sandbox have cultivated not just business acumen, but the discipline and resilience essential for the entrepreneurial journey.
My afternoon class is The Art of Leadership. It’s been tremendous. Wanda Orlikowski and Aithan Shapira provide an environment that allows for reflection on how to be a more effective leader and build tools to put those reflections into practice.
Another class I’m taking this semester — Models, Controls of Energy Systems — has really expanded my knowledge of the technical aspects of electrical power grids, power generation, and grid optimization in support of my venture.
Bill Aulet and Nina Teng teach my next class, Entrepreneurship 101. MIT’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is quite robust, and being part of the MIT network means I have access to so many amazing people with deep expertise in technology and policy.
The Martin Trust Center exemplifies MIT’s entrepreneurship-focused environment that Bill Aulet champions. It’s an inspiring ecosystem where ideas take flight. Being surrounded by ambitious, driven entrepreneurs who are simultaneously welcoming and collaborative creates the ideal conditions for innovation.
