Cristine Nardi's Day in the LEAF

Our Driving Climate Solutions campaign is back! Thanks to a partnership with Colonial Nissan, we are putting Charlottesville influencers behind the wheel of an all-electric, zero emissions Nissan LEAF for 24 hours to give them the chance to experience the ins and outs of EVs, but more importantly spark a larger conversation about climate solutions in our community.

Cristine Nardi has served as the Executive Director of CNE for the past 12 years. From governance to strategy to fund development, she spends her days supporting the nonprofit leaders, board members, staff members, and volunteers that make our community better and stronger. CNE’s mission is to strengthen nonprofits, so we can realize the full potential of our community. 

Cristine was excited to help us spread the word on climate solutions and electric vehicles for the day. Though her and her husband own hybrid vehicles, she has never driven an all-electric vehicle. So when we pulled up in the Zero-Emissions Nissan Leaf, she had already talked it up and shared some of our electric vehicle FAQs with the three CNE staff members that had arrived early!  After going over the safety and eco-features she was on her way with plans to take the vehicle to several downtown meetings. She invited one of her board members who had never driven in an electric vehicle before to join her.

“I loved driving the vehicle,” she said. “It was a rainy day today and I really enjoyed getting to know it and driving it through puddles and moving around town. So thank you. One of my board members had never driven in an electric vehicle and was excited to experience being in a vehicle of the future!”

The most surprising thing about the ride for her was how quiet it was. She also didn’t realize the range -- this model gets just over 200 miles per charge. With that kind of range, she will definitely consider an EV when it comes time to purchase her next vehicle.

In parting, we asked Cristine what her next climate action would be. “At CNE, we are excited to be a part of the Better Business Challenge this year and hopefully make some changes here at the office that can help us be more environmentally sustainable.”

Thanks for all you do for our nonprofits and the environment, Cristine.