Miles Braxton: A Trailblazer in Cleantech and Community Impact
Bro. Miles Braxton (’15 ΛZ) is redefining the boundaries of innovation and leadership in the renewable energy space. Recently named to Forbes’ 2025 “30 Under 30” list for Energy & Green Tech, Braxton’s groundbreaking work in agrivoltaics is gaining national attention. As the co-founder of Okovate Sustainable Energy, he has spearheaded efforts to integrate solar energy production with sustainable agricultural practices. By designing solar installations that allow crops to thrive beneath and between solar panels, Okovate provides farmers with additional revenue streams and environmental benefits while preserving farmland.
Braxton’s journey to becoming a cleantech leader was fueled by an academic foundation rooted in environmental science and engineering. A 2018 graduate of the University of Virginia (UVA) and a Rodman Scholar, he also earned a minor in Engineering Business. During his time at UVA, Braxton began exploring photovoltaics and renewable energy under the mentorship of Professor Mool Gupta. Though he pivoted from lab work to the business side of clean energy, his early experiences laid the groundwork for his career. Furthering his expertise, Braxton completed the prestigious Financing and Deploying Clean Energy program at Yale in 2020, a milestone that expanded his vision of renewable energy solutions.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Braxton has dedicated himself to empowering the Black community within the sustainability sector. In 2020, he co-founded BlackOak Collective, a nonprofit organization that has grown to over 450 members, creating opportunities for Black professionals in environmental fields. As the organization’s former Director of Partnerships, Braxton forged connections with prominent entities such as Microsoft and Sun Tribe to facilitate career pathways for BlackOak members. Today, he continues his advocacy as a member of BlackOak’s advisory board and serves on several other boards, including the Society of Black Solar Professionals and the Ridley Scholarship Board at UVA.
Braxton’s achievements exemplify the Omega Psi Phi motto: “Friendship is Essential to the Soul.” Raised in a family steeped in the values of Omega, with his father and grandfathers as members, Braxton’s commitment to community care and excellence runs deep. His trailblazing efforts in renewable energy, combined with his dedication to fostering equity and opportunity, make him a shining example of what it means to be an Omega Man. As he continues to break barriers, Braxton’s story serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for future leaders in sustainability.
