The vision behind the creation of purpose focusED
Our History
Purpose Focused Alternative Learning (Purpose Focused) was founded in 2008 as a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to address long-standing social, economic, and environmental inequities affecting Indigenous communities across the Southwest.
Founder JoAnn Armenta established Purpose Focused with a deep commitment to serve underserved populations and restore balance in communities where access to essential resources—such as electricity, water, housing, and economic opportunity—has been historically limited. Guided by her ancestral ties to the region and decades of leadership in clean energy, she created the organization to build pathways toward self-reliance, resilience, and sustainability.
Following her tenure as the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Coordinator for Southern California, where she advanced alternative fuels and clean transportation initiatives, JoAnn brought her expertise, partnerships, and vision back to Indigenous communities in the Southwest. Through Purpose Focused, she translated large-scale clean energy strategies into community-based solutions for Indian Country.
From its inception, Purpose Focused has developed and delivered alternative education and workforce programs that empower individuals while addressing critical infrastructure gaps. The organization began by engaging directly with communities, building relationships with grassroots organizations and Tribal leadership, and aligning its programs with the needs and priorities of the people.
In 2022, with seed funding from the EPA Environmental Justice program, Purpose Focused launched the Navajo Solar Warrior Workforce Program, a significant milestone in its evolution. The program trains and certifies Native solar technicians to design, build, install, and maintain solar energy systems—particularly for families living without electricity.
Recognizing the need for a sustainable, locally based training model, Purpose Focused transitioned away from reliance on out-of-state programs and developed its own comprehensive training system modeled after Red Cloud Renewable in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.. Through partnerships with Higher Learning Institutions over the years, and solar industry partnership support our organization expanded its outreach, trained over 100+ students, and created pathways into the emerging clean energy economy solar workforce.
Building on this momentum, Purpose Focused invested in the development of a dedicated training facility in Gallup, New Mexico—strategically located as the “Gateway to Indian Country.” After extensive renovations to meet city code requirements, the organization established the Sunburst Solar Academy, a first-of-its-kind hands-on solar training and upskilling center in the Southwest region.
Today, this facility operates as both a workforce training center and a Community-Based Resilience Hub, supporting collaborative efforts across food, water, energy, housing, health, and economic development sectors.
Purpose Focused now operates a complete, scalable model that integrates education, workforce development, and direct community impact. Students not only gain certification—they apply their learned skills to help familes in their communities with their needs, demonstrating holistic sustainability as a viable model rooted in reciprocity and service.
Guided by the Diné philosophy of Hózhó—living in beauty, balance, and harmony—Purpose Focused continues to grow as a trusted leader advancing energy sovereignty, community resilience, and Indigenous self-determination. Through its work, Purpose Focused not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a strong foundation for future generations to thrive.