Founder’s Bio
Marquis Matilla
President & CEO, Evolved Living LLC
Founder, Harvey First Community Solar Project
For more than 20 years, Marquis has championed renewable energy and sustainability as tools for environmental progress and community development.
Nicaragua & Ghana
Solar energy with a human purpose.
In Nicaragua, Marquis supported solar-powered irrigation solutions that enabled farmers to pump water for their crops. Rather than relying solely on seasonal rainfall and a single growing season, solar water pumps opened opportunities for year-round cultivation and improved agricultural productivity.
In Ghana, West Africa, he has supported rural solar electrification and educational opportunities through his involvement with the Cheetah Fund 1% Club, including sponsorship of schools in West Africa.
Past Projects
Empowering Youth to Empower Themselves — Ghana
A literacy and education project in Ghana’s Volta Region focused on learning materials, classroom improvements and staff training. The 1% Club campaign lists Marquis Matilla as its activity manager.
View the project on 1% Club (opens in a new tab)Why Harvey?
From environmental advocacy to local action.
In 2005, Marquis toured the Midwest presenting “Blame It on THEM” (The Human Energy Monsters), raising awareness about fossil fuels, pollution and climate change.
Years later, Harvey’s financial crisis and the layoffs of police officers and firefighters helped motivate him to seek an energy project that could deliver lasting economic value to the city and its residents.
Harvey First Community Solar
From underused land to community energy.
Harvey First proposes an approximately 1 MW DC solar installation on underused industrially zoned land near homes, with landscaped screening, privacy fencing and minimal routine traffic.
The goal is to pair clean electricity with local opportunity and savings for eligible community solar subscribers.
The project is in development and under City review. Approvals have not been secured; benefits depend on program approval and final agreements.
Explore the proposed solar projectPower to the people
Clean energy. Local opportunity. Neighborhood revitalization.
Marquis envisions solar energy that reduces costs, strengthens neighborhoods and gives residents a voice in community benefits.