About Our Speakers:
JAMES RALPH serves as the Director of Federal Affairs for the California Independent System Operator and resides in Washington, D.C. with his wife and two daughters. Before joining the CAISO, James served as an attorney-advisor at the United States Department of Energy, as a senior advisor to Governor Newsom, and as Chief of Policy and Legal Affairs to CPUC Presidents Marybel Batjer and Michael Picker. James is thrilled to continue to work on California energy issues from afar and is honored to represent the CAISO in DC.
DELILAH CLAY is an experienced advocate with over 10 years in government relations, holding roles as a legislative staffer, policy analyst, contract lobbyist, and in-house corporate government relations expert. Most recently, she served as Assistant Vice President of Legislative Advocacy for AT&T California. She has now partnered with Leah Barros to establish a firm offering tailored, strategic advice and direct, boots-on-the-ground legislative advocacy. Delilah has represented Fortune 500 companies, municipal clients, and community organizations on a range of policy issues, including transportation, housing, consumer privacy, and healthcare. Her extensive policy advocacy experience provides her with a unique perspective on strategy development and creative problem-solving.
She was part of the advocacy team that successfully passed the CROWN Act in California, making discrimination against natural hairstyles—such as braids, locs, and twists—illegal. This groundbreaking law spurred a national movement, leading to similar legislation in over 20 states. Delilah remains passionate about pro bono lobbying when the time and opportunity align. Delilah began her career practicing labor and employment law at Jones Day in Chicago. She is a member of the bar in California and Illinois. She earned her law degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from UCLA, graduating with honors from both institutions.
