"You really can't raise up above subsistence living if you don't have light, electricity and energy, " says Lucey.

CNN: 'Solar sisters' spreading light in Africa

During her 20-year career as an energy executive, Lucey says she'd seen how access to electricity was fundamental for economic growth.

CNN: 'Solar sisters' spreading light in Africa

"This gives them a chance to earn money in a way that is a lot more steady -- they have control over it and that money can come into the family, " says Lucey, who is based in Rhode Island, in the United States.

CNN: 'Solar sisters' spreading light in Africa

Cutts, in collaboration with Ashoka Fellow Katherine Lucey, is tackling barriers to better healthcare, including the lack of reliable electricity and unreliable transportation infrastructure, through participatory development initiatives like the installation of solar systems in rural health care centers and motorcycle ambulance programs.

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