Events Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Association of Women in Energy

What Are You Doing With Your Power?

I recently attended AWE’s Oct. 14 “Power Matters Conference” in Omaha. Nearly 75 women from the energy industry joined me in a quest to expand our knowledge about fuel sources, energy markets and environmental issues. The speakers – whose biographies represented decades of higher education, hundreds of professional risks and opportunities, and the continuous paradigm of work/life balance – inspired me to do and be more than I am today as a woman working in the energy industry.

Sue Kelly, APPA President & CEO, encouraged me to become indispensable as a subject matter expert. Susan Landahl, senior vice president of Exelon Generation, was cautious about subsidies for renewables while expressing compassion for the closure of Pilgrim where her career first began. And, as she does in this video clip, author and Survivor contestant Holly Hoffman inspired me to believe the leadership flame within each of us is an individual’s choice to light.

After attending the “Power Matters Conference,” I am resolved to use my power and influence to:

1) Help others succeed. One of the best parts of my job as a manager is to give my staff opportunities, encourage them to try new things, and, through their experiences, help our corporate communications department achieve more.

2) Ask questions, especially when others don’t. Formerly a high school English teacher, I enjoyed the dialogue I had with students who asked questions. I believe in the concept of “life-long learning” and advise others to be selfish in exploring that which interests you.

3) See things from others’ points of view. I may not always agree with a colleague or friend’s political, philosophical, or management position, but unless I try to understand why they think as they do, I will only see my own. To get the best view of the world, I need to open my window as far as I can.

If I do these three things with a sincere and meaningful heart, I can’t help but become a better person. And isn’t that where the best power lies?

Save the Date: Women in Energy Panel Coming October 30th

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business presents an informative panel moderated by Sylvia Kerrigan and featuring panelists Claire Farley, Stephanie Hildebrandt, and Dr. Peggy Wilson Ph.D. For more information, click on the flyer below:

Save the Date: Power Matters Conference on Oct. 14

While energy issues are important to men and women alike, women are playing a strategic role in the conversations. Some of these women will be featured at an upcoming conference on Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Omaha.

Sponsored by the Association of Women in Energy, a national organization for professional women, the Power Matters Conference will debut with informational sessions about choices and challenges facing various fuel resources in the Midwest. Experts in the areas of renewables, nuclear, coal, the energy markets, environmental regulation and organizational leadership will headline the event. Speakers include executives from Exelon, Tenaska, The Energy Authority, American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity and the American Public Power Association. An agenda and registration information can be found here.

“What is the future of coal and nuclear in producing electricity? What role does distributed generation play? How does the market work as our energy resources change? These are topics of interest to private and public energy businesses throughout the Midwest,” said AWE President Becky Motal. “Regardless the fuel source, those who generate, regulate, and market it have shared interest in how it affects our economy and our respective industries. The Power Matters Conference gives women and men the opportunity to gain knowledge on a broad spectrum of energy issues from recognized leaders shaping the energy debate.”

Rounding out the conference is motivational speaker Holly Hoffman, finalist in Season 21 of Survivor. Utility sponsors of the event include the Nebraska Public Power District, The Energy Authority and Tenaska Marketing Ventures. For sponsorship opportunities, click here.