Master Blog

When I started my career in the energy and utilities industry, I was struck by the presence of women in leadership roles. It wasn’t just about visibility—it was about influence, decision-making, and shaping the future of the industry. Seeing women at the helm was both inspiring and reassuring. Yet, as I gained experience, I became more aware of the stark gender gap that still exists.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Women hold just 16.3% of C-suite positions in power and utilities across the U.S. and Canada, with 21.7% in executive roles and 26.8% on boards. While progress has been made, the imbalance is undeniable. Many women hesitate to step forward, not because they lack talent or ambition, but because they’re uncertain of the support they’ll receive or the opportunities that await them.

For me, the idea of women leading was never a question. I grew up watching my mother—a brilliant attorney, a dedicated mother, and a respected leader in our community and church—balance it all with strength and purpose. She set the standard early on, showing me that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about using your voice, standing your ground, and driving meaningful change. Her example shaped my perspective and reinforced my belief that leadership should be accessible to anyone willing to step up.

The Power of Perspective in Leadership

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating a space where diverse voices can be heard. It’s about ensuring the best ideas rise to the surface, no matter where they come from. And in an industry undergoing rapid transformation—through electrification, decarbonization, digitalization, and AI-driven innovation—having diverse perspectives isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary.

I still remember my first leadership meeting years ago. The room was filled with brilliant minds, yet I could count the number of women on one hand. The discussions were sharp, the ideas ambitious—but something was missing. A broader perspective, a different lens to approach the challenges ahead. Over time, I’ve seen that lens expand, and it’s made all the difference.

Women bring unique insights, problem-solving approaches, and a depth of innovation that strengthen our industry. Research shows that organizations with diverse leadership teams perform better, make more informed decisions, and drive stronger business outcomes. But talent alone isn’t enough—there must be a deliberate effort to provide opportunities, mentorship, and pathways to leadership.

The challenges our industry faces are too complex for a single perspective to solve. We need leaders who can see problems from all angles—who understand not just the technology but the people it impacts. Diversity in leadership brings better decision-making, stronger financial performance, and more resilient organizations.

Women and underrepresented voices contribute insights that drive innovation in ways we often overlook. They approach problem-solving differently, bring fresh ideas to long-standing issues, and offer solutions that make organizations more adaptive and responsive. But for this diversity to make a difference, we need to actively create environments where all voices are valued and heard.

So, what can we do together?

• Mentorship & Sponsorship: Women leaders must lift others as they climb, opening doors and advocating for the next generation.
• Leadership Development Programs: Investing in women’s leadership isn’t just about fairness—it’s a strategic advantage for the industry.
• Challenging Unconscious Bias: Organizations must take intentional steps to ensure hiring, promotions, and decision-making processes are inclusive.
• Creating More Opportunities: Ensuring that women have access to stretch assignments, high-impact projects, and leadership tracks.

Indeed, women bring insights, empathy, and innovation that make our industry stronger. But leadership pipelines don’t just need talent—they need intentionality.

That’s why at WE3, we are committed to celebrating and supporting the women who are driving this transformation. She-Suite Synergy: Women Advancing in Energy & Utilities is more than a forum—it’s a movement. It’s a space where women come together to share their journeys, exchange strategies, and drive meaningful action in innovation, AI, and digital transformation.

Why She-Suite Synergy Matters

This isn’t just about filling seats at the table—it’s about reshaping the table itself. The She-Suite Synergy initiative was created to turn conversations into action, to move beyond discussion and into real impact. It’s a platform designed to connect, support, and amplify the voices of women in energy and utilities.

Supported by some of the most inspiring leaders in our industry:

• Brand Bolden (COO, SMUD)
• Julia Zhu (Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, Alectra Utilities)
• Michelle Ferrara (CIO, APS Energy)
• Retha Hunsicker (VP, Customer Experience Design & Solutions, Duke Energy)
• Jody Allison (VP – Transformation, Liberty Utilities)
• DeAnna Hardwick (Chief Customer Strategy Officer, CPS Energy)
• Linda Mattes (Former VP, Customer Operations, Alliant Energy)
• Adriana Karaboutis (Corporate Board Director, Aon)

This initiative is more than just a networking group. It’s a movement toward real change.

Each year at the WE3 Summit, the She-Suite Synergy session isn’t just another discussion—it’s a catalyst for action. It’s where real-world experiences translate into strategies that shape the future of our industry. It’s a space where women share insights, exchange strategies, and turn ideas into tangible outcomes in AI, digital transformation, and innovation.

Accelerating Action—Together

If you’re a woman working in the energy and utilities sector—whether you’re just beginning your career or leading transformation at the highest level—She-Suite Synergy is for you. This isn’t just a committee; it’s a powerful network where you can gain insights, share your experiences, and be part of shaping the future of our industry.

Let’s break barriers, push boundaries, and lead the change together. I invite you to share your thoughts, join the conversation, and be part of this movement.

Drop your insights at [email protected] and help us amplify the voices shaping the future of energy and utilities.