Please join Women+Power on Sunday, March 10 for our annual IPPSA Conference Cocktail Reception
Women+Power relies on the generous support of our financial sponsors and we are thrilled and grateful to Dentons for sponsoring our annual IPPSA Conference Networking reception this year. All conference attendees are invited to join us for this cocktail reception on Sunday, March 10 from 7-9 p.m. in the Riverview Lounge at the Fairmont Banff Springs, immediately following the IPPSA Welcome Reception.
Dentons is designed to be different. As the world’s largest global law firm with over 160 locations in more than 80 countries, Dentons helps its clients grow, protect, operate and finance their businesses. Dentons has a purpose-driven approach, a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and ESG, and challenges the status quo to stay focused on what matters most to its clients and community.
Thank you Dentons for your generous sponsorship of the 2024 Women+Power IPPSA Conference networking reception!
Jacquie Station is an accomplished professional engineer in Alberta’s utility sector, with over 20 years of technical and leadership experience in utility design and project management. She is currently the Senior Manager of Transmission Engineering at EPCOR Distribution and Transmission, where she leads a team of professionals responsible for designing all new and replacement infrastructure for the transmission grid serving the City of Edmonton.
In her capacity as a Board Member of Women+Power, Jacquie hopes to pay forward the wealth of knowledge and guidance she has been fortunate to receive throughout her career to the next generation of women engineers and utility professionals. In the twenty years since she began her career in Alberta’s electric utilities, Jacquie has been gratified to see the growth and development of women in the utility sector, and is excited to contribute her time and expertise to helping women to continue to advance and grow in this space.
In addition to her career at EPCOR, Jacquie volunteers with local Edmonton sports organizations and enjoys spending time outdoors with her young sons.
AltaLink and Women+Power spark connection and conversation
AltaLink continues to demonstrate its commitment to building community, fostering inclusion, and creating space for women to grow and lead in Alberta’s power sector. On November 12, AltaLink hosted the third annual Women Leading ‘the Charge’ event in partnership with Women+Power. AltaLink is a proud Gigawatt Sponsor of Women+Power and an ongoing champion of our mission.
Building on the success of past years, this year’s event brought together professionals from across Alberta’s electricity industry for an engaging evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration. Attendees from across the sector filled the room to network and hear an insightful panel discussion exploring policy, government relations, and the realities of navigating careers in historically underrepresented spaces.
AltaLink’s Johanne Picard-Thompson, Executive Vice President, Corporate Services and Women+Power Board Chair, opened the evening with introductory remarks before welcoming the panel:
Nicole Spears, Executive Director, Generation, Transmission and Markets, Alberta Affordability and Utilities, Government of Alberta Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy and External Affairs, Calgary Chamber of Commerce Cayla Saby, Vice President, Government Relations and Commercial, AltaLink Moderator: Carly Duerr, Director, Capital Replacements and Upgrades Projects, AltaLink
The discussion touched on everything from industry transformation and stakeholder collaboration to leadership development and the importance of mentorship. Panelists shared perspectives on the work underway to advance the electricity sector and the opportunities ahead for women across the industry.
The event concluded with an engaging audience Q&A followed by networking, where guests exchanged ideas, built new connections, and reflected on their shared commitment to strengthening an inclusive and resilient electricity sector.
Women+Power extends its sincere thanks to AltaLink for its leadership and continued partnership in championing women’s advancement in the industry.
Industry leaders explore how collaboration, innovation, and proactive planning are shaping Alberta’s wildfire response
Women+Power, in collaboration with the Alberta Wildfire Utility Coalition, recently hosted a compelling virtual panel discussion: Wildfires and the Grid: Reducing Risk and Increasing Resiliency.
Moderated by Mike Shaw (ATCO), the conversation brought together Amanda Sadleir (AltaLink), Kate Hovland (ATCO), and Jennifer MacGowan (FortisAlberta) for an insightful look at how Alberta’s utilities are working together to address one of our province’s most pressing challenges – the growing threat of wildfires and their impact on communities, infrastructure, and the electricity system.
🔑 Key Takeaways
The risk is real and rising. As Kate Hovland outlined, Alberta has seen a dramatic increase in wildfire activity. In 2018, the 5-year annual average was 234,000 hectares burned, and by 2024, this annual average had grown to well over 500,000 hectares. In 2023 alone, more than 2.2 million hectares, roughly 4.4 million CFL football fields, were affected. The consequences ripple far beyond the burn zones, affecting air quality, insurance premiums, and the cost of rebuilding critical utility infrastructure.
Utilities are leading with innovation. Jennifer MacGowan shared how predictive technologies and infrastructure upgrades, from insulating wires to installing advanced protection devices, are helping utilities act earlier and more effectively. New situational awareness tools enable teams to anticipate high-risk conditions, mobilize crews in advance, and mitigate potential ignition sources before a wildfire starts.
Collaboration is key. As Amanda Sadleir emphasized, as the owners and operators of the electric transmission and distribution networks in Alberta’s higher risk fire areas, AltaLink, ATCO, and FortisAlberta, are stronger together through the Alberta Wildfire Utility Coalition. The Coalition’s focus on prevention, resiliency, and coordinated response has led to shared working groups that exchange best practices, align strategies, and enhance emergency preparedness across organizations.
Safety comes first. Sadleir also discussed one component of a comprehensive utility wildfire mitigation plan called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a last-resort safety measure designed to protect people and communities. During dangerous weather conditions where the threat of a spark is extreme, power to impacted lines may be proactively turned off to prevent an ignition that could lead to a catastrophic wildfire. Each situation is unique and a range of conditions are continually monitored and assessed before a PSPS decision is made. Wildfire mitigation and response, including potential PSPS events, requires careful planning, coordination, and communication. Coalition members are committed to working closely with the customers and communities they serve, including municipalities and emergency management teams, to plan and test protocols and enhance emergency response plans.
Throughout the session, the panelists highlighted how shared learning, technology, and proactive planning are essential to keeping Albertans safe and keeping the lights on in an era of increasing wildfire risk.
💡 Missed the live event? The replay will be featured in our upcoming Women+Power newsletter.
Not yet part of our community? Join Women+Power to stay informed about upcoming events, resources, and opportunities to connect: https://womenpower.ca/connect/
On September 17, 2025, Women+Power proudly hosted our 4th Annual Gala Luncheon in Calgary. This sold-out event brought together nearly 350 leaders from Alberta’s power and energy sector to celebrate women’s leadership and the importance of diversity, collaboration, and authenticity in shaping the future of energy.
We were honoured to welcome Nancy C. Southern, Chair & CEO of ATCO Ltd. and Executive Chair of Canadian Utilities Limited, as our distinguished guest speaker. In a thought-provoking and personal conversation moderated by Marie Rajic, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at ENMAX, Nancy shared insights from her leadership journey that inspired everyone in the room.
Her reflections on authenticity, courage, and diversity deeply resonated with attendees and set the tone for a powerful afternoon of connection and inspiration. Nancy also spoke about the power of diversity in driving innovation and growth.
💡 Key Takeaways from Nancy’s Reflections:
Regulators, governments, and industry must work together toward the common goal of growing economic prosperity for Alberta and Canada.
Exceptional leaders surround themselves with individuals whose talents surpass their own.
Great leaders cultivate openness and welcome differing viewpoints.
🎥 Relive the Inspiration
We’re delighted to share three videos that capture the spirit, energy, and inspiration of this year’s Gala Luncheon:
1️⃣ 2025 Gala Highlights Relive the moments that made the day unforgettable—from heartfelt conversations to the energy and excitement that filled the room.
2️⃣Be True to Yourself Hear Nancy’s reflections on authenticity, integrity, and what it means to lead with courage.
3️⃣Anything Is Possible Experience Nancy’s closing message—an inspiring call to action reminding us that with vision, resilience, and collaboration, anything is possible.
A heartfelt thank-you as well to our volunteers, Board of Directors, and Executive Director, Leah Iszakovits, whose dedication and leadership made this event a resounding success.
The 4th Annual Gala Luncheon was more than a celebration—it was a call to action for women across Alberta’s power and energy sector to lead authentically, champion diversity, and believe that, in Nancy’s words, “anything is possible.”
On September 24, Women+Power hosted “Inverter-Based Resources and Grid Reliability: Navigating the Future of Electricity,” an engaging panel discussion bringing together leaders and experts from Alberta’s electricity sector. The event explored the growing role of inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as battery storage, and the implications for grid reliability, operational planning, and energy transition strategies.
The panel featured Astrid Schneider (AltaLink), Tracy Spratt (ENMAX), and Mike Schoenenberger (Enfinite), collectively contributing over 50 years of experience in Alberta’s electricity sector. Bre Fox (AESO) moderated the discussion, guiding participants through the technical, operational, and leadership perspectives critical to the evolving grid.
Key Takeaways from the Panel:
Leadership and Team Development: Panelists emphasized developing people and empowering teams. Tracy Spratt shared that leadership is driven by a desire “to have more influence on change and a greater capacity to support my team members,” while Mike Schoenenberger noted that leadership allows him “to bring new people in and help them grow into what they can be.” Astrid Schneider highlighted that effective leadership involves removing obstacles so employees can succeed.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Inclusive teams strengthen innovation and performance. Mike Schoenenberger encouraged women seeking leadership roles to connect with leaders supporting their growth, reinforcing the importance of equity and inclusion across the sector.
Technical Insights on IBRs: Panelists explored how inverter-based resources are reshaping grid reliability. As Alberta shifts from conventional generation to IBRs, new approaches to maintaining grid stability are essential to ensure reliable electricity delivery.
Collaboration is Essential: Successful integration of IBRs requires close coordination among regulators, system operators, and industry experts, along with ongoing training to equip teams for emerging technologies and operational realities.
Moderator Spotlight: Bre Fox
Bre Fox is a seasoned industry leader with over 20 years of experience in Alberta’s power sector. She is a passionate advocate for leveraging a full range of technologies to support the energy transition. Throughout her career, Bre has built a strong reputation of excellence in leadership, project execution and strategic business planning, all of which she brings to her current role. She plays a key role in enabling development for both generation and load across Alberta while ensuring the reliability and resilience of the provincial grid.
As a founding board member of Women + Power she is also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within the energy industry. Driven by innovation and collaboration, Bre continues to shape the future of Alberta’s energy landscape with a clear focus on sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Reflecting on the panel, Bre shared:
“It was wonderful to connect with industry leaders on IBRs and grid reliability. This served as a positive reminder that, as the energy landscape continues to evolve, there isn’t a single ‘silver bullet’ solution. By staying authentic and fostering collaboration among great minds, the industry can truly thrive.”
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta’s interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta’s competitive wholesale electricity market.
The AESO is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity by fostering a culture of belonging and respect where different ideas, experiences, and backgrounds are valued to drive innovation. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and connect with the diverse communities we serve across Alberta. From the beginning, we have taken a grassroots approach to build strong foundations and frameworks that guide this work.
They have an internal council committed to enabling culture transformation.
They have four employee resource groups: Amp It Up, Powered Up Parents, Energizing Pride, and Balancing the Load.
Their first employee resource group Amp It Up, is geared to empower women and their advocates in amplifying the learning and career journey for women in our industry.
In total, AESO leadership is currently 60% Men and 40% Women.
Looking ahead:
The discussion highlighted the exciting opportunities and challenges that come with Alberta’s energy transition. Women+Power thanks all panelists, moderator, and participants for sharing their expertise and insights. As the sector continues to evolve, fostering collaboration, leadership, and innovation will remain essential—empowering women and all professionals to shape a resilient and sustainable energy future.
At Women+Power, we’re committed to creating spaces where women in energy can lead, innovate, and inspire. Alberta’s power industry is undergoing a historic transformation as inverter-based resources (IBRs) like wind, solar, and battery storage become central to the grid. Meeting this challenge requires technical excellence and inclusive leadership. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight Astried Schneider, Director, Engineering – Projects at AltaLink. With more than 20 years of experience shaping Alberta’s transmission infrastructure, Astried combines engineering expertise with a deep commitment to collaboration. Her leadership reflects how innovation and inclusion work hand in hand to build a more resilient, future-ready grid.
Headquartered in Calgary, with offices in Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge, AltaLink is Alberta’s largest electricity transmission provider, with more than 13,400 kilometres of transmission lines and more than 310 substations. AltaLink is partnering with its customers to provide innovative solutions to meet the province’s demand for reliable and affordable energy.
AltaLink supports a diverse and inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of its employees, ensures everyone feels valued, respected and empowered, and enhances the connections we have to the communities in which we live and work. AltaLink is proud to support Women+Power in connecting and empowering women in Alberta’s power industry, while working to promote increased diversity and inclusion within the sector.
A registered professional engineer with over two decades of dedicated service at AltaLink, Astried brings engineering and leadership experience to her role overseeing the engineering teams responsible for the planning and design of new transmission facilities. In addition to guiding the development of Altalink’ s infrastructure, she oversees the company’s quality management and engineering standards, ensuring technical excellence across all projects.
Throughout her career at Altalink, Astried has held a range of leadership and engineering positions across both project execution and operations. Notable accomplishments include; Incident Commander for AltaLink’ s emergency response team, led the selection and design of a new outage management system and processes to improve coordination with customers, co-authored technical papers with peers and utility vendors, and developed a variety of engineering standards. This breath of experience has given her a deep understanding of Altalink’ s business, its people, and customers. Astried is known for her commitment to employee development, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service.
Q & A with Astried
What excites you most about your work in IBR and grid reliability?
IBR type generators like solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage do not operate like traditional gas or coal generators. This technology uses power electronics to interface with the existing electric grid resulting in a re-design of the regulatory framework and fundamental principles of grid operation. It drives substantial engineering challenges and opportunities for innovation to solve real world problems using new technology and data analysis.
What emerging challenges or opportunities are you seeing as Alberta’s grid evolves?
Voltage and frequency control, modeling and simulation of IBR controls, and energy supply dispatch are among some of the engineering challenges that are driving cutting edge research and technology development in Alberta. We are looking into Grid Enhancing technology (GET) like Dynamic Line ratings, advanced conductors and other voltage and control equipment to optimize the capacity of the existing Grid and ensure system stability. Improving IBR models and simulation also present an opportunity for engineering development and grid operation.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your leadership journey?
In my previous role in System Operations, I had the opportunity to work directly with large industrial customers, gaining insight into their operations and the importance of uninterrupted power supply. I also led restorations efforts during emergency events, which was a highly rewarding experience.
How have you seen innovation and inclusion intersect in your work?
Innovation and inclusion have intersected my work through the collaboration with professionals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. These teams composed of individuals from across the globe have come together to scope and execute projects aimed at reducing interconnection costs for costumers, enhancing the efficiency and affordability of grid access. The variety of perspectives and experiences on our teams consistently drive creative problem solving, operational resilience, and customer-focused outcomes.
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to women pursuing careers in the sector?
For women pursuing a career in the transmission utility industry, I would recommend:
Pursue degrees in electrical engineering with focus in power systems and energy management.
Join industry networks like IEEE Power and Energy Society.
Learn regulatory frameworks and industry policies.
Stay informed about the latest technologies, the industry is shifting towards smart grids and automation.
Build leadership and interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise.
What role do you think diverse leadership plays in advancing grid reliability and energy transition?
Leaders from varied backgrounds and across the globe bring their unique experience in the integration and operation of renewable systems. This enables the adoption of advanced technologies like smart grids and grid enhancing equipment. It also fosters collaboration and sharing across the industry including Regulatory frameworks and industry policies.
Why is it important to bring more voices and perspectives to technical leadership in energy?
Diverse leadership teams offer a broader range of experiences and problem-solving approaches, which leads to more creative and effective solutions. This is especially important as the power industry navigates through complex challenges like grid modernization, renewable integration, and climate adaptation. Inclusive leadership also attracts and retains talent as employees feel valued and empowered.
Hear more from Astried…
Astried will bring her expertise and perspective to Women+Power’s upcoming virtual panel, Inverter-Based Resources and Grid Reliability: Navigating the Future of Electricity Panel Presentation, on September 24, 2025. Alongside leaders from Enfinite, ENMAX, and AESO, she’ll explore the innovations, challenges, and collaborative strategies shaping the future of Alberta’s electricity system. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating the energy transition—from utility professionals to policy advocates and emerging leaders in the sector. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Astried and her peers. Register today to secure your spot.
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Mike leads Enfinite’s project development, regulatory engagement, and market integration strategies, helping to advance innovative energy storage and generation solutions that strengthen grid reliability. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, he is also shaping a culture that empowers women and underrepresented groups in energy and leadership.
Enfinite is a Canadian leader in power generation and energy storage, delivering innovative solutions that enhance grid reliability and support a resilient energy future. As an owner and operator, the company is committed to seamlessly integrating its technologies with existing infrastructure to ensure energy stability and progress for all.
At the heart of Enfinite is a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The company proudly supports and empowers women in energy and leadership, recognizing their critical role in driving innovation and shaping Canada’s energy landscape. As a signatory of the Electricity Human Resources Canada Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Enfinite actively fosters a workplace where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. Guided by its core values – safety, people, collaboration, innovation, integrity, and resilience Enfinite is building a culture that celebrates diverse strengths and perspectives. For Enfinite, people are their greatest source of energy, and inclusion fuels shared success.
Mike Schoenenberger is the Vice President of Development & Markets at Enfinite, where he leads the company’s project development, regulatory, and market integration strategies. With over a decade of experience in engineering, project development, and smart grid technologies, Mike brings a deep understanding of both the oil and gas and power sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary and is a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Since joining Enfinite over four years ago as a Facilities Engineer, Mike has advanced through several key roles, reflecting his strong leadership and technical expertise. He now represents Enfinite in regulatory working groups and plays a pivotal role in advancing energy solutions that support a resilient grid.
A strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Mike has been a panelist with Women+Power and is actively building an inclusive Development and Markets team, including the advancement of women in leadership roles.
Q&A with Mike
What excites you most about your work in IBR and grid reliability?
Grid reliability ensures lights stay on, hospitals operate, data centers run, and economies function. My work allows me to contribute, in a small but meaningful way, to the backbone of modern civilization, solving problems that have real, immediate impact.
What role do you think diverse leadership plays in advancing grid reliability and energy transition?
We are currently experiencing a generational shift in how power is generated and used. The needs and requirements are fundamentally different which requires a shift in how we approach solutions. A diverse perspective is critical to drive new and innovative ideas that break the mold.
Don’t miss this exciting Panel Presentation
Mike’s insights will be invaluable as we explore how inverter-based resources are reshaping Alberta’s grid and what it takes to ensure system reliability in a time of rapid change.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Mike and our other expert panelists at Women+Power’s upcoming session:
The Women+Power Gala Luncheon is officially sold out, but we’re thrilled to share a new way for you to be part of the celebration — even if you don’t have a ticket.
For the first time, we’re hosting a silent auction in support of Women+Power, featuring one exclusive item that couldn’t be more aligned with our mission:
✨ Executive Coaching Package – 3 Private Sessions with Megan Gill, Certified Executive Coach and founder of Repowered Leadership (Value: $1,250)
This one-on-one coaching experience is designed for women in mid- to senior-level leadership roles in Alberta’s power sector who are ready to lead with confidence, influence, and impact.
With nearly two decades in Alberta’s power sector, including senior roles in regulatory policy and advocacy, Megan has built her career in complex, high-stakes environments where the pressures are real and the stakes are high.
She knows what it’s like to lead from the middle: delivering strategy, managing competing priorities, and finding her voice in rooms not designed for her. That lived experience fuels her passion for helping women leaders cut through the noise, claim their seat at the table, and lead on their own terms.
Megan’s leadership in this space has been recognized with the 2022 Young Women in Energy Award and the 2023 Woman of Renewable Energy Award. Through private coaching, workshops, and her leadership accelerator WATT (Women Advancing and Thriving Together), she equips high-achieving women with the clarity, resilience, and influence to thrive in senior roles… without burning out in the process.
The winner of this auction will experience Megan’s coaching firsthand, gaining personalized support, practical tools, and a clear path to elevate their leadership.
💡 Whether you use it yourself or gift it to an emerging leader you admire, this is a unique opportunity to elevate leadership potential while fueling Women+Power’s mission.
👉 How it works:
The auction closes on September 18 at 9:00 AM
The winning bidder will be drawn the day after the Gala
100% of proceeds support Women+Power’s mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities
And remember, everyone can bid. Men are encouraged to bid too — and even better, sponsor a deserving woman. A great opportunity to put allyship into action.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive power industry — and your bid helps make that possible.
As the energy industry undergoes one of the most transformative shifts in history, leaders like Tracy Spratt, Manager of ENMAX Power’s Office of the Chief Engineer, are helping shape how we navigate the challenges and opportunities of inverter-based resources (IBRs). With over two decades at ENMAX, Tracy has built her career leading technical teams, improving processes, and driving collaboration across the power sector.
In addition to her leadership at ENMAX, she serves as Chair of the Alberta Power Industry Consortium (APIC) and Electricity Canada’s Grid Modernization Committee, where she drives forward industry-wide conversations on reliability and technological change. Her insights on building strong technical foundations, embracing diverse perspectives, and leading through change are invaluable for anyone seeking to thrive in Alberta’s evolving energy landscape.
About ENMAX
ENMAX provides electricity services, products and solutions across the energy value chain—from regulated wires and power generation to energy retail. ENMAX is deeply committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We know diversity brings fresh perspectives, drives innovation and strengthens our culture. It’s not just a value—it’s integral to how we lead, grow and power the future. ENMAX is proud to have women represent 36 per cent of our workforce, 41 per cent of our leadership, and 63 per cent of our senior leadership. We are also building momentum toward long-term inclusion and belonging through both organizational and employee-led efforts, including employee resource groups and leadership training focused on equity and inclusion. By embedding these values across our culture, we’re creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported and empowered—and where diverse voices help shape the future of energy in the communities we serve.
Managing ENMAX Power’s Office of the Chief Engineer, Tracy leads a team that provides technical direction for ENMAX Power’s wide scope of Transmission and Distribution regulated business. Tracy has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and is a professional engineer and responsible member with APEGA. Having been with ENMAX for over 20 years, most of it spent leading technical teams, Tracy has a passion for improving processes, inspiring collaboration and enhancing the development of the technical capabilities of ENMAX team members through mentorship and training. She is chair of the board of the Alberta Power Industry Consortium (APIC) as well as Electricity Canada’s Grid Modernization Committee.
Q & A with Tracy
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to women pursuing careers in the sector? I encourage women pursuing careers in power to spend the first few years gaining a solid base of technical understanding in your area; and then to move to various roles if you can; or collaborate with other role partners if moving around roles is challenging. Find not only a mentor but a sponsor. Be curious and open to new opportunities and different perspectives to broaden your knowledge of the industry. Be ready for change.
Why is it important to bring more voices and perspectives to technical leadership in energy? There are incredible opportunities not only in leadership of people, but leadership of technological change and advancement. We grow when we surround ourselves with diversity of thought. We will advance faster as an industry with increased perspectives collaborating; including people who look at challenges from different perspectives based on their life experience and their strengths. Together there’s definitely a brighter energy future.
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Women+Power proudly hosted Breaking Barriers: Women Pioneering Leadership in Power & Energy, a compelling virtual panel that brought together some of Alberta’s most influential women leaders in the energy sector. This event shone a spotlight on the experiences, insights, and leadership journeys of women who are shaping the future of an industry traditionally dominated by men.
The panel featured candid conversations about resilience, mentorship, career growth, and how diverse leadership strengthens Alberta’s energy landscape. Panelists shared valuable lessons learned, including insights such as “growth rarely happens in a straight line,” the importance of “not waiting for permission,” and that “title isn’t everything.” They emphasized the power of grounded authenticity and encouraged attendees to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” These practical pieces of advice offered fresh perspectives and encouragement for both emerging and established professionals considering leadership roles.
Inspiring Leadership Voices
Our distinguished panel included:
Marie Rajic, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, ENMAX
Heather Speers, Vice President, Human Resources, FortisAlberta
Georgina Newell, Vice Chair, Women+Power and Associate Director, Guidehouse (Moderator)
Each speaker brought unique perspectives on navigating challenges, driving innovation, and advocating for equity in the energy sector. The dialogue highlighted the power of mentorship and the importance of fostering inclusive work environments to accelerate industry growth.
Moderator Insights: Georgina Newell, Vice Chair, Women+Power
We were privileged to have Georgina Newell, Vice Chair of Women+Power and Associate Director at Guidehouse, lead this important conversation as our moderator. Reflecting on the event, Georgina shared:
“It was inspiring to facilitate such an open and honest discussion with leaders who are not only breaking barriers but actively creating pathways for others to succeed. The resilience and determination these women demonstrated reinforces the importance of supporting diverse leadership in energy. This event highlights that by fostering connection and sharing our stories, we build a stronger, more inclusive industry for the future.”
Looking Ahead
The success of Breaking Barriers underscores Women+Power’s ongoing commitment to empower women in Alberta’s power and energy sectors. With continued engagement, knowledge-sharing, and community-building, Women+Power aims to foster an environment where all women have the opportunity to lead and thrive.
Stay connected with Women+Power for upcoming events, programs, and initiatives designed to inspire, inform, and elevate women across the energy industry.
