What an incredible event we had at our Third Annual Gala Luncheon on November 26, 2024! With 300 guests in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, and the energy in the room was nothing short of inspiring. 🌟
This year’s event was an absolute success, with thought-provoking discussions around “The Future of Utilities in a Changing Environment”—a topic that has never been more relevant. We were honoured to welcome such distinguished panellists Aaron Engen, President & CEO of AESO and Carolyn Dahl Rees, Chair of the Alberta Utilities Commission with moderator Johanne Picard-Thompson, Chair of Women+Power & Executive Vice President at AltaLink.
The speakers shared valuable insights on the future of utilities in Alberta’s evolving energy market and they also focused on leadership and highlighted the importance of seizing all opportunities in career advancement, no matter how small. Their discussion sparked meaningful conversations, inspiring us to think critically about the future of the energy sector and leading to great discussions among attendees.
It was so wonderful to have our sponsors present and representatives from multiple organizations join us. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Gala Luncheon a success!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and continue our mission to empower women in Alberta’s energy sector.
We can’t wait to see the progress we’ll continue to make in 2025 and beyond. Together, we are shaping the future of utilities and leadership in Alberta!
We’re proud to partner with TransAlta, a company that is committed to empowering women and breaking down barriers in the workplace. In their latest video, they highlight the voices of women at their organization who are defying the odds, embracing their own potential, and leading with courage. They share powerful messages that inspire us all to embrace our true potential:
“Defying the Odds” – Overcoming challenges and pushing past limitations to achieve greatness, no matter the obstacles.
“Decide what you want and go get it” – Taking ownership of your goals and taking action to make them a reality, with confidence and determination.
“If there’s no seat at the table, create your own seat” – Breaking down doors and forging new paths when opportunities are limited, proving that there is always space for those who dare to lead.
“Stand in the truth of who you are” – Embracing authenticity and staying true to yourself, no matter what others expect or say.
These messages reflect the core values of empowerment, courage, and leadership that TransAlta champions every day. We’re thrilled to showcase this video as part of our ongoing effort to amplify the voices of women who are shaping the future of Alberta’s power industry and beyond.
Watch the full video and be inspired by their stories!
As women climb the professional ladder, they often encounter a frustrating and complex challenge known as the “double-bind dilemma.” This predicament, well-documented in leadership research, creates a no-win situation for women in the workplace: act assertively and risk being labeled as too aggressive, or display warmth and risk being seen as lacking authority. Navigating this delicate balance can feel like walking a tightrope—one wrong move, and the consequences can be career-limiting. A study by Catalyst, a global nonprofit focused on workplace gender equity, highlights the stark realities of this double-bind. The report reveals that women are often evaluated on their ability to exhibit traditionally “feminine” traits like empathy and collaboration while simultaneously being expected to adopt “masculine” behaviors such as decisiveness and confidence. This conflict creates a paradox: too much of one, and a woman’s competence is questioned; too much of the other, and her likability is at stake.
This strict standard for what competence looks like in the workplace affects men, too, and is particularly prevalent in leadership roles. Double standards and unquestioned stereotypes can leave leaders of all stripes in an ongoing battle to prove their competence while maintaining a likable persona.
The double-bind dilemma is not just a frustrating hurdle; it has real implications for career advancement and wellbeing. Research published in the Harvard Business Review found that women in leadership positions are 30% more likely than men to be judged negatively when they make mistakes, and the constant pressure to balance between likability and competence can lead to burnout and self-doubt.
So, how can women and men navigate the double-bind dilemma? While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, communities like Women+Power help to promote awareness, community and power change. At an organizational level, increasing awareness of stereotypes and biases in the workplace can help to create a more inclusive and equitable culture.
Sources
1. Catalyst Report on Double-Bind Dilemma: This nonprofit has published a number of reports on gender biases in the workplace, including their landmark study on the double-bind. You can find more at Catalyst.org.
2. Harvard Business Review (HBR): HBR frequently publishes research on gender and leadership, and you can explore relevant articles, such as “Why Women Aren’t Promoted as Often as Men (and How to Change That)” on their site at HBR.org.
A very special thank you goes out to Burns & McDonnell for generously sponsoring this year’s 3rd Annual W+P Member Networking Event in Calgary on June 13, 2024. Their support ensured a successful gathering filled with lively connections and enjoyable moments. Attendees had a fantastic time, highlighted by the free giveaways courtesy of Burns & McDonnell. The gift baskets from Chickadee Refillery featured locally sourced and eco-friendly products, adding a thoughtful touch to an already memorable evening of networking and camaraderie.
The event was not only a platform for forging new connections but also a celebration of diversity and empowerment. As participants mingled and exchanged ideas, the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm and mutual support. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this evening a resounding success, and we eagerly anticipate building upon this momentum in future gatherings.
On June 25, we proudly hosted our inaugural Women+Power Member Networking Event in Edmonton at the Alberta Utilities Commission. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, this event was a resounding success. We were honored to feature Marguerite Trussler, retired Ethics Commissioner for the Province of Alberta, as our esteemed guest speaker. Her engaging and humorous insights on leadership and empowerment set an inspiring tone for the evening.
Key Highlights:
👩💼 Networking Excellence: Professionals from diverse backgrounds gathered to forge meaningful connections, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and empowerment.
🎤 Inspirational Speaker: Marguerite Trussler captivated the audience with her wisdom and experiences, leaving everyone motivated and inspired to pursue their goals fearlessly.
🙌 Gratitude: We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, sponsors, and the W+P Events Committee whose dedication ensured the event’s success. Your commitment to empowering women in our community is truly commendable.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event impactful and memorable. Together, we are creating a more inclusive and empowered community.
Catch the replay of behind the scenes of a 24×7 market: A Fireside Chat and Q&A on market designs & fundamentals and how generation & storage technologies are shaping the Alberta electricity market. With nearly 300 people registered for both online and in-person the event was a great success, and also, entertaining as our Moderator, Yining Yuan, and industry experts kept the audience engaged.
Jill comes with a comprehensive background in trading and asset management. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2009, followed by an MBA in 2021 from the University of Calgary, her career journey began as a Real Time Trader, eventually advancing to the position of Commercial Manager overseeing Capital Power’s Western Canadian assets and ultimately returning to her passion of trading in 2021. Currently, as Manager of Short-Term Trading, she leads the team responsible for the 24/7 real-time desk, while managing cash and ancillary services trading for the Commodities Canada West team.
Paula is a Partner in Osler’s Commercial Department specializing in energy and construction law and is Co-Chair of the firm’s Construction and Infrastructure practice group. Paula’s practice focuses on the construction, development, acquisition and divestiture of energy and infrastructure projects in Canada and abroad, with a particular focus on renewable energy and energy transition projects. She has experience in oil, gas, oilsands, LNG, power and renewable energy transactions and project development and engineering, procurement and construction matters, including negotiating and drafting asset and share purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, joint operating agreements, processing, transportation, storage and marketing agreements, commodity purchase and sale agreements, construction, ownership and operation agreements, engineering, procurement and construction contracts and service related agreements.
Mike is an accomplished Professional Engineer and the technical authority at Enfinite. With his expertise and dedication, he leads interdisciplinary teams to design, plan, develop, construct, and operate Enfinite’s projects and developments. Driven by passion for advancing the field of battery energy storage, he has worked tirelessly to implement trailblazing battery energy storage solutions. His expertise in optimizing and integrating smart grid technologies has played a pivotal role in the successful deployment of large-scale energy storage projects. He is a thought leader and a dedicated advocate for sustainable energy practices and has actively participated in industry conferences and advocacy groups, sharing his knowledge and insights with industry peers. He is also an active member of many market working groups in Western Canada. As the battery energy storage industry continues to evolve, Mike remains at the forefront of innovation and powering progress towards a more sustainable future.
Moderator:
Yining Yuan, P. Eng, CFA and MBA, Associate, Macquarie Group and Women+Power Board Member & Treasurer
Yining joined the Women+Power as a Board member and Treasurer since Sep 2022. In her career often as the only female at the table, Yining believes that it is long overdue to have a platform supporting women in the power sector and is proud to be part of Women+Power.
As customers continue to electrify their lives, ENMAX is adapting to their changing needs and leading the way as enablers of the energy transition with an ongoing commitment to ensure Calgary’s transmission and distribution system is safe, reliable and cost-effective.
Sarah Stevens is Vice President, Customer Relations and System Development with ENMAX Power and is at the forefront of this transition. Sarah leads a dynamic and committed team that develops plans for the transmission and distribution system in Calgary and creates innovative solutions for customers to facilitate the future of electricity. Sarah also leads customer experience and commercial management for ENMAX Power with a focus on driving value and enhancing the customer experience.
On February 15, Sarah will moderate a panel discussion with colleagues from ENMAX who lead in various disciplines. Let’s get to know Sarah in advance of our upcoming event.
Tell us a little bit about how ENMAX is approaching the energy transition. What are you focused on right now?
Over the last several years we’ve seen a growing demand from our customers for different solutions, whether it’s increased usage of electric vehicles or interest in distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panel installations. Based on the trends we see in requests coming to ENMAX Power, customers are electrifying their lives.
To address that, we’re taking a customer-focused approach to the energy transition to determine how we can make electrification easier for those we serve and increase utilization of our existing system. It is important for us to find options to support customers while keeping affordability in mind.
What projects are you most excited about?
We have a lot of really exciting projects happening at ENMAX Power. We have started the rollout of Advanced Metering technology (AMI) which will simplify the way we read meters and provide customers with more convenience, reliability and control over managing their electricity use.
We are also looking at improvements in the way we communicate with customers. Whether it’s initiating a new DER project with us or being notified about power outages, we know being a trusted advisor through this transition period will be key and I’m excited for the initiatives we have coming.
What are some key milestones that have shaped your career? What advice would you give to other women in the energy industry?
My key career milestones all centre around taking on challenges, being bold in asking for opportunities and pushing myself into new spaces. I have had the privilege of working with amazing teams where I can contribute and drive long-term value. My career highlights are the things that I would not have “mapped out” in advance.
I have also benefited from having a strong support and development network, including those that challenge and stretch my thinking.
Tell us more about the panel you’re hosting, what can we expect to hear more about?
I am really excited to showcase the talent and leadership of these women from ENMAX. They all bring a unique perspective on the industry and how the energy transition will change our business.
Stacy Mercer is the Director of Affordability at ENMAX Energy, ENMAX’s generation and retail business, and can provide insights into how we support customers. She is at the centre of key programs launched to support affordability for customers struggling with costs and works with a skilled team on new product offerings.
Alyssa Howland is project manager for ENMAX Power’s largest infrastructure project to date, the replacement of Calgary’s Substation No. 1, originally built in 1912. Construction of this project has a great customer impact and will serve Calgarians with safe, reliable power for decades to come.
Ravi Parhar is Vice President, Legal and Compliance with ENMAX and has a great understanding of what our company will need in terms of skills and capabilities to move us through the transition smoothly. Technology will be the answer to many of our needs as we prepare the grid through the transition.
Audrey Arnal with our information technology/operational technology project management office will be able to shed light on what that looks like and how we can accelerate and amplify impact through technology. I’m looking forward to this discussion and connecting with the Women + Power community.
Please join us for the online virtual panel discussion happening February 15, 2024 at 12:00pm MST. Hear from Sarah and other industry-leading women who will share how they’ve navigated their careers, and learn about the paths they are carving through the energy transition. Click HERE to register.
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!
Jana stepped into the role as W+P Board Chair in November 2022 and at the 2023 W+P AGM stepped down as board chair and member of the board to dedicate her volunteer contributions to other organizations she is involved with and to allow for a renewal of the board.
“I am honoured to have been a part of the W+P board and to have worked alongside such a talented and dedicated group of volunteers over the years,” says Mosley. “I believe that W+P is leading a positive shift in the power industry and that the current board and incoming board chair, Johanne Picard-Thompson, will continue the evolution of the organization and ultimately lead to greater opportunities for women, of all ages and stages in this dynamic industry.”
Johanne Picard-Thompson, Executive Vice President, Customer and Corporate Services at AltaLink, joined the W+P board in March of 2023 and served on the sponsorship committee before accepting the role as board chair in November 2023. Johanne is a graduate from the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science Program and Queen’s University Master of Business Administration program and prior to joining AltaLink, held multiple senior executive roles in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors.
“I am thrilled to be serving as the W+P Board Chair and I sincerely thank Jana for her leadership, as well as my fellow board members for their ongoing commitment and expertise,” says Picard-Thompson. “2024 will be an exciting year for W+P as we expand our events and programs, sponsor the University of Calgary Winter Career Fair, host our first in-person event in Edmonton, revive the Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program, and more. I am confident that with the leadership of our board and the commitment from our generous sponsors that we will be able to provide even more meaningful opportunities for women of all levels working in Alberta’s power industry to connect, support and inspire each other to achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.”
Thank you to the 65+ Women+Power members who joined us for this insightful and enlightening conversation with 5 diverse female leaders from AltaLink.
Our powerful panelists shared their professional and personal experience in their fields, working at AltaLink. If you want to be inspired and informed, watch Women Leading “The Charge” replay, HERE.
AltaLink Panelists & WP Board Members PresentQ&AFilled Room!
Panelists:
Zora Lazic – Senior Vice President, Law and Regulatory, General Counsel
Cayla Saby – Vice President, Government Relations and Commercial
Jana was recognized for her accomplishments in the Executive Leaders category which recognizes women, who not only exemplify what it means to be a great leader, but also build confidence and champion others.
WXN and their partners recognize outstanding women across Canada who make a transformational difference in their fields and actively shape a more inclusive future, especially in underrepresented areas. Every year, they have a challenge: to select just 100 women to receive our Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards.
These are women who personify what it means to be powerful through the way they empower and champion others, influence change and stand up for all of us. And as Top 100 winners, they stand among more than 1,500 powerful leaders across Canada who share that honour… and our thanks.
It was a full house and an important & timely conversation about Alberta’s power & energy sectors. Stay tuned for details on our 2024 event, and please take 2 minutes and give us your feedback by clicking on the button below.
