Join Us – Breaking Barriers: Women Pioneering Leadership in Power & Energy

Women+Power is proud to host Breaking Barriers: Women Pioneering Leadership in Power & Energy, a virtual panel discussion spotlighting remarkable women who are shaping the future of Alberta’s energy industry. This engaging event will feature candid conversations about leadership journeys, overcoming professional obstacles, mentorship, and the importance of representation in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Set to take place on May 26, 2025, from 12:00–1:15 p.m., this panel aligns with Women+Power’s mission to support and empower women across Alberta’s power and energy sector. With dynamic voices from across the industry, this session offers insights and inspiration for established professionals, emerging leaders, and allies alike.

Why Attend?

As Alberta’s energy sector continues to evolve, women are driving innovation, strategy, and transformation. This panel aims to:

  • Inspire by showcasing the stories and achievements of women in senior leadership roles.
  • Empower women at all stages of their careers to pursue leadership opportunities.
  • Connect Women+Power members, sponsors, and energy professionals to foster knowledge-sharing and peer support.
  • Highlight how diversity strengthens organizations and accelerates industry growth.

This is more than a panel—it’s a platform for elevating women’s voices, advancing equity, and building a stronger future for Alberta’s power and energy landscape.

Meet the Speakers

Georgina Newell
Vice Chair, Women+Power | Associate Director, Guidehouse (Moderator)
Georgina Newell has over 25 years of experience in the energy and electricity sectors in North America. She has extensive knowledge in transmission, generation, distribution, compliance and regulatory environments. She is currently an Associate Director at Guidehouse.

As the Vice Chair of Women+Power and founding member, Georgina is committed to advocating for the development and advancement of women in the power industry. In addition, she contributes her expertise and experience to make a positive impact on the future of women in utilities.

Georgina has been recognized by the industry as an influential leader and has made significant contributions through her involvement in various industry groups including the Idaho National Laboratory. In her free time, she mentors young professionals and coaches aspiring female athletes.

Marie Rajic
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, ENMAX
Marie is currently Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs at ENMAX.  She was previously with Pathways Alliance where she led government and community relations.  Her past experience includes EVP Corporate Affairs at ESG Financial, Senior Advisor in the Premier’s Office in the Government of Alberta and Senior VP at Hill+Knowlton Strategies where she led the Prairie Region and the National Energy Practise.  She has also served as Director of Sustainability & Strategy at TC Energy.

Marie has a BA in political science from the University of Calgary, an MA in political studies, and an MPA from the University of Manitoba, and an executive business management certificate from Columbia University.  She is a Calgary Top 40 under 40 alumni, a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and an active member of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) and Women’s Economic Council of Alberta (WECA).  She also currently serves on the board of Pure Life Carbon, an ag tech company and was previously Vice Chair of MITACS. 

Janis Rogers
Chief Financial Officer, Rising Edge Group
Janis is the Chief Financial Officer of Rising Edge Group. Janis brings a unique blend of financial expertise and industry experience to drive business growth and informed decision-making. With close to 10 years of service at Rising Edge, Janis has progressed from Project Controls to Financial Controller and now CFO, leveraging her CPA designation and Honors in Marketing and Management.

Janis has made significant contributions to the company, including standardizing revenue recognition reporting, stabilizing monthly financial reporting, supporting the transition of ownership, optimizing bank relationships, implementing a new Timesheet system, and driving the Business Intelligence initiative. Her ability to balance personal growth with excellence has earned her numerous awards, including CIAU Academic All Canadian status and recognition for her leadership in community outreach programs.

Janis approaches problem-solving with a holistic business lens, recognizing the importance of teamwork and individual contributions. She is a compassionate leader, critical thinker, and problem solver who is never satisfied with the status quo. Her goals include streamlining data systems, supporting growth in new markets, and addressing emerging ESG trends and global standards for clients. Through her expertise and dedication, Janis is poised to continue driving the company’s growth and success.

Heather Speers
Vice President, Human Resources, FortisAlberta
As Vice President, Human Resources, Heather is responsible for FortisAlberta’s people and culture strategy, ensuring the company’s workforce is equipped to meet customers’ needs today and into the future. She is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can achieve their professional goals.

With nearly 20 years at FortisAlberta, Heather has held progressively senior roles in Billing, Customer Care and Human Resources, gaining a deep understanding of the company’s business, employees and customers. She draws on an educational background in social work to lead with empathy and cultivate a supportive environment for FortisAlberta’s 1,300 employees.

Event Details

🗓️ Date: May 26, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 – 1:15 PM (MT)
📍 Location: Online
💬 Format: Moderator-led panel discussion with audience Q&A

Key Themes

  • Resilience and reinvention in leadership
  • The power of mentorship and sponsorship
  • Advancing equity in energy
  • How diverse leadership strengthens the sector

Join Us

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leaders who are breaking barriers and blazing new trails. Whether you’re an industry veteran or early in your career, this event is designed to inspire, inform, and empower.

🔗 Register here

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates—and share this event with colleagues who believe in a more inclusive energy future.

From Apprentice to Advocate: Kate Parr’s Story of Powering Change for Women in Energy

February 24 2025 News
February 24 2025 News

Advancing gender equality and amplifying women’s perspectives, influence, and skills are critical to how Capital Power is Powering Change by Changing Power™. Women have driven world-changing innovations and are instrumental to the future success of our industry as we work to meet growing energy demands. From skilled trades to engineering and beyond, their expertise and leadership are vital as we navigate the complexities of the evolving energy landscape. That’s why Capital Power is committed to fostering career opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth for women. Through initiatives like our Women’s Apprenticeship Program, we are actively breaking down barriers, supporting women in skilled trades, and building a more inclusive workforce. Investing in women’s potential is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential to delivering the reliable power that drives our economy and communities forward.

Over the years, Capital Power has proudly empowered women in energy by fostering employee growth and development while championing industry-wide progress through strategic partnerships and initiatives.  In 2024, as the Women’s Apprenticeship Program was being developed, the company drew on the expertise of Kate Parr, a Red Seal Millwright and Maintenance Technician at Capital Power’s 875 MW Goreway Power Station. Kate’s firsthand experience as an apprentice and her career in the electricity industry provided valuable insights that helped shape the program’s design—to provide women with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the skilled trades. Reflecting on the program’s importance, Kate shared:

“I’ve found that working in a power plant requires many years of experience or having the right connections; not many young people are starting their careers here. This program helps get women in the door earlier and gives them hands-on plant experience while learning their trade, a valuable experience for both parties. Investing our time and support into the careers of these women helps them succeed and will pay dividends for Capital Power long into the future.”

The program’s first apprentice began her journey in the fall of 2024, working toward becoming a licensed electrician. While their trades differ, Kate is committed to exposing her to as many aspects of plant maintenance as possible, while also serving as a sounding board for questions and support. Having benefited from the guidance of mentors throughout her own career, Kate is passionate about paying it forward:

“In grade 12, I read a local newspaper article about a woman who was a licensed millwright at an automotive manufacturing facility. I contacted her, took her out for dinner and asked her questions about what millwrighting was all about. Having a conversation and being able to bounce ideas off someone in that role was what I needed to embark on my career.”

Kate’s drive to grow her career in the power sector has led her to embrace mentorship—both as a mentee and a mentor. She has benefited from the support of women across Capital Power, as well as through formal mentorships with the Prosperity Project’s Rosie Mentorship Program—an initiative Capital Power has proudly supported since its inception in 2011.

Early in her career, Kate’s first mentor, a nuclear operator from Ontario Power Generation, provided the guidance she needed to transition from working on the tools to operating Capital Power’s York Energy Centre, a simple-cycle power plant. That experience was so impactful that Kate returned to the program a second time, later being paired with a licensed engineer from British Columbia.

These connections reinforced the value of building relationships with other women in the industry and inspired Kate to step into a leadership role as co-chair of WE Lead—Capital Power’s first employee resource group focused on empowering women. Reflecting on the impact of this community, Kate shared:

“WE Lead offered an opportunity to connect with corporate employees, which can be challenging when you work at a plant. The first event I attended led to a conversation with the WE Lead chair that was a powerful reminder that my opinion is valued.  Shortly after, she invited me to join the core leadership team. This has gone a long way in making me feel like I belong to something more than the asset; I’m part of the broader team.”   

Kate’s journey is a testament to the possibilities that open up when women are supported and empowered in the energy sector. What started with reading a newspaper article about a woman in skilled trades has grown into a career where Kate is now a leader, mentor, and advocate for women at Capital Power—helping others chart their own paths in the industry. She has her sights set on shifting into a mentorship role with the Prosperity Project, further extending her commitment to supporting women in their careers. Reflecting on her experience, Kate shares:

“There is unlimited possibility and potential for women in this industry, and specifically, at Capital Power. I never thought that there would be this much room to grow and this much support within the company to move upwards. They champion and elevate the people they believe in, and I’m proud to contribute to that culture.  It’s a great feeling and experience I hope more and more women can take part in.”   

As Capital Power continues to power positive change in the industry, stories like Kate’s highlight the critical role women play in shaping the future of energy—and the importance of building a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Women+Power and Osler Present Exclusive Panel on Diversity in Leadership

Ten Year Trendlines

Gain Key Insights from Osler’s Annual Report on Diversity Disclosure Practices

Women+Power, in collaboration with Osler, is proud to host an exclusive panel discussion and networking event on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Calgary.

This engaging session will unveil key findings from Osler’s Annual Report on Diversity Disclosure Practices – Diversity and Leadership at Canadian Public Companies.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Recent data shows remarkable progress in female representation on corporate boards:

  • In 2023, women held 30% of board seats, compared to just 10% in 2014—a threefold increase over the past decade.
  • Among companies that provided disclosure for 2023, women occupied 29.8% of total board seats, highlighting a continuing shift toward greater diversity in leadership.
women held graph

These statistics underscore the importance of intentional diversity efforts and the need for continued momentum in corporate governance.

Meet the Experts

This must-attend discussion features industry leaders who will explore the current landscape of female leadership, share insights from the latest diversity data, and discuss strategies for advancing gender equity in corporate governance:

John Valley

John Valley
Chair, Governance and Sustainability

John practices corporate and securities law, with a particular emphasis on corporate governance (including ESG-related matters) and mergers and acquisitions.

He is the Chair of Osler’s Corporate Governance and ESG Practices, and a member of Osler’s cross-disciplinary Risk Management and Crisis Response practice. He regularly advises companies and boards of directors on a range of corporate governance and ESG-related matters, including with respect to directors duties, D&O indemnification and insurance, stakeholder disputes, climate-related disclosure, crisis response strategies and other governance matters. John is also a Co-Author of Osler’s leading annual reports on diversity disclosure practices in Canada.

John pursued his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, England where his research focused on the corporate governance of mixed ownership enterprises involving government blockholders.  John is an avid sportsperson, having played competitive university golf while studying abroad at both St. Andrews, Scotland and Cambridge, where he won his full Blue.

Jane N. Fedoretz


Jane N. Fedoretz
Executive Vice President, People, Culture & CAO, TransAlta Corporation

 Jane N. Fedoretz is a change agent and culture architect passionate about the future of work and the impact of culture.

As Executive Vice President of People, Culture and Chief Administrative Officer at TransAlta, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Jane combines her expertise in social work, law and leadership to drive impactful change. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta.

An award-winning Human Resources leader, international public speaker and podcast host, Jane inspires others to embrace positive change and thrive in dynamic culture and future of work landscapes. Jane believes corporations and leaders must be adaptable, purposeful and innovative. She is eager to share her transformational message about the role of culture and leadership in the future of work.

Paula Olexiuk

Moderated by Paula Olexiuk
Partner & Co-Chair, Construction and Infrastructure, Osler

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.

Why Attend?

✔ Exclusive Access – Be among the first to hear the latest findings from Osler’s Diversity Disclosure Practices report.
✔ Expert Insights – Gain valuable takeaways from thought leaders shaping corporate diversity initiatives.
✔ Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded professionals and industry experts.

Event Details

📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Suite 2700, Brookfield Place, 225 – 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB

🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today: Register Here

This is an in-person, member-only event. Not a member of Women+Power yet? Join us today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of diversity in leadership!

✨ Reflecting on the Success of Women+Power’s Third Annual Gala Luncheon✨

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!

Celebrating Women Who Inspire: TransAlta Sponsor Highlight

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!

Navigating the Double-Bind Dilemma: The Challenges Women Face in Leadership 

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.

Enfinite Returns as a Megawatt Sponsor of Women + Power

Enfinite Returns as a Megawatt Sponsor of Women + Power

Enfinite is proud to return as a Megawatt sponsor of Women+Power, a dynamic community dedicated to empowering women in Alberta’s Power Industry. By providing opportunities for women to connect, support, inspire, and recognize each other, Women+Power plays a crucial role in helping women achieve their full potential in the Power sector.

Jason White, CEO of Enfinite, emphasizes the importance of this partnership: “Supporting Women+Power aligns with our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. It’s essential not only to create equitable opportunities for women, but also to take responsibility in fostering male allyship to uplift and empower women in our industry. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more resilient energy future.”

As a lean but rapidly growing team, Enfinite is experiencing exciting developments. With this growth, we remain mindful of the diverse perspectives, experiences, and knowledge that women bring to our team, ensuring an equitable space for them to thrive.

Enfinite’s involvement in the Women+Power’s ‘Alberta Electricity Market Fundamentals’ event in April 2024, further demonstrates our commitment. Mike Schoenenberger, representing Enfinite, served as a panelist, offering insights into the behind-the-scenes operations of a 24/7 energy market. He discussed how the combination of a diversified energy mix and energy storage are vital for creating a reliable, affordable, and sustainable power grid. The panel provided insightful perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the electricity sector in Alberta. It was clear that collaboration in all forms will be critical for the industry to navigate this future state.

At Enfinite, we believe that just as a diverse energy grid strengthens our infrastructure, a team with female representation at every level enhances our company’s success. Through a culture of collaboration and empowerment, we foster an environment in which knowledge is freely shared, enabling us to elevate both individual and collective performance. Together, we are Powering Progress towards a reliable and sustainable energy future.

About Enfinite

Enfinite is a leading energy asset owner and operator, delivering critical solutions for a reliable, stable, and sustainable power grid. As Alberta’s largest battery storage operator, we manage nine Battery Energy Storage Facilities (BESF) with a combined capacity of 180 MW and 315 MWh of energy storage. In addition to our energy storage assets, we operate power generation plants fueled by natural gas and waste heat, enhancing the resilience of the energy infrastructure.  

Enfinite’s foundation of high-level technical expertise and operational excellence matched with innovative energy solutions not only enhances but seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure. By making this journey more seamless, Enfinite is Powering Progress towards a more reliable and sustainable energy future. 

For more information, visit www.enfinite.com

Thank you for attending our 3rd Annual W+P Member Networking Event in Calgary

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.

Recap of an Inspiring Women+Power Networking Event in Edmonton

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 ‘Alberta Electricity Market Fundamentals’, sponsored by Capital Power & hosted by Osler

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.

Panelists:

Jill Connell, B.Comm, MBA, ERP, Manager, Short-Term Trading at Capital Power

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 Olexiuk, Partner, Energy & Construction at Osler

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 Schoenenberger, VP Engineering, Projects, & Operations at Enfinite

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.

The registration fees collected, including donations from Enfinite and Capital Power are being donated to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. Thank you to Enfinite, Capital Power, and everyone who registered!

Powering change: A conversation with ENMAX Power’s Sarah Stevens

ACCESS ONLINE EVENT HERE

Thursday Feb 15, 12:00PM – 1:00PM

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.

Announcing Dentons as the 2024 Sponsor of the Women+Power IPPSA Networking Reception

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!