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.
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.