Pathways in Power — Discover How This Female Executive Navigated Her Career Journey in Alberta’s Power Industry

June 21 2023 event

June 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MDT

June 21 2023 Event

What does it take to make it to the upper echelons of executive roles in Alberta’s power industry?

Hard work, mentorship, ingenuity, grit, courage, community…

No two career journeys are the same, and there is much we can learn from this female executive who has made it to the top in her field.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with Nicole LeBlanc, Vice President, Markets, at the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)  where Nicole will share her experiences and challenges and offer advice on how to successfully navigate your career path in the power industry.

Do you have a question Nicole? Please email your questions to: events@womenpower.ca by Friday, June 16 and we’ll do our best to have your questions answered.

“There is nothing like a concrete life plan to weigh you down. Because if you always have one eye on some future goal, you stop paying attention to the job at hand, miss opportunities that might arise, and stay fixedly on one path, even when a better, newer course might have opened up.” – Indra K. Nooyi    

Thank you to our event partner, AESO and AMP It Up!

Guest Speaker:

Nicole LeBlanc, Vice President, Markets at AESO

Nicole LeBlanc is Vice President, Markets for the Alberta Electric System Operator. She is responsible for leadership of the AESO’s market design and implementation, forecasting, market analytics, commercial procurement and the ISO Tariff.

Ms. LeBlanc has nearly 20 years of experience in the energy and electricity sectors. Through her career with the AESO she has been involved in forecasting, transmission planning, electricity market analysis and design, policy development, tariff design, regulatory and strategic business planning.

Since joining the AESO in 2006 she has played leadership roles in the development of scenario planning processes and the modelling and analytics foundations used within the AESO. She has contributed to numerous government policies, spearheaded market and tariff design files, and represented the AESO at regulatory proceedings in a forecasting, markets, tariff and transmission planning capacity. Her service to Alberta’s electricity sector was recently recognized by the Alberta government with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.  Nicole is committed to making the AESO a great place to work – she’s fostered many new leaders on their development journeys and championed AESO’s first employee resource group whose vision is to amplify women’s career at the AESO through the power of connection.

Prior to joining the AESO, Ms. LeBlanc worked as an economist at the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI), where she focused on economic research and analysis of Alberta’s oilsands sector for client-funded projects.

Ms. LeBlanc holds a Masters of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, both from the University of Calgary.

When taking a break from the interesting challenges of decarbonizing Alberta’s electricity system Nicole enjoys time outdoors with her husband biking, hiking and skiing and going to music concerts with friends.

Free

Online

Register here

Georgina Newell

Georgina Newell
Georgina Newell

CIP Senior Manager and Manager, Operations Compliance, Document Control and Asset Information
TransAlta

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

Michael Jordan

Georgina manages a team of multi-disciplinary professionals who oversee compliance risk, regulatory policy, growth projects, engineering and asset information management across TransAlta’s North America portfolio. She has spent 20 years of her career working in power distribution, generation, transmission and regulatory compliance. Currently, she chairs an industry group for the implementation of reliability standards and the associated best practices. Also, she sits on a sub-committee run by the Idaho National lab for the advancement of careers in Operational Technology.  She loves the people and the challenges of working in power generation. Georgina is passionate about helping women in the industry and would like to give back by providing utility knowledge to young women just starting out in their careers. Now is her chance to make an impact!

Jana Mosley

Jana Mosley
Jana Mosley

President
ENMAX Power

Board Chair

“Leadership is causing something to happen that otherwise wouldn’t. Women+Power is leading a positive shift in the power industry that customers, stakeholders, and shareholders will benefit from for years to come.”

As President of ENMAX Power, Jana Mosley is responsible for ENMAX’s regulated transmission and distribution business in Calgary. She also directs ENMAX’s power infrastructure, engineering and maintenance services.

With over two decades of industry experience, Jana has worked for various utilities, industrial consumers, generators and the Alberta Electric System Operator. Prior to joining ENMAX in 2015, Jana served as President for Similan Consulting Inc. and advised companies across North America on electricity​ policy application, connection to the transmission grid, utility operations and project management.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba and is a Registered Professional Engineer with APEGA. Jana has a Project Management Professional designation, an ICD.D designation and completed the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School. In addition to her role at ENMAX, she serves on the board of the Western Energy Institute, Women+Power and is a 2022 Calgary Influential Women in Business award recipient​.​​

Sponsor Spotlight Series + Networking Reception presented by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Diversity Disclosure Practices – Diversity and Leadership at Canadian Public Companies

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

Agenda:
Presentation/Q&A: 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Networking & Refreshments: 4:45 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Register Here

Osler’s Paula Olexiuk and John Valley will use Osler’s eighth annual diversity disclosure report as a springboard to discuss key data points and developments relating to the representation of women on boards and in senior management positions of Canadian companies.

“After eight years, the change to board composition in Canada is now obvious and widespread as Canadian boards have surpassed several important diversity milestones on their journey to include more diverse perspectives in decision-making at senior levels within the organization. There is still much work to be done to achieve board and executive leadership that reflects the mosaic of Canada.”

– 2022 Diversity Disclosure Practices report, Osler

Osler’s report provides detailed disclosure on the representation of women in senior leadership positions at TSX-listed companies as well as the representation of women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities at publicly-traded corporations governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). They also highlight disclosed best practices to improve diversity and inclusion and samples of excellence in disclosure.

A Q&A will follow the presentation and you will have the opportunity to ask questions that are relevant to the report methodology and findings, your industry, and your career. You are invited as a guest of Osler to join 75 of your fellow Women+Power members for a casual networking reception with food and refreshments.

Thank you to our Kilowatt Sponsor, Osler, for hosting this event.

Guest Speakers:

Paula Olexiuk | Partner, Energy & Construction at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

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.

John M. Valley | Partner, Corporate and Chair of the ESG Practice at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP | 2022 Diversity Disclosure Practices report co-author

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 ESG Practice, 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 2022 Diversity Disclosure Practices – Diversity and Leadership at Canadian public companies.

Women+Power Networking Reception at IPPSA 2023

Women+Power is pleased to announce that we are hosting a Networking Reception on Day 1 of the IPPSA Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs from March 12 – 14, 2023. Our reception will occur on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 5 to 6:30 pm in Mt. Stephen Hall.

This year, we proudly welcome Macquarie Group as the event sponsor.

Macquarie is a global financial services group with over 19,000 employees, operating in 34 markets. Macquarie’s purpose statement is to empower people to innovate and invest for a better future. “That’s why we ensure that our work has positive outcomes for our clients, teams, investors and the communities in which we live and work.”

Within Canada, Macquarie has completed over $33 billion of financing and M&A transactions since 2017, across power, resources and infrastructure. Macquarie supports 200+ natural gas clients, moving ~2.5bcf/d. Each year, Macquarie is consistently ranked among the top power and renewables advisors globally.

In no small part, this is a result of the value Macquarie places on developing and #empowering female talent within and outside of its organization. Macquarie shares the same vision as Women+Power and is proud to be part of a professional community in building a more diverse and inclusive future.

Women+Power looks forward to welcoming you to this event and we thank IPPSA for their support.

“It is a privilege to share company with the accomplished leaders and members of Women + Power. The success and influence of Women+Power within Canada is a reason to get excited for the future of power and energy markets. “

Matt Jenkins, CEO of Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd.

To learn more about Macquarie, click here.

Johanne Picard-Thompson

Johanne Picard-Thompson
Johanne Picard-Thompson

Executive Vice President, Customer and Corporate Services
AltaLink

Johanne is a graduate from the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science Program and Queen’s University Master of Business Administration program. Prior to joining AltaLink, Johanne held senior executive roles in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors. At Shell Canada she was the General Manager, Oil Sands Growth Operations, and oversaw operations, commissioning, and startup planning for expansion projects. At Celestica she was the Senior Vice President of Canadian Operations, responsible for multiple production facilities and more than 40 production lines.

Other notable career highlights include serving on the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (NAIT) Advisory Board for the Shell Manufacturing Centre and receiving the Globe and Mail’s recognition as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 for her leadership in growing Celestica’s Canadian Operations. Johanne also received the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Engineering 2T5 Mid-Career Achievement Award recognizing alumni who have earned respect within the profession and within the broader Canadian community.

Katrina Edgerton-McGhan

Katrina Edgerton-McGhan
Katrina Edgerton-McGhan

Counsel
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP

“Please do more to hire, support, and encourage talented women who want to work. Women don’t look or talk like Perry Mason, and you don’t want us to. We often are more creative, smarter, more persistent, and harder-working than men, and we actually win cases. So call me a Lady Lawyer. Just don’t underestimate me in Court.”

Lisa Blatt

Katrina is a litigation lawyer who supports clients in the power industry. As part of her role, she learns in an in-depth way about her clients’ business and goals to help them through challenging times and achieve their desired outcomes. Katrina is an extremely committed pro bono diversity advocate, particularly in the areas of equity and diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries. She feels privileged to be involved in such an important initiative in the power industry.

Dentons Canada LLP

Dentons Canada LLP
Dentons Canada LLP

Dentons is designed to be different. As the world’s largest law firm with 20,000 professionals in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries, we can help you grow, protect, operate and finance your business. Our polycentric and purpose-driven approach, together with our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and ESG, ensures we challenge the status quo to stay focused on what matters most to you.

To learn more about Dentons Canada LLP, click here.

Kristjana Kellgren

Kristjana Kellgren
Kristjana Kellgren

Executive director, Rates
Alberta Utilities Commission

The most effective way to do it, is to do it.

Amelia Earhart

Kristjana is an active member of the AUC’s executive team, and leads a division of multi-disciplinary professionals who support the Commission’s determination of rate and tariff-related matters. Before her current role, Kristjana held a variety of roles at the AUC including director of the electric and gas distribution team and as in-house counsel. Prior to joining the AUC, Kristjana worked as a lawyer in private practice with a particular focus on municipal, regulatory and administrative law matters.

Kristjana is passionate about the empowerment of women, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion more broadly. She hopes to contribute to Women + Power’s continued momentum and success!  

Shanelle Sinclair

Shanelle Sinclair
Shanelle Sinclair

Manager, Regulatory
Heartland Generation Ltd.

“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”

Anne Sweeney

Shanelle is responsible for implementing Heartland’s strategic vision for the Alberta wholesale electricity market and managing the company’s portfolio of regulatory applications. She has considerable experience in competition law relating to electricity markets, compliance, and the regulatory aspects of project development. Shanelle finds it energizing to collaborate with likeminded women through Women+Power.

Capital Power

Capital Power
Capital Power

Capital Power creates responsible electricity solutions to power communities, businesses and critical services across Canada and the United States. The company is focused on innovation to reduce emissions and increase efficiency at its thermal facilities today and decarbonize tomorrow by advancing carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) solutions. Capital Power is also developing and operating a renewable portfolio of wind and solar assets to expand the capacity of clean energy available for our grids. Together, its thermal and renewable assets are well-positioned to support the carbon-neutral energy system required for our longevity as a global community. Essential today, essential for our future – Capital Power is laying the groundwork to be net carbon neutral by 2050.

Women+Power Networking Reception at IPPSA 2022

Women+Power is pleased to announce that we are hosting a Networking Reception on Day 1 of the IPPSA Conference at the Fairmont Banff Springs from November 13-15. Our reception will occur on November 14 from 4:45 – 6:15 pm in Mt. Stephen Hall. Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Please note that a conference pass is required to attend.

We thank IPPSA and Evan Bahry for their support of this event. This year, we proudly welcome Maskwa Environmental Consulting Ltd. and Maskwa High Voltage Ltd. as event sponsors. Maskwa became a Kilowatt sponsor of Women+Power in March 2022.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Maskwa provides professional consulting services to power-sector clients in western Canada. The combined solutions offered by these organizations include regulatory strategy development and implementation, planning and permitting, environmental and GIS services, and comprehensive engineering services focused on the design and execution of high-voltage power and transmission projects.

While Maskwa has seen significant success and growth over the past few years, its leadership team is committed to ongoing improvement and exploring ways to create a corporate culture that fosters continued profitable growth. They acknowledge that this requires multiple initiatives versus any single initiative alone. However, one of the more salient, recent actions they have undertaken is to encourage diversity and inclusion in their workplace. One of the ways this is being done is by supporting Women+Power and our goal to empower women in the power industry to achieve their full professional and personal potential.

We recognize that the desire to have increased inclusivity and diversity in the workplace is not unique to Maskwa. We also believe that our commitment to this overall initiative, and the support of Women+Power, will at least contribute to the larger movement of driving transformational change to create a more diverse and inclusive power industry in Alberta. Success here will result in positive outcomes for our staff, overall company performance, and our industry.

Vice President, Maskwa

To learn more about Maskwa Environmental Consulting Ltd., click here.