CWEEL’s 1st Corporate Member
We are very excited to welcome CWEEL’s 1st Corporate Member – DNV-GL.
Posts from the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Jan 22
NY-CWEEL Group Inaugural Meeting
Time & Location
Jan 21, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PMZoom details will be emailed
About The Event
The Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) provides a network for women in the energy and environmental industries that can assist in supporting career development for professional women, mentor young and aspiring women to pursue technical education and careers in the energy and environmental fields, and establish CWEEL as a forum for women to promote policy in the energy industry. CWEEL is a division of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
The newly-established CWEEL NYC Chapter invites you to join our 1st virtual gathering to celebrate the New Year and help plan events for 2021. Join us on January 21 to hear about the value of CWEEL membership. Two speakers from the CWEEL National Board will join us, helping guide us in establishing and growing our group. This will be followed by a networking opportunity with local professionals!
Case Study: Kjrsten and Cissy
CWEEL Mentor/Mentee
Date Paired: May 2019
Present status: Continuing relationship for 1 and half year
Kjrsten and Cissy both have engineering background. Kjrsten is a licensed environmental professional engineer and a certified energy manager (CEM). Cissy works as an energy consultant, specializing in analytics related to clients’ energy portfolio. They started with emails and phone calls, as they live in different states. This year they switched to Skype as virtual meetings have become a new normal. They discussed career advancement ideas and business networking strategies. They also like to catch up about family and work life. Recently they coauthored an article for the International Journal of Strategic Energy and Environmental Planning (IJSEEP)!
From Cissy:
It’s been a wonderful journey to be part of the CWEEL Mentoring program. The program was able to find a mentor who is committed to help and empower me to develop my own strengths. When I talked to Kjrsten for the first time, I felt connected with her right way since both of us have engineering background. My purpose was to seek advice on where I can find resources for professional study in energy engineering. Kjrsten has tremendous experience in facility management and she understood my need immediately. She recommended me to take an AEE online training program about energy auditing. It’s very interesting and practical. I always find it’s easy to communicate with Kjrsten about my struggles or concerns at work. I think it’s because we both work in consulting environment. When we were writing an article together for the International Journal of Strategic Energy and Environmental Planning, Kjrsten encouraged me to discuss a granular energy data methodology I developed. She valued my opinions on how to structure the article. She also provided constructive feedback to enhance the discussion. I’m grateful to have her as my mentor.
From Kjrsten:
Cissy and I were matched in the CWEEL mentoring program in May of 2019. Because of the distance, our meetings were phone calls and then virtual meetings. (We hope to meet in-person when conferences and travel are restarted post-pandemic.) While I have a “few” added years of experience, Cissy came to the mentoring program with excellent education and professional experience. For each of the two years that we worked together, Cissy had professional development goals that she wanted to achieve: continuing education, networking and publishing an article in a recognized journal. My role was providing Cissy with recommendations and resources to support her goals. We were excited when our energy management article was accepted into the IJSEEP journal! I have greatly enjoyed both our meetings and our continued friendship.
Open Board Position: International CWEEL Groups Committee Chair
The Board of Directors of the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) is seeking to fill the board position of International CWEEL Groups Committee Chair. This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about gender equity in the energy sector globally; are called to support the success of CWEEL; and have a track record of volunteerism and leadership. CWEEL’s mission is to provide a network for women in the energy and environmental industries that can assist in supporting career development for professional women, mentoring for young and aspiring women to pursue technical education and careers in the energy and environmental fields, and scholarships on a global level. CWEEL is a division of the nonprofit Association of Energy Engineers.
CWEEL is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The board serves to establish and fulfill the mission and objectives of CWEEL. The board sets policies; provides oversight and management of the organization; and participates in the execution of the strategic plan.
The CWEEL Board of Directors is seeking to fill the board position of International CWEEL Groups Committee Chair effective January 2021. The CWEEL Board of Directors each serve a three-year term. Board meetings are held monthly. Each director chairs a CWEEL committee, and the committee meetings are held as determined by each Committee Chair but no less than quarterly. Service on CWEEL’s board of directors is voluntary and without remuneration or reimbursement for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties.
Board Member Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Professional experience in business, government, philanthropy, science/manufacturing, or the nonprofit sector related to energy and environmental sectors and/or women’s advancement
- Professional experience applying for and securing grants or other funding support from international development aid agencies (i.e., USAID, EuropeAid, FCDO; multilateral organizations (i.e., UN agencies, EBRD, AfDB); and/or non-governmental organizations (i.e., CARE, Oxfam, Plan)
- A commitment to and understanding of CWEEL’s mission preferably based on experience
- A natural affinity for cultivating relationships, attracting new members and facilitating consensus-building among diverse individuals
- Fluent in English with excellent written and oral communication skills and a natural affinity for public speaking
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for supporting women in the energy and environmental fields
Board Member Responsibilities
- Regularly attend board meetings and important related meetings with voting on board matters
- Makes a commitment to participate actively in committee work – including developing and managing committees
- Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time
- Stay informed about committee matters, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports
- Get to know other committee members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus
- Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts
- Participates in fundraising for the organization
CWEEL Board Structure
There are currently 11 board positions, as follows:
- Membership – US
- Membership – International
- Programs & Events – US
- Programs & Events – International
- International CWEEL Groups
- Career Advancement
- Chapter Liaison
- Marketing, Communication & Social Media
- Mentor Program
- Scholarships & Student Enrichment Program
- Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors
A description of the open position is provided below. If you have any questions you may contact Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, CWEEL Board Chair, via email at lwiegand@utilityadvantage.com.
International CWEEL Groups Committee Chair Board Position Description:
The International CWEEL Committee Chair is responsible for advancing CWEEL groups outside of the United States. Responsibilities include (1) working with AEE members/chapters around the world to appoint CWEEL Leads/Liaisons and establish CWEEL groups, (2) drive active engagement and sharing of ideas across groups, including regular (at least quarterly) committee meetings, (3) work with international CWEEL groups to establish and monitor country-specific goals/activities, and (4) finalize and communicate approved processes/documentation around group establishment, mentorship program, and other CWEEL activity areas. The International CWEEL Committee Chair will also work collaboratively with our International Membership Committee Chair and International Programs & Events Chair to provide consistency and share information around membership and programs & events with all international CWEEL liaisons/groups.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying for this position, please provide the following information:
- The board position for which you are applying along with a statement of experience and skills to meet the qualifications and responsibilities for this position (see above descriptions)
- A statement of your goals and purpose for applying to the CWEEL board
- A copy of your CV/bio
- A statement that you will commit to:
- Becoming/remaining an active member of the Association of Energy Engineers and CWEEL during your term;
- Attending at least one CWEEL Board Meeting each year in person (there are three in-person board meetings held in conjunction with AEE’s three US conferences). (Subject to travel restrictions due to COVID 19 we do not expect in-person meetings until later in 2021). If you have any concerns with meeting this requirement, please explain in your application
- Two written references (preferably one from an active AEE member)
Applications are due to Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, CWEEL Board Chair, via email at lwiegand@utilityadvantage.com no later than November 13, 2020. The CWEEL Board expects to make its selection in December with the new board position effective January 1, 2021.
CWEEL Welcomes New Board Member and Liaison Committee Members
CWEEL is excited to welcome some new members to the Board of Directors and Liaison Committee!
Alison Shea, CEM
US Membership Committee Chair
With more than 30 years of experience working directly in the energy engineering industry, Alison has a passion for advancing any and all programs designed to influence, increase, and advance women in engineering and specifically in areas of energy and the environment. As a mechanical engineer, she recognizes the influence and role that organizations like CWEEL have on inspiring under-realized female talent. In her role as US Membership Chair, Alison seeks to add to CWEEL’s reach and recognition within communities and provide them with the opportunity to see the value that CWEEL provides.
In addition to being a CWEEL member, Alison has been a member and supporter of AEE for the entirety of her career and has been honored by them as a Legend in Energy. She has carried the AEE supported Certified Demand-side Manager designation over portions of her career and she currently maintains her Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification through AEE.
Tara Trafton
CWEEL Liaison Committee Member
Tara is the Project Success Manager for Yearout Energy Services Company in New Mexico. Yearout Energy is the only Energy Service Company headquartered in New Mexico. In her role as Project Success Manager, Tara ensures overall project quality and manages each project from development to implementation.
Tara has over 7 years of project management experience from her previous career in aviation which she is bringing into her role with Yearout Energy after completion of her Masters in Sustainable Energy Systems. Tara is passionate about energy efficiency and works collaboratively with customers to deliver high quality Investment Grade Audits and Energy Performance projects.
Tara has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University and a dual M.S. in Sustainable Energy Systems from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and Politecnico di Torino in Turin.
Maria Watson
CWEEL Liaison Committee Member
Maria begun her career as a Global Sustainability intern at Bausch and Lomb and has now acquired a decade of EHS & Sustainability experience covering pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer goods and contract manufacturing. Maria joined Pall Corporation in January 2019 as Director, Global Facilities and Sustainability where she is responsible for building the sustainability framework for the organization and has developed operational energy and waste efficiency policies, training and tools that have driven a 7.5% decrease in GHG emissions.
Maria holds a B.A.S in Sustainability Management from St. Petersburg College and an M.A. in Global Sustainability from USF. She also holds a ISSP – CSP and CEM certifications and is honored to serve as the Vice President of the Tampa Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers.
Maria lives in Tampa with her husband, Mark and two daughters Ava (14) & Stella (7).
CWEEL to Host Lunch & Learn Webinar on October 28, 2020
Our personal energy is one of our most powerful resources, and our capacity to be happy, productive and successful is driven by how well we can renew, refuel and recharge our own personal energy.
You’re invited to a join us for a personal development webinar, “Powering Personal Energy”, on Wednesday, October 28th from 12:00-1:30 PM (EDT), presented by Nathalie Osborn, co-author of “Ignite Your Leadership:Proven Tools for Leaders to Energize Teams, Fuel Momentum,and Accelerate Results“.
Based on her Ignite Your Leadership chapter “Powering Personal Energy – the ‘kW’ of Energized Leadership”, Nathalie will lead an interactive session designed to help you energize three simple “kWs” to fuel success, unplug stress & energize your personal & professional life!
Come learn how to plug into your personal power and:
- Identify your personal energy baseline
- Acknowledge your power and ignite your full potential
- Recharge and manage your capacity to avoid burn-out
- Rewire your attitude and overcome resistance
- Fuel more success, happiness and fulfillment in life
If you’re interested in ordering her book in advance of the session, click here. Discounted personal and group coaching sessions will also be available for purchase by interested attendees.
CWEEL Board Opening Announcement August 2020 (Application due no later than October 1, 2020)
This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about gender equity in the energy sector, called to support the success of CWEEL and who have a track record of volunteerism and leadership. The mission of the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership is to provide a network for women in the energy and environmental industries that can assist in supporting career development for professional women, mentoring for young and aspiring women to pursue technical education and careers in the energy and environmental fields, and scholarships on a global level. The Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) is a division of the non-profit International Association of Energy Engineers.
The Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The board serves to establish and fulfill the mission and objectives of CWEEL. The board sets policies, provides oversight and management of the organization, and participates in the execution of the strategic plan.
The CWEEL Board of Directors is seeking to fill a board positions. The CWEEL Board of Directors each serve a three-year term. Board meetings are held monthly. Each director chairs a CWEEL committee and the committee meetings are held as determined by each Committee Chair but no less than quarterly. Service on CWEEL’s board of directors is voluntary and without remuneration or reimbursement for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties.
Board Member Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Professional experience in science/manufacturing, business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector related to energy and environmental sectors and/or women’s advancement
- A commitment to and understanding of CWEEL’s mission preferably based on experience
- A natural affinity for cultivating relationships, attracting new members and facilitating consensus-building among diverse individuals
- Excellent written and oral communication skills coupled with natural affinity for public speaking
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for supporting women in the energy and environmental fields
- Member of the Association of Energy Engineers and CWEEL
Board Member Responsibilities
- Regularly attend board meetings and important related meetings with voting on board matters.
- Makes a commitment to participate actively in committee work – including developing and managing committees.
- Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
- Stay informed about committee matters, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports.
- Get to know other committee members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
- Participates in fund raising for the organization
There are currently eleven (11) Board committees and one(1) openings (in bold) for the following committees/board positions:
Open Board Positions:
1. Programs & Events – International – OPEN
Filled Board Positions:
3. Career Advancement
4. Chapter Liaison
5. International CWEEL
6. Marketing, Communication & Social Media
7. Mentor Program
8. Membership – International
9. Programs & Events – US
10. Scholarships & Student Enrichment Program
11. Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors
A description of the open position is provided below. If you have any questions you may contact Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, CWEEL Board Chair, via email at lwiegand@utilityadvantage.com.
Programs & Events – International
The Programs & Events Committee Chair is responsible for oversight of all International programming and CWEEL events. Responsibilities include (1) coordinating with International CWEEL Groups who desire to hold local CWEEL events (2) developing a program kit for International CWEEL chapters that are interested in hosting a CWEEL event, (3) providing timely information on events to all CWEEL committees for support and event promotion, and (4) developing and managing an International Programs & Events Committee.
If you are interested in applying for this positions on the CWEEL board, please provide the following information:
- A statement of experience and skills to meet the qualifications and responsibilities for the board position (see above descriptions of qualifications and responsibilities)
- A statement of your goals and purpose for applying to the CWEEL board
- A copy of your CV/bio
- The committee which you are applying to chair – (1) International Programs & Events
- A statement that you will commit to attend at least one CWEEL Board Meeting each year in person (there are three in-person board meetings held in conjunction with AEE’s three US conferences). (Subject to travel restrictions due to COVID 19 we do not expect in-person meetings until sometime in 2021). If you have any concerns with meeting this requirement, please explain in your application.
- Two written references (preferably one from an active AEE member)
Applications may be submitted at any time between June 20, 2020 and October 1, 2020. The CWEEL Board expects to make its selection in October with the new board positions effective November 1, 2020.
Best Regards,
CWEEL
CWEEL Board Openings Announcement June 2020
*Applications due no later than July 20, 2020
The CWEEL Board of Directors is seeking to fill two board positions. This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about gender equity in the energy sector, called to support the success of CWEEL and who have a track record of volunteerism and leadership. The mission of the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership is to provide a network for women in the energy and environmental industries that can assist in supporting career development for professional women, mentoring for young and aspiring women to pursue technical education and careers in the energy and environmental fields, and scholarships on a global level. The Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) is a division of the non-profit International Association of Energy Engineers.
The Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The board serves to establish and fulfill the mission and objectives of CWEEL. The board sets policies, provides oversight and management of the organization, and participates in the execution of the strategic plan.
The CWEEL Board of Directors is seeking to fill two board positions. The CWEEL Board of Directors each serve a three-year term. Board meetings are held monthly. Each director chairs a CWEEL committee and the committee meetings are held as determined by each Committee Chair but no less than quarterly. Service on CWEEL’s board of directors is voluntary and without remuneration or reimbursement for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties.
Board Member Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
- Professional experience in science/manufacturing, business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector related to energy and environmental sectors and/or women’s advancement
- A commitment to and understanding of CWEEL’s mission preferably based on experience
- A natural affinity for cultivating relationships, attracting new members and facilitating consensus-building among diverse individuals
- Excellent written and oral communication skills coupled with natural affinity for public speaking
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for supporting women in the energy and environmental fields
- Member of the Association of Energy Engineers and CWEEL
Board Member Responsibilities
- Regularly attend board meetings and important related meetings with voting on board matters.
- Makes a commitment to participate actively in committee work – including developing and managing committees.
- Volunteer for and willingly accept assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time.
- Stay informed about committee matters, prepare for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports.
- Get to know other committee members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
- Participates in fund raising for the organization
There are currently eleven (11) Board committees and two (2) openings (in bold) for the following committees/board positions:
Open Board Positions:
1. Membership – US – OPEN
2. Programs & Events – International – OPEN
Filled Board Positions:
3. Career Advancement
4. Chapter Liaison
5. International CWEEL
6. Marketing, Communication & Social Media
7. Mentor Program
8. Membership – International
9. Programs & Events – US
10. Scholarships & Student Enrichment Program
11. Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors
A description of the two open positions are provided below. If you have any questions you may contact Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, CWEEL Board Chair, via email at lwiegand@utilityadvantage.com.
Membership – US
The U.S. Membership Committee Chair is responsible for driving significant membership growth across the fifty states of the United States. Responsibilities include: (1) defining and improving the membership value proposition and fee structure, (2) creatively marketing CWEEL membership within AEE and through external channels, (3) communicating with new members (welcome emails, etc) and managing member renewals, (4) distribution of CWEEL membership pins, (5) strategic planning and fulfillment for membership campaigns, and (6) development and management of the US membership committee. Current membership is approximately 300 members. The CWEEL board has identified membership growth as our first priority and all committees will be aligned in helping the Membership chair to achieve the membership goals. The candidate for this position must be prepared to support growth of 100% annually – with a three-year goal to increase CWEEL membership to 4,000 members by the end of 2023. The U.S. Membership Committee Chair will also work collaboratively with our International Membership Committee Chair to provide consistency and share best practices for our US and international members.
Programs & Events – International
The Programs & Events Committee Chair is responsible for oversight of all International programming and CWEEL events. Responsibilities include (1) coordinating with International CWEEL Groups who desire to hold local CWEEL events (2) developing a program kit for International CWEEL chapters that are interested in hosting a CWEEL event, (3) providing timely information on events to all CWEEL committees for support and event promotion, and (4) developing and managing an International Programs & Events Committee.
If you are interested in applying for one of these positions on the CWEEL board, please provide the following information:
- A statement of experience and skills to meet the qualifications and responsibilities for the board position (see above descriptions of qualifications and responsibilities)
- A statement of your goals and purpose for applying to the CWEEL board
- A copy of your CV/bio
- The committee(s) which you are applying to chair (select one or more committees) – (1) U.S. Membership or (2) International Programs & Events
- A statement that you will commit to attend at least one CWEEL Board Meeting each year in person (there are three in-person board meetings held in conjunction with AEE’s three US conferences). (Subject to travel restrictions due to COVID 19 we do not expect in-person meetings until sometime in 2021). If you have any concerns with meeting this requirement, please explain in your application.
- Two written references (preferably one from an active AEE member)
Applications may be submitted at any time between June 20, 2020 and July 20, 2020. The CWEEL Board expects to make its selection in August with the new board positions effective September 1, 2020.
CWEEL Webinars Recap: Working in a COVID-19 World
We hope you were able to join us for one or more of the CWEEL presented webinars on Working in a COVID-19 World. Below are the links and recordings to each video – enjoy!
Webinar One: Career Development & Networking During COVID-19 | Tuesday, June 9th
Webinar Two: Impact of COVID on Operations & Personal Impacts | Tuesday, June 16th
Webinar Three: Furloughed, Graduating or Let Go – What’s Next? | Tuesday, June 23rd
Webinar Four: Working in a COVID-19 World | Tuesday, June 30th
CWEEL Webinar Series – Working in a COVID-19 World | Webinar Three
A Four Part Career Advancement Webinar Series, Presented by CWEEL, a Division of AEE
Webinar Three: Furloughed, Graduating or Let Go – What’s Next?
Tuesday, June 23rd | 3:00 – 3:45 PM (EDT)
BETH OFFENBACKER, Ph.D.
Founder and CEO, Waterford, Inc.
Beth Offenbacker, Ph.D. is the Founder and CEO of Waterford, Inc., a company that provides executive expertise, experience, and passion for people, the planet, and performance. As a senior executive, executive coach, and consultant, she specializes in elevating results and impact for individual talent and organizations in the Green Industry. As the recipient of more than 30 awards, honors, and fellowships throughout her esteemed career, she is highly regarded as the “go to” authority and an extraordinary influencer in her field. She has corporate, nonprofit, and public agency experience, and her expansive portfolio includes local, state, regional, national, and international projects. Her extensive experience includes clean energy, utilities, land use, regional planning, parks, infrastructure, watersheds, sewer, stormwater, transit, transportation, conservation, forestry, and sustainable tourism.
Beth co-designed and leads the Green Career Workshops for the global nonprofit Leaders in Energy, an 8,500+ member organization of clean energy and sustainability professionals in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. She also serves as Director of Training & Development for Leaders in Energy. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops on green career management, green leadership, and effective engagement for green projects.
CHARLOTTE WAGNER, P.E., CEM, LEED AP BD+C
General Manager, Schneider Electric
Charlotte Wagner is the General Manager of the Southern California Branch for Schneider Electric, Digital Buildings. She is on the board of AEE’S CWEEL as the mentor program chair. She is an experienced leader, holding several management positions leading high performing teams.
She started a new job during the current pandemic, and is effectively leading a new team remotely. Charlotte has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, and has spent her career in both energy efficiency and building automation.
Moderator
JANINE FINNELL
Janine is the Executive Director of Leaders in Energy (LE), a non-profit global action network, which advances clean energy and sustainable solutions. Its mission includes helping people to find green jobs and careers paths to create a green economy.
Janine serves as the Chair of the Career Advancement Committee for the Association of Energy Engineers’ (AEE) Council on Women in Energy and the Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) National Board and Chapter Liaison for the AEE National Capital Chapter.
Janine draws upon an extensive domestic and international career in policy and research, program management, communications, outreach, and management consulting in the energy and sustainability fields. Her experience includes working at a state energy office, serving as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development, and employment at IBM, DynCorp International, and Institute of Energy Analysis, and consulting to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as non-governmental organizations, DOE national laboratories, and the electric utility industry.
