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)

Register for Webinar Three

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.   

CWEEL Webinar Series – Working in a COVID-19 World | Webinar Four

A Four Part Career Advancement Webinar Series, Presented by CWEEL, a Division of AEE

Webinar Four: Working in a COVID-19 World

Tuesday, June 30th | 2:00 – 2:45 PM (EDT)

Register for Webinar Four

LAURIE WIEGAND-JACKSON
President & CEO, Utility Advantage

Laurie Wiegand-Jackson currently serves as President  & CEO of Utility Advantage, a New Jersey- based national provider of energy consulting services company.  She founded Utility Advantage to provide independent consulting and energy services to the government, institutional and private business sectors in 2003.  She is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman with over thirty years of experience in the energy industry. 

Ms. Wiegand-Jackson is very active in promoting the professional advancement of women in her industry.  She initiated the development of the Council for Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) within the International Association of Energy Engineers.  CWEEL (www.cweel.org) was formed to promote the professional development and advancement of women in the energy industry, to provide a network for women, and to encourage mentorship with professional women and students.  She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of CWEEL.

Ms. Wiegand-Jackson is a certified Energy Procurement Professional and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from West Virginia University. She was inducted into the prestigious AEE Energy Managers Hall of Fame in September 2016.   

In addition to her passion for her work in the energy transition, she enjoys time with her family, her church community and gardening.

DEBORAH LENNY
Director of Sales, North America, Mid Atlantic, PA & Southeast, Direct Energy Business

Deborah Lenny began her career as an engineer in 1990 with Public Service Electric & Gas and was part of the evolving deregulated energy industry. Since that time, she held many positions in both the regulated & deregulated energy industries.

In her current role with Direct Energy she is responsible for direct and indirect sales in North America. Her team is primarily responsible for optimizing the delivery of electric & natural gas commodity, managed and non-commodity products to Direct Energy’s largest North American customers and brokers. Deb focuses the unique needs of customers/ brokers and positions the company for longer term, sustainable growth through complex energy transactions.

She has an Engineering Degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration from LaSalle University.

Deb is passionate about the development of women in engineering and energy through her work in local area STEM programs and serves on the national board of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) as the Chapter Liaison Committee Chair.

She resides in Moorestown, N.J. with her husband, Lance and their children Luke and Emma.

CARA OLMSTEAD
Director, Renewables Business Development, Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses

Cara Olmsted is the Director of Behind-the-Meter Renewables at Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses. She is responsible for the customer acquisition and operations of community solar projects, and for the development of the long-term strategic plan for Behind-the-Meter line of business. Cara has been with the Con Edison companies for 35 years, and has been involved in the business development, marketing, and strategic planning for new and existing lines of business including electricity commodity supply, energy services, demand response, utilities privatization, battery storage, and microgrids. While at the utility, Cara was responsible for working with large commercial clients to convert to natural gas.

Cara is on the Board of CWEEL and is responsible for fundraising and corporate sponsorships. She has three daughters ages, 14, 17 and 18, and resides in Greenwich, CT.

Moderator

MARYANNE McGOWAN
Vice President, Strategic Development, The Utilities Group

Maryanne is a seasoned energy professional.  She has formerly been an executive with Duke Energy, serving as CFO of one of the major generating stations and more recently, was a manager of Strategy & Implementation focusing on institutional markets.  She had stimulated policy and segmentation in energy efficiency, demand response, sustainability, and workforce development.  She is a decisive and innovated leader.  She has recently been named Vice President of Strategic Development at The Utilities Group.  Maryanne also serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of Energy Engineers; the Steering Committee for Electricity Use in Water Supply for EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) ; also serves on the Water & Wastewater Committee at the CEE(Consortium of Energy Efficiency);  she is an office on the national Board of Directors for CWEEL (Council of Women in Engineering and Environmental Leadership);  serves on the Advisory Board for WEEC (World Energy Engineering Congress) and is on the Advisory Board for the WERF (Water Environmental Research  Foundation).  Maryanne was also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Raise the Floor Foundation, promoting women in advanced manufacturing careers.  She has been an advocate for STEM education.  She serves on the Advisory Board for the Kenton County Academies of Innovation & Technology and Sullivan University.  She is on the Board of Directors for Gateway Community and Technical College Foundation. 

Maryanne is a member of the MacDowell Society and serves on the national Board of Directors of Phi Beta. She is an alumni of Leadership Kentucky, has served on the Corporate Campaign for Arts Wave and was named  2017 Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce .

She has BS and BA from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. She holds certifications as a Public Accountant and Energy Manager.  

CWEEL Webinar Series – Working in a COVID-19 World | Webinar Two

A Four Part Career Advancement Webinar Series, Presented by CWEEL, a Division of AEE

Webinar Two: Impact of COVID on Operations & Personal Impacts

Tuesday, June 16th | 2:00 – 2:30 PM (EDT)

Click Here to Register for Webinar Two

ALISON SHEA
Regional Business and Sales Manager
Siemens Industry, Inc.; Smart Infrastructure Energy Performance & Services

As the Central Valley Regional Business Development Manager, Ms. Shea is responsible for management oversight of individuals developing multidisciplined Energy and Environmental Solutions for both public and private sector business partners throughout Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  

Alison is an accomplished energy professional, and experienced project developer.  Her record includes experience as an Energy Solutions Provider, Client, and Consultant.  Ms. Shea represents a 360^o view of strategic and distributed energy planning and is an advocate of onsite renewable energy asset deployment and management.  

Alison has over thirty years of experience in the energy industry, and holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

DAVETTA THACHER
Senior Project Manager at NYSERDA

Davetta Thacher is a Senior Project Manager with NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Workforce Development and Training Team, where her focus is on building operation and maintenance.  Prior to this position, she helped develop, design, and manage a wide variety of energy-related initiatives, including NYSERDA’s Solar and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Programs.  Davetta holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, all from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  She has served as a Board Member of the AEE NYC Chapter since the Fall of 2015 and as an officer since January 2018.

Moderator

NANDINI MOULI, Ph.D.
President, eSai LLC 

Nandini Mouli is the President/Founder of eSai LLC, an energy engineering company located at Reisterstown, Maryland.  Prior to starting eSai LLC, she managed chemical and energy businesses at DuPont and at Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) respectively.  For its contributions in the clean energy field, eSai LLC has received the SBA’s “2018 Maryland Woman-Owned business of the year” award and “The innovative Small Business of the year” award in 2016 from the Greater Baltimore Business Council, among others.

Ms. Mouli is an inventor of over 40 US and International patents in chemical and energy fields and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Currently she has been serving as the President of Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)-Baltimore and a Board member of the International Council on Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL). 

CWEEL Webinar Series – Working in a COVID-19 World | Webinar One

A Four Part Career Advancement Webinar Series, Presented by CWEEL, a Division of AEE

Webinar One: Career Development and Networking During COVID-19

Tuesday, June 9th | 2:00 PM (EDT)

Emily Beck presented her networking tips at the Association of Energy Engineers Conference in the fall of 2019.  She is now returning to highlight her networking tips and how they can be done in a virtual environment.

Click Here to Register for Webinar One

“Virtual Engager Networking” by Emily Beck

EMILY BECK is a director of business development with Schneider Electric’s cleantech division, working with the global Fortune 500 to help them procure utility scale renewables. 

Emily has always loved developing relationships with clients, yet formerly dreaded having to network at business events. Utilizing Engager Networking   tactics, Emily now loves to engage at all types of business events, and hopes to inspire and empower others to do the same.

When Emily is not professionally engaging, she is usually talking about vintage Jeeps, skiing, and doting on her bloodhound Rufus.

“Visibility and Success in a Remote Work Environment” by Laurie Wiegand-Jackson

LAURIE WIEGAND-JACKSON currently serves as President  & CEO of Utility Advantage, a New Jersey- based national provider of energy consulting services company.  She founded Utility Advantage to provide independent consulting and energy services to the government, institutional and private business sectors in 2003.  She is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman with over thirty years of experience in the energy industry. 

Ms. Wiegand-Jackson is very active in promoting the professional advancement of women in her industry.  She initiated the development of the Council for Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) within the International Association of Energy Engineers.  CWEEL (www.cweel.org) was formed to promote the professional development and advancement of women in the energy industry, to provide a network for women, and to encourage mentorship with professional women and students.  She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of CWEEL.

Ms. Wiegand-Jackson is a certified Energy Procurement Professional and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from West Virginia University. She was inducted into the prestigious AEE Energy Managers Hall of Fame in September 2016.   

In addition to her passion for her work in the energy transition, she enjoys time with her family, her church community and gardening.

Session Moderated by Janine Finnell

JANINE FINNELL 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.   

Congratulations to Altramese Roberts-Tompkins, our new US Events and Program Committee Chair!

Altramese Roberts-Tompkins
Senior Engineer, Toyota Motor North America

Growing up, Altramese Roberts-Tompkins liked reading, putting puzzles together, and taking things apart. She has always been very analytical and precise about her work, so much so she never had to do a cursive writing assignment. Her focus as an athlete and engineering student were purposeful, but it was by chance she stumbled into the world of energy and loved it.

Altramese has been a senior engineer at Toyota Motor North America for 4 years and is responsible for supporting 14 North American Manufacturing Companies (NAMCs). She focuses on regional carbon and water environmental performance tracking, reporting, target development, benchmarking, and recognition. Before joining Toyota in February 2016, Altramese spent the first 6 years of her career as an Energy Analyst with Utilities and Energy Services at Texas A&M University.

At Texas A&M, Altramese was awarded the Outstanding Staff Award in 2011. This award recognized her for her professionalism, commitment to excellence, and integrity.  Altramese is devoted to building relationships and respect for people. She has also been actively involved in mentoring and teaching elementary and middle school youth about engineering through afterschool programs and as a National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellow.

Altramese holds a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy and Texas A&M University, respectively.

The CWEEL Board of Directors is Seeking to Add Two New Board Members in 2020

The board chairperson and directors serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term (total six years maximum). Board meetings are held monthly and committee meetings will be 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

This is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about the success of CWEEL and who have a track record of volunteerism and leadership. 

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

1. Regularly attends board meetings and important related meetings.

2. Makes serious commitment to participate actively in committee work.

3. Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time.

4. Stays informed about committee matters, prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports.

5. Gets to know other committee members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus. 

6. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.

7. Participates in fund raising for the organization 

There are currently ten (10) Board committees and two (2) openings for the following committees/board positions:

• 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 275 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 (Includes local/regional networking and sponsors)

The Programs & Events Committee Chair oversees all programming at CWEEL events.   Responsibilities include (1) confirming programming (including speakers and sponsors) at CWEEL’s regional and national breakfast events which are scheduled in conjunction with the Association of Energy Engineers’ conferences, (2) developing a program kit and support for local CWEEL chapters that are interested in hosting a CWEEL event, (3) providing timely information on events to all CWEEL committees for event promotion (4) coordinating travel budgets in conjunction with AEE for attendees at CWEEL programs, and (5) developing and managing the Programs & Events Committee.

---

If you are interested in applying for a position 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) Mentor Program, (2) Membership, (3) Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors
• 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 conferences).  If you have any concerns with meeting this requirement, please explain in your application.
• Two written references (preferably one from an active AEE member)

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Board Chair, Laurie Wiegand-Jackson at 848-565-1212 or via email at lwiegand@utilityadvantage.com.

Applications are due no later than March 6, 2020.  The CWEEL Board expects to make its selection in March with the new board positions effective April 1, 2020.  

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 and provides oversight and management of the organization.

CWEEL Mentoring Program Case Study

Background

The Council for Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership (CWEEL), through its affiliation with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), offers a mentoring program in energy efficiency and sustainability to support men and women in their career development in energy efficiency, renewable energy, utilities and energy technology fields.

Charlotte Wagner became the Mentor Program Chair in the summer of 2019.  In just two months 4 new mentor/mentee pairs have been matched, with a high demand for more mentors.

Case Study: Megan and Charlotte

Mentee: Megan Jimenez, Energy Efficiency Engineer, SoCalGas, Customer Engineering Services

Mentor: Charlotte Wagner, PE, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, Managing Director, Edison Energy

Date paired: January, 2018

Present status: Continuing relationship for 2 years

Megan and Charlotte are both in the energy industry and geographically located in Southern California.  We started off by having a few phone calls, and then meet in person for lunch.  We try to meet monthly and always have fruitful conversations.  We discuss career paths, office politics, how to get ahead at work, dealing with difficult people, and more.

From Megan:

“The Mentor Program through CWEEL is very simple and easy. I was able to be matched and have my first contact with my mentor within a few days. We meet every month or so and share experiences and current issues that we troubleshoot that enlighten my views. My mentor is a perfect match for me. She works in the same industry so we relate very well. My mentor also has very similar values to me so our goals align and her insight is exactly what I need to hear. I am extremely fortunate to have a mentor that exemplifies the definition of a mentor and personifies CWEEL. My mentor truly cares for my success and gives great and useful guidance. I am truly grateful to have the chance to be paired with her and be able to get great use out of this mentor program. The CWEEL Mentor Program has turned out to be the best mentor program I’ve had yet, and I owe it to the amazing women and industry that are a part of CWEEL.”

From Charlotte:

“I have been in the energy industry for over 25 years, so it is very gratifying to use my experience to help others.  Talking to Megan has been very rewarding; she reminds me of myself when I was younger.  Giving her advice on career path and workplace challenges has actually helped me solve my own workplace issues.  There’s nothing like talking it through with someone else.  I have immensely enjoyed our interactions.  I am grateful that there is this specific mentor program in CWEEL, to meet like minded people in the same industry.”

For more information or to participate

Both mentors and mentees apply to participate on the Council’s website.  Or contact Charlotte Wagner, Mentor Program Chair, 949-887-6906, Charlotte.Wagner@edisonenergy.com

https://cweel.wordpress.com/mentor/