Industry Outreach and Awards
Discover GCPA's emPOWERing programs and learn about our impactful initiatives and awards.
emPOWERing (verb):
promoting the self-actualization or influence of; enabling through the removal of barriers.
As GCPA has evolved into the leading electric power member organization in the Gulf Coast region, we have expanded our original mission to include essential industry outreach programs. To support this effort, GCPA developed the emPOWERing programs, which focus on our Mentorship Network, and three areas of emPOWERment - Leaders, Women and Young Professionals.
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The Brad Jones Mentorship Network, launching in late 2025, honors the legacy of Power Star Brad Jones, recipient of GCPA's 2023 Pat Wood Power Star Award. This comprehensive mentorship program connects energy professionals across the industry through meaningful one-on-one mentoring relationships, group learning circles, and dynamic networking opportunities. Using advanced MatchIQ® technology and a mobile-accessible platform, the program pairs mentors and mentees based on expertise, career goals, and shared interests while fostering the collaborative, supportive environment that Brad championed throughout his distinguished career. The program strengthens our member companies by developing existing talent, broadening professional perspectives, and building a vibrant community where industry professionals lift each other up—ensuring Brad's legacy of mentoring excellence and infectious optimism continues to inspire and develop energy professionals for generations to come. |
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Established in 2013, GCPA has built a program that actively offers opportunities for support, development and networking to women currently working in the electric power industry as well as proactively encouraging and inspiring younger women to consider careers in the electric power arena. |
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GCPA introduced the emPOWERing Young Professionals Award in 2018. This award recognizes an individual under the age of 40 who actively participates in the electric power industry and contributes to the success of their employer, the success of the electric power market, the development of other industry professionals and provides leadership for projects or activities within the electric power profession. |
For further information on GCPA's emPOWERing industry outreach programs,
please contact: Barbara Clemenhagen, GCPA Exec. Director



