AGENDA - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
8:00 AM REGISTRATION ~ CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:45 AM WELCOME - Kim Casey, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Power Association, Alicia Rigler, Rigler Energy Development, and Jennifer Littlefield, Counsel, Haynes & Boone LLP
9:00 AM KEYNOTE - Value of Diversity and Inclusion
In times of crisis, diversity and inclusion (D&I) can get pushed to the sidelines. But science and experience prove that D&I is essential to help organizations weather the storm. Companies that invest in developing inclusive leaders and cultures and building balanced teams fare better than others in crisis. Inclusive cultures band together in disrupted conditions; drive resilience; improve problem solving, risk management and opportunity identification; and forge a deeper sense of connection with employees, clients and communities. Kelly Tomblin is a passionate leader who has built her teams into healthy, diverse organizations that have weathered storms and pandemics successfully. Kelly will share stories of things that worked and some that didn’t, so we might all learn the value of D&I.
Keynoter: Kelly Tomblin, President & CEO, El Paso Electric
9:20 AM INTERACTIVE PRESENTATION - Learning to Lead in a REALway®
The fundamental tenets of Design Thinking and Improvisational Comedy come together during this interactive keynote session led by Amanda Austin, a business founder/owner and improv comedian. We’ll explore the four tenets of REALway® - Respect, Empathy, Action, and Listening - and how, when paired together, they can teach us to work collaboratively and not competitively, while pushing the boundaries of innovation to create a more people-focused brand.
Presenter: Amanda Austin, Comedy House
10:35 AM NETWORKING BREAK
11:05 AM PANEL - Risk! What’s Your Appetite?
Ever wondered if you could start your own venture, take a leadership role in a cutting-edge company or start-up and not only live to tell the tale but also thrive and succeed? Risk is an essential element of any new venture and the last few years have shown us risk is also always with us. Listen to our panelists detail how they managed taking risks in their own careers, and what female leaders need to succeed in new spaces and take the chances that bring their careers to the next level.
Moderator: Theresa Gage, Theresa M. Gage Consulting
Panelists:
Hala Ballouz, President, Electric Power Engineers
Audrey Fogarty, Chief Operating Officer, Jupiter Power
Allison Piper Kimball, Managing Partner, Wave 27 Ventures
11:50 PM CONVERSATION - A Call to Action
Inequities for both women and underrepresented minorities in the corporate ladder begin early. Starting with manager-level promotions, the percentage of women and minorities advancing trails men and the inequities only increase with each step in the ladder. The pandemic also continues to take a toll on employees, but especially women, with stress levels escalating much faster among women than men as the work-life balance changes. Adding to these issues, the gender gap in pay has remained relatively stable in the United States for about 15 years. In 2021, women earned 83% of what men earned and the gap for Black and Latina women is far worse. What are companies doing to disrupt these inequities and support and help women and minority leaders to be successful? Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professionals will share the initiatives and tools their companies are deploying to drive results.
Facilitator: Barbara Clemenhagen, Vice President, Market Intelligence, Customized Energy Solutions
Presenters:
Kim Hughes, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, AEP
Michelle Smith, Sr. Manager - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, NRG
Cindy Steffen, Director, Employee Development, Austin Energy
12:20 PM LUNCHEON
1:50 PM AFTER LUNCH YOGA ENERGY BOOST: Kim Goyette, Leader
Yoga is for more than just relaxing! Through breathwork and office-attire friendly postures, we will ignite your internal flame to step toward accomplishing your goals and manifesting your dreams.
2:00 PM INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION - The Brain: Building Resiliency in Uncertain Times
Do you ever wonder why we react to things a certain way? Is it by conscious action or are we hardwired to respond? Join Cherie Fuller as she leads an entertaining and interactive discussion that touches on concepts gleaned from author Dr. Helena Boschi’s book Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Our Brain to Get the Best Out of Ourselves and Others. Complicated neuroscience research is simplified and applied to real life situations which will be used to facilitate table conversations about topics such as negativity bias, effective leadership in times of change and building resiliency.
Presenter: Cherie Fuller, Vice President, Retail Operations, EDF Energy Services
3:00 PM NETWORKING BREAK
3:30 PM WOMEN IN POWER BOOK CLUB - She Thinks Like a Boss: Leadership by Jemma Roedel
Have you ever been reading one of the many leadership how-to books on the market and wondered what female leaders in your industry would have to say? Join us as a circle of influential female executives in the power industry discuss Jemma Roedel’s She Thinks Like a Boss: Leadership and share their own hard-earned advice on how to tackle leadership challenges, build high-performance teams and effectively communicate and negotiate your way to success.
Moderator: Kim Casey, Executive Director, GCPA
Panelists:
Donna Benefield, Sr. Vice President, Program Office, NRG
Deanna Rodriguez, President & CEO, Entergy New Orleans
Alexandra Williams, Vice President, Origination, Industrial Sun
4:15 PM PANEL - C-Suite Roundtable
You won’t want to miss this signature conference event as we bring together a phenomenal group of women serving in executive roles across the power industry for a candid discussion on leadership, risk taking, and career longevity.
Moderator: Beth Garza, Senior Fellow, The R Street Institute
Panelists:
Mary Anne Brelinsky, President, EDF Energy North America
Sally Shaw, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Broad Reach Power
Judith Talavera, President & Chief Operating Officer, AEP Texas
5:15 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION