AGENDA - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
5:00 - 7:00 PM PRE-CONFERENCE COCKTAIL RECEPTION
AGENDA - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8th
7:15 AM REGISTRATION ~ CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:15 AM GCPA Welcome: Barbara Clemenhagen, Executive Director, GCPA; Welcome by Chair & Co-Chair: Carrie Eberhard, Vice President, Principle Services LLC & Ruwa Collier, Biogas Lead Origination Analyst, BP
8:30 AM KEYNOTE - Using Storytelling for Understanding
Forget the PowerPoints. Focus on storytelling. When we use storytelling instead of canned presentations, we connect with people and forge connections between people and ideas. As leaders, one of the most powerful tools in our toolbox is storytelling as it gives us the power to influence, teach and inspire. Good stories foster familiarity and trust and bring the listener into the story where they are, making them more open to learning. In addition, well-told stories are remembered more accurately and for longer, compared with slides filled with facts and figures. Learn more about what makes a good story and how to use it to advance the energy transition.
Keynoter: Sandy Nessing, Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, AEP
9:00 AM PANEL - Crucial Conversations
Casual conversations can quickly become crucial conversations — especially when stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions are strong — and can have significant consequences when the conversation is avoided or not handled well. When you learn to handle crucial conversations effectively, the quality of your relationships and your effectiveness in your career will improve dramatically, and you’ll be able to handle life’s most difficult and important conversations.
Moderator: Cindy Steffen, Director, Employee Development, Austin Energy
Panelists:
Mary Anne Brelinsky, President & Chief Commercial Officer, Alpha Generation, an ArcLight Company
Connie Corona, Executive Director, PUCT
Shannon Johnson, Deputy Legislative Director - Office of the Honorable Bob Hall , Texas Senate
LaShunda Patrick, Center for Excellence & Innovation Specialist, Oncor
9:45 AM NETWORKING BREAK
10:15 AM KEYNOTE - Thriving in the Digital Era: Harnessing Digital IQ & Emotional Intelligence
How do we up-skill for the digital era and learn how to leverage new technologies to enhance life, work and career while maintaining the uniquely human—and particularly feminine—qualities that are essential for superior decision-making and leadership? As we navigate the hype surrounding digital advancements and AI, this talk will provide insights on how to strike a balance, ensuring that we embrace technological progress without losing sight of the emotional intelligence and intuitive strengths that set us apart as women leaders in the energy sector.
Keynoter: Nada Ahmed, Thought Leader, Author and Founding Partner of Energy Tech Nexus
11:00 AM NETWORKING ACTIVITY: Flying Challenge
11:15 AM KEYNOTE - Confidence & Connection
In this keynote, Barbara Sugg will share her personal journey of overcoming imposter syndrome to achieve self- confidence on her path to becoming the CEO of Southwest Power Pool. Although she says that imposter syndrome is always with her, she will share tips and tricks for identifying it, maximizing its value, and keeping it in check to achieve ultimate success.
Keynoter: Barbara Sugg, President & CEO, SPP
12:00 PM LUNCHEON
1:15 PM KEYNOTE - Talent Trends in Energy
Re-skilling / up-skilling, clean energy, AI, and a multigenerational workforce – understanding key talent trends in the energy sector is critical to future-proofing your career in the industry. Drawing from a 'been there, done that' perspective, this keynote will provide invaluable insights and practical strategies for thriving in the ever-evolving energy landscape.
Keynoter: Kimberly Smith, Partner, Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory
1:45 PM PANEL: Advocating for Your Future
Consider this panel a PSA on how to fearlessly and unapologetically advocate for yourself and your career. Engage with leaders as they discuss their personal career advocacy journeys, from addressing challenges to seizing opportunities. The panel will explore topics such as self-confidence and its perception as aggression when observed in women; the importance of leadership support; and younger millennials and Generation Z challenging norms in the workplace.
Moderator: Kimberly Smith, Partner, Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory
Panelists:
Heather Bailey, WETT Board Member; President, hbaileygroup
Dominique Bourda, Vice President, Operations, ENGIE
Carrie Eberhard, Vice President, Principle Services LLC
Nicole Hitchcock, Associate Director - Project Management, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP)
2:30 PM SURVEY
Leader: Ruwa Collier, Biogas Lead Origination Analyst, BP
2:45 PM NETWORKING BREAK
3:00 PM PANEL - C-Suite Roundtable: The Path to Female Leadership
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: Courtney Hjaltman, Commissioner, PUCT
Panelists:
Laura Beane, President, North America, Vestas
Stacey Doré, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Vistra
Trisha Elizondo, CEO, Energy Renewal Partners
Emily Shults, Sr. Vice President & Chief Business Officer, Low Carbon Solutions, Sempra Infrastructure
4:00 PM ADJOURN