The mission of Women in Energy is to connect and empower women working in the energy industry . According to Women in Energy Executive Director Judy Garber , “ We do this by providing career resources , creating networking and mentoring opportunities , promoting educational courses , and developing strategies to minimize obstacles women may face in the industry .

One of the group ’ s initiatives was the creation of an annual Mentorship Award . The Industry Outreach Committee , chaired by Liz Hill , PriMedia Inc ., oversees the award .

Hill shared , “ The goal of this Award is to invest in our industry ’ s future by providing students , women currently working for an energy company with less than 5 years , or women who wish to change careers , with valuable connections and tools for success . The award also highlights the outstanding career opportunities available within the energy industry ”.

Women in Energy recognizes the winners at their awards banquet held in conjunction with the group ’ s Annual Conference . This year ’ s event will be held September 20-22 , 2023 in Hershey , PA .

Hill noted that award winners participate as guests at the Annual Conference and receive complimentary membership which includes subscription to the group ’ s

Self-Paced Learning Center . Participation at the conference is a great opportunity to connect with other women energy professionals .

Garber commented , “ Our 2022 Winner , Veronica Miller , is a noteworthy example of the objective of this award . Veronica had a 13-year career in nursing but felt a calling to do something else . She was working as a home hospice nurse when she saw firsthand some of the living conditions some of the patients under her care were experiencing . She realized that the energy industry too could be a very rewarding career .”

In the letter of recommendation received from her program coordinator at Trident Technical College , he stated , “ Having women like Veronica with interest in the AC & R field is why I am providing this letter of support for her .”

“ Veronica ’ s goal is to one day have her own company . She wants to be able to find energy efficient and cost-effective ways to give back to people in the community . She wants to give people the option of feeling comfortable getting reliable services from a woman . She feels making connections , meeting other women in the industry , and always learning will be beneficial to reach her dreams one day ,” Garber said .

Garber noted that at the 2022 conference , the group acknowledged a previous Mentorship Award Winner .

“ Due to Covid , our 2020 annual conference was virtual , rather than in-person , so we were pleased to recognize one of our 2020 winners at the conference . Sutton Woolley , currently a junior in high school , was properly recognized . Sutton works in her family ’ s business , Woolley Home Solutions , Maplewood , NJ .

The deadline for receipt for applications for Women in Energy ’ s 2023 Mentorship Award is April 15 , 2023 . Details can be found at https :// wewomeninenergy . com / about-us / mentorship-program /.

“ With just over five years since Women in Energy was incorporated , we are proud of our accomplishments . To date , WE has grown to over 400 members , both individual and corporate and we appreciate the support and participation of our members and sponsors as we continue to grow ,” Garber concluded .

To learn more about Women in Energy , visit WeWomeninEnergy . com . l FON

18 MARCH 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com