WENA Conference 2024

The Women’s Energy Network Alliance (WENA) brings together networks and associations representing women across various parts of the energy sector, from oil and gas, to nuclear, to electricity networks, renewable energy and district heating. WENA is unique in building bridges across the energy sector and in supporting and enabling women across the whole industry.

Last year’s WENA Conference - our first - brought together women from across the energy sector to meet, network and share experiences. We found we had a lot in common! Women from site-based sectors lamented the lack of suitable PPE; women in management roles continue to strain against glass ceilings; allies find it hard to know how best to provide support.

The challenges are clear. Some are social; some are systemic; and some are about how we as individuals build our skills, capacity and confidence in a changing environment.

This year, we move from thinking about challenges to exploring solutions. Every day, female trailblazers in the energy sector are improving their skills, achieving their goals and helping transform the way that energy is generated, distributed and used across the world.

At the WENA Conference 2024, we will explore the how: how do these successes come about? What can we do as individuals, as businesses, as networks to make success available to all and in doing so, be truly representative of society? From practical solutions to calls for social change, the WENA Conference will set a positive platform for future change for women at all levels within the energy sector.

Who is it for?

WENA’s goal is to ‘leave no woman behind’ so it will come as no surprise that we look to support women and help them thrive in their careers in energy. But the WENA Conference is NOT a women-only event and we can’t stress this enough!

So, if you’re an ally, line manager, senior executive or someone who is merely curious about what all the fuss is about, please don’t hesitate to secure your place. We endeavour to ensure our Conference is relevant to everyone working in the energy sector.

Agenda

1030-1100 Registration and Networking

1100-1115 Welcome Address: Dr Ollie Folayan MBE, Co-Founder, Association for Black and Ethnic Minority Engineers

1115-1130 Ministerial Address: Gillian Martin MSP, Minister for Energy, Just Transition and Fair Work

1130-1145 Keynote Address: Claire Mack, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables

1145-1205 Networking Break

1205-1300 Panel Discussion: Female trailblazers in energy - what are the career paths of talented women in the sector and what unique skills do they bring to the table?
o Dr Charlotte Stamper, Energy Infrastructure Lead, EMR
o Alisha Ali, Whole Energy Policy Manager, National Grid ESO
o Deirdre Michie OBE, Chair, Scottish Water
o Michelle Catts, Senior Vice President, Nuclear Programs, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
o (Moderator) Dr Ollie Folayan MBE, Co-Founder, Association for Black and Ethnic Minority Engineers

1300-1400 Networking Lunch

1400-1500 Panel Discussion: Insights from energy leaders, allies and Diversity and Inclusion experts – what are the solutions and good practice tips we can learn from these important influencers?
o Keith Anderson, CEO, ScottishPower
o Mavis Anagboso, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Harbour Energy
o Mike Smith, Well Superintendent, bp & Founder, bp’s ‘Men as Allies’ network
o (Moderator) Rachael Mills OBE, Chair, Women’s Energy Network Alliance & Founder, District Heating Divas

1500-1545 Networking Break

1545-1700 Roundtable Learning Session: Rachael Mills OBE, Chair, Women’s Energy Network Alliance & Founder, District Heating Divas

1700-1800 Networking Drinks Reception

1800 Event Close

About WENA

The Women’s Energy Network Alliance (WENA) is an umbrella group of initiatives and member organisations that specialise in supporting careers for women in energy.

WENA’s membership comprises: Women in Nuclear, POWERful Women, Lean In Equity & Sustainability, ALLY, ReWiRE, District Heating Divas, Full Circle 21, Women in New Energy and AXIS Network.

They work collaboratively and contribute their specialist knowledge to support women at a variety of career levels, energy industries and disciplines – from championing STEM outreach for girls to progressing senior women to the C-suite; and from focussing on engineering, renewables or nuclear sectors, to covering the whole energy industry.

The alliance has one common mission, however – to make much faster progress on female representation in the UK energy sector to meet the urgent energy transition challenges today and in the future. WENA’s collective motto is “Leave no woman behind”.

Tickets

Tickets are £50+VAT (plus a small Eventbrite admin fee) and expected to sell quickly, so do not hesitate to book your place using the 'Check out' button.

WENA Conference 2024 is sponsored by