CWEEL at AEE World 2026:
A Week to Remember
What a week! From a buzzing opening night reception to a breakfast that left the whole room inspired, CWEEL showed up in force at AEE World 2026 — and together, we raised funds for CWEEL scholarships supporting the next generation of women in energy.
Raised for CWEEL scholarships supporting the next generation of women in energy.
A huge thank-you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and presented. Here's a look back at the week.
Opening Night Networking Reception
The week kicked off with CWEEL's Opening Night Networking Reception, bringing members together on the expo floor to connect, catch up, and set the tone for a week of learning. The evening closed with our live raffle draw, with winners announced on the spot.
Raffle Prizes
This year's raffle helped raise funds for CWEEL scholarships through prizes including:
- 2027 Tandem Global Conference pass ($1,595)
- AEE Lifetime Membership ($1,995)
- 2027 CEBA Summit Pass ($2,500)
- AEE World 2027 Registration & Legends Ticket ($1,095)
- Belle of the Ball Jewelry Collection ($300)
- Bourbon Lovers Starter Kit ($250)
- Bourbon Barrel ($250)
- Dubai Gold Coin ($250)
CWEEL Breakfast
The following morning, members gathered for the CWEEL breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Mardi Ditze, Country Sustainability Manager at IKEA U.S.
Mardi Ditze
Country Sustainability Manager | IKEA U.S.
Mardi guides nearly 17,000 IKEA co-workers toward the company's climate-positive goals, bringing an entrepreneurial, people-first perspective shaped by her career across retail, customer service, and sustainability — including her earlier work as Project Developer at Community Energy, a pioneer in renewable energy generation.
CWEEL Voices on the Technical Program
CWEEL volunteers led sessions across this year's technical tracks, covering career growth, mentorship, and the latest in energy policy and practice:
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Build Your Own Network
Shivani Saikar
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory -
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Where Have All the Women Mentors Gone?
Katelyn Leahy Barb
Energy New England -
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The Secret to Earning an AEE Award… Apply
Christy Cannon — Yardi
Mirazun Mitu — SitelogIQ Inc -
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Reinvent Your Current Job into Your Dream Job
Elin Shepard
CLEAResult -
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Powering Your Career: Skills for Success in the Energy Industry
Cara Olmsted — RWE Americas
Shivani Saikar — Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory -
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Engineers Rejoice, We Brought Reinforcements!
Katelyn Leahy Barb
Energy New England -
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Credit Where It's Due: The Latest on Federal Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency
Kristin Gustafson
Eide Bailly -
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Federal Energy Funding Opportunities— Navigating the Evolving Landscape
Nekisha McGill
HDR, Inc. -
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What Comes After Market Transformation? How Rhode Island Energy is Charting the Future of Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs
Andrea Moshier
Rhode Island Energy -
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Industrial Water Reuse
Danielle Himes
Volvo Trucks -
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Solar PV Operations & Maintenance in the United States: Quantifying the Loss, Understanding the Gap, and Capturing the Opportunity
Mirazun Mitu
SitelogIQ Inc