Mentorship

Mentorship

Mentorship & Advisory Support at CWEEL

CWEEL Supports members through meaningful professional connection, including AEE's Mentorship Program and CWEEL Connect, a focused advisory option designed to offer targeted guidance when members need a second perspective.

Ongoing Mentorship

AEE Mentorship Program

The AEE Mentorship Program offers members an opportunity to build longer-term professional relationships focused on career development, guidance, and support.

CWEEL encourages members seeking ongoing mentorship to explore the AEE Mentorship Program.

Learn More About AEE Mentorship

Focused Advisory Support

CWEEL Connect

Introducing CWEEL Connect: designed to turn experience into momentum.

Not sure where to start? You're in the right place.

Through short, focused advisory conversations, members can connect with seasoned energy professionals to gain perspective, navigate challenges, and identify clear next steps. Whether you're exploring a career transition, stepping into leadership, working through a technical or workplace challenge, or simply need a second perspective, CWEEL Connect makes it easy to find the right conversation at the right time.

CWEEL Connect and the AEE Mentorship Program compliment each other.

AEE Mentorship

  • Ongoing guidance
  • Relationship-based
  • Long-term career development

CWEEL Connect

  • One-time, focused conversation
  • On-demand perspective
  • Access to multiple experts

While long term mentorship is valuable, sometimes all you need is a second opinion. The program was created to make it easier for members to access targeted expertise at the moment they need it. CWEEL Connect compliments the AEE Mentorship Program, recognizing that no single mentor can be everything.

What You Gain From a Session

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Clarity in 30 Minutes

Sessions are intended to be quick, practical, and flexible while prompting new insights.

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A Second Perspective

Hear an unbiased take or gain a new way of looking at your situation from a member of the industry.

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Faster Decision-Making

Get quick advice designed to be immediately useful and empower you to take the next step.

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Actionable Next Steps

Leave with a clear plan to navigate your challenge, not just vague ideas.

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Access to Diverse Expertise

Connect with professionals across industries, roles, and regions.

When Should I Use CWEEL Connect?

You might consider using CWEEL Connect if you are:

Exploring a career transition or preparing for a major decision

Navigating a workplace challenge

Working through a technical or strategic question

Looking for industry advice

If you find yourself thinking, “I wish I could ask someone who’s done this before…”, this program is for you.

Topics vary based on Advisor expertise and may include:

Career transitions and advancement

Workplace dynamics

Business development and client strategy

Entrepreneurship

Working in male-dominated environments

Public speaking and thought leadership

Work-life balance in demanding roles

Each Advisor selects the areas they are most comfortable supporting.

How Do I Request an Advisory Session?

There are four simple steps:

01

Browse

the CWEEL Connect Advisor Directory

View Advisor Directory
02

Select

an Advisor whose experience aligns with your goals

03

Submit

a request through the intake form

Submit Advisee Intake Form
04

Confirm

and coordinate scheduling with your Advisor

General FAQs

Who can participate?

  • Any CWEEL member can request an advisory session
  • Members from all regions and career stages are encouraged to participate, from students and early-career engineers to experienced professionals and executives

How should I prepare?

To get the most out of your session:

  • Identify one key topic or decision
  • Review your Advisor’s background
  • Be open about your goals and constraints
  • Preparation leads to better outcomes

Do Advisors provide job placements or direct introductions?

Advisors may offer guidance and perspective, but:

  • They are not expected to provide job placement services
  • Networking introductions are at their discretion
  • The focus is on insight, not obligation
  • Any ongoing connection beyond that is optional and at the discretion of both participants

How many sessions can I request?

  • Members are encouraged to use the program thoughtfully.
  • Additional guidance may be provided as the program evolves.

What if I’m not sure who to choose?

  • Start with an Advisor whose experience aligns most closely with your question.
  • There is no “perfect” choice: each conversation is an opportunity to gain a new perspective.

Who do I contact with questions?

For questions about CWEEL Connect, please contact Christy Cannon:

christy.cannon@yardi.com

Meet the Advisors

Shivani Saikar

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: CDT

Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Marathi

Current Title & Organization: Energy Manager, Fermilab

Shivani brings more than a decade of experience in energy management, sustainability, and decarbonization, with expertise spanning ESG reporting, industrial energy systems, and deregulated energy markets. She has worked across complex technical and organizational environments and enjoys helping others navigate both.

Shivani is especially well-suited to support professionals stepping into leadership roles or expanding beyond technical responsibilities. She frequently advises on career growth, leadership development, and navigating workplace dynamics. With a thoughtful and practical approach, Shivani creates a space where Advisees can work through real-world challenges and leave with greater clarity and confidence.

Best for: Leadership growth | Career transitions | Sustainability & ESG | Technical-to-strategic roles
View LinkedIn Profile
Shivani Saikar

Jeramy Cannon

Gender: Male

Country: USA

Time Zone: CDT

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Owner, Cannon Metering, Inc.

Jeramy brings over 20 years of experience across utilities, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship, with deep expertise in electric submetering and building data systems. Having built his career from entry-level roles to company ownership, he offers a unique perspective on long-term career development and business growth. Jeramy enjoys helping others navigate career advancement, entrepreneurship, and leadership challenges, particularly within technical industries. He is especially well-suited to support professionals exploring business ownership, moving into leadership roles, or developing strategy within complex organizations. Known for his candid and encouraging style, Jeramy creates a space where Advisees can explore ideas openly and gain practical, real-world guidance.

Additional Notes to Potential Advisees: While I am not an Energy Engineer (I studied Economics), I work in a tangent industry (submetering) and love helping people who are driven and doing their best to navigate through a career path. It’s not easy out there, and it certainly wasn’t for me. I had key people help me throughout my career and without them, I would not be where I am today. I’m proud to offer up my time to help anyone who might find my perspective helpful.

Best for: Entrepreneurship | Career growth strategy | Leadership development | Technical career progression
View LinkedIn Profile
Jeramy Cannon

Suhair Mahmood Al Mhairat, MSc., JCE, CEM®REP™, CSDP®, EDGE

Gender: Female

Country: Jordan

Time Zone: UTC +3, EEST Eastern European Summer Time

Languages Spoken: English, Arabic

Current Title & Organization: CO-Founder of NEX-SUS for Sustainability Solutions

Suhair brings over 20 years of global experience in energy policy, sustainability, and building performance standards, with deep expertise in regulatory compliance and international energy systems. She has worked across public and private sectors, leading initiatives in decarbonization, energy transformation, and sustainable development. Suhair is particularly well-suited to support professionals navigating international careers, policy-driven environments, and leadership roles.

She frequently advises on career transitions, leadership development, and operating effectively across diverse cultural and organizational settings. With a thoughtful and globally informed perspective, Suhair helps Advisees connect big-picture strategy with practical action.

Best for: International careers | Policy & sustainability | Leadership development | Career transitions
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Suhair Mahmood Al Mhairat

Alaina Hawley, CEM, EIT

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: MDT

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Distributed Energy Solutions Supervisor, Platte River Power Authority

Alaina brings a mix of technical expertise and real-world perspective across energy efficiency, renewable energy, and industrial energy management, with a deep understanding of how utility energy efficiency programs actually work, from design to implementation. She focuses on helping bridge the gap between technical potential and real-world impact.

She thrives on helping people work through both the technical and interpersonal challenges that come with growing a career. Whether it’s navigating a new role, building confidence, or figuring out how to handle a tricky workplace situation, Alaina brings a practical, supportive, and thoughtful approach. She is passionate about developing people alongside programs. Helping professionals navigate challenges, build confidence, and grow into leadership roles is a focus of both her day job as well as her volunteer work.

Best for: Early-career engineers | Career transitions | Workplace navigation | Conflict resolution
View LinkedIn Profile
Alaina Hawley

Deborah Lenny

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: EST

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Retired Energy Engineer /Executive

Deb has 35 years of experience in the energy industry, where she has led the advancement of innovative energy and renewable solutions for industrial and commercial clients. She is a seasoned leader with a strong record of delivering results, building high-performing and diverse teams, and guiding organizations through meaningful change. She has been actively involved with CWEEL for over a decade, most recently serving as CWEEL’s Co-Chair, and remains deeply committed to advancing women in energy through mentorship and leadership development. Throughout her career, Deb has guided individuals in building confidence, navigating career transitions, and stepping into leadership roles. Deb enjoys connecting with mentees at all stages of their careers—whether you are exploring your next step, working through a challenge, or simply seeking perspective. She believes in open, honest conversations and practical guidance to help others move forward with clarity and confidence, and she would be glad to connect.

Additional Notes to Potential Advisees: Diversity and Gender Equity Advocate in the energy industry for over 35+ years. CWEEL member, committee member, committee Chair and Co-Chair of the board for 10+years. Mentored where experience, perspective and impact matter and make a difference in the lives of women.

Best for: Women in leadership | Career advancement | Leadership development | Mid-career growth
View LinkedIn Profile
Deborah Lenny

Kiersten Washle, CEM, LFA, MBA, MS

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: EST

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Sustainable Operations Manager at JLL

Kiersten brings experience in sustainability, energy efficiency, and net zero buildings, with a focus on building performance and operational strategy. She works at the intersection of technical and organizational improvement and enjoys helping others grow within the energy industry. As the co-host of podcast all about careers in sustainability, Kiersten is particularly well-suited to support early-career professionals exploring their path and building foundational skills. She offers guidance on career development, navigating workplace dynamics, and understanding the broader energy landscape. With a thoughtful and approachable style, Kiersten helps Advisees build confidence and clarity as they move forward.

Best for: Early-career guidance | Sustainability careers | Career direction | Industry navigation
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Kiersten Washle

Cara Olmstead

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: EST

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Vice President Portfolio Management, RWE Clean Energy & Co-Chair of the Governing Council for CWEEL- Council on Women in Energy and Environmental Leadership

Cara brings 30+ years of experience across energy efficiency, renewables, utilities, oil & gas, and corporate leadership, with deep expertise in energy finance, strategy, and portfolio management. She has led complex initiatives across the energy sector and understands both the technical and business sides of the industry. Cara is particularly well-suited to support professionals stepping into executive leadership, transitioning from technical roles, or navigating complex organizational environments. She frequently advises on leadership development, business strategy, and career advancement. With a strategic and insightful approach, Cara helps Advisees see the bigger picture while identifying clear, actionable next steps.

Additional Notes to Potential Advisees: I have had a diverse career in energy from utilities, to competitive commodity and renewables development, in areas such as natural gas, commodity supply, demand response, energy efficiency, in areas of new business strategy and evaluation, public policy, marketing, sales, business development, deal structuring and contract negotiations, operations management, financial analysis, forecasting and budgeting, and P&L management.

Best for: Executive leadership | Business strategy | Technical-to-leadership transitions | Mid- to late-career growth
View LinkedIn Profile
Cara Olmstead

Mirazun Mitu, CEM, EIT

Gender: Female

Country: USA, Bangladesh

Time Zone: PST

Languages Spoken: English, Bengali

Current Title & Organization: Project Development Manager, SitelogIQ

Mirazun brings experience in energy efficiency, renewables, and policy-driven energy systems, with a strong focus on emerging markets and international energy development. She has worked across technical and strategic roles and understands the challenges of navigating career growth in complex and evolving environments. Mirazun is especially well-suited to support early-career professionals and those exploring international opportunities or transitions into leadership roles. She frequently advises on career development, business strategy, and navigating male-dominated environments.

With a thoughtful and encouraging approach, Mirazun helps Advisees build confidence and take meaningful steps forward in their careers.

Best for: International careers | Early-career growth | Leadership development | Emerging markets
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Mirazun Mitu

Christy Cannon, CEM, FAEE

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: CDT

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Sr. Solutions Consultant

Christy brings 25 years of experience across energy efficiency, renewables, grid and utilities, and building performance standards, along with hands-on expertise in submetering hardware and energy data. She works at the intersection of technical insight, business strategy, and leadership, and enjoys helping others think through complex challenges in a practical, grounded way. Christy is especially well-suited to support early-career engineers, mid-career women stepping into leadership, and technical professionals navigating the transition into management. She regularly advises on career transitions, salary and role negotiations, business development, and navigating workplace dynamics—including male-dominated environments. Known for her candid, approachable style, Christy creates a judgment-free space where Advisees can speak openly, test ideas, and leave with greater clarity, confidence, and a clear next step.

Additional Notes to Potential Advisees: It is very hard to offend me, so if I make a suggestion that won't work, please speak up and we'll go in a different direction. If I ask a question that you don't want to answer - that's OK, just let me know. I need you to feel comfortable explaining your goal or challenge - this is a judgement free zone!

Best for: Career transitions | Leadership growth | Technical-to-management | Salary & role negotiations | Workplace navigation
View LinkedIn Profile
Christy Cannon

Kristie Teoh, PE, CEM

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: EDT

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Senior Energy Engineer at Ameresco

Kristie brings hands-on experience in energy efficiency, renewables, and building performance through her work as a Senior Energy Engineer at Ameresco. She works closely with technical systems, policy frameworks, and real-world project implementation, giving her a strong understanding of how energy solutions come together in practice. Kristie is especially well-suited to support early-career engineers as they navigate the transition from academic theory to professional application. She enjoys helping others build confidence in their voice, particularly in areas such as public speaking, navigating male-dominated environments, and managing work-life balance in demanding roles. Kristie also offers practical guidance on career transitions and salary or role negotiations. With a supportive and relatable approach, she creates a space where Advisees can ask questions openly, gain clarity, and take meaningful next steps in their careers.

Best for: Early-career engineers | Public speaking & confidence | Workplace navigation | Work-life balance | Career transitions & negotiations
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Kristie Teoh

Ray Segars, CEM, FAEE

Gender: Male

Country: USA

Time Zone: EDT

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Solutions Consultant, Yardi Energy

Ray brings more than 30 years of experience across energy efficiency, renewables, grid and utilities, and energy policy, with additional expertise in ESG reporting, energy finance, and consulting. He has spent his career working at the intersection of technical solutions, regulatory frameworks, and business strategy, helping organizations navigate complex energy landscapes. Ray enjoys supporting early-career professionals and entrepreneurs as they explore career pathways, develop business strategies, and better understand the opportunities within the evolving energy market. He frequently advises on career transitions, entrepreneurship, policy navigation, and building a professional presence through thought leadership. With a practical and encouraging approach, Ray helps Advisees connect big-picture ideas to real-world action and move forward with confidence.

Best for: Early-career engineers | Entrepreneurship | Business strategy | Energy policy & regulatory insight | Thought leadership
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Ray Segars

Katelyn Leahy Barb, CEM, CEA

Gender: Female

Country: USA

Time Zone: EDT

Languages Spoken: English

Current Title & Organization: Senior Manager, Energy Transformation at Energy New England

Katelyn brings over a decade of experience in energy efficiency, grid and utility programs, and consulting, with additional expertise in electrification and electric vehicles. She works at the intersection of technical implementation and program strategy, helping organizations navigate the evolving energy landscape. Katelyn enjoys supporting professionals as they grow into leadership roles, particularly those transitioning from technical to management paths. She frequently advises on career transitions, workplace dynamics, and balancing demanding roles while continuing to grow professionally. Known for her approachable and thoughtful style, Katelyn creates a supportive space where Advisees can explore challenges and walk away with practical, actionable direction.

Best for: Career transitions | Technical-to-management | Work-life balance | Early to mid-career growth
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Katelyn Leahy