Driving Change: New CWEEL Group Launch for the Greater Toronto Area
Celebrating the Launch of the Greater Toronto Area's CWEEL Group
The Association of Energy Engineers Greater Toronto Area Chapter (AEE-GTA) is thrilled to announce the successful launch of a new Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) group, with their first event on July 17, 2024. This event marks a significant step in our global CWEEL mission to encourage, empower, and inspire women in the energy and environmental sectors globally.
Event Highlights
The launch event featured a keynote speech by Stephanie Smith, Chief Nuclear Officer at Candu Energy Inc., and a panel discussion moderated by Jennifer Quaglietta, CEO of Professional Engineers Ontario. The event was also sponsored by Blade Air and held at Torys LLP.
Esteemed panelists included:
- Amy Jacobs, Sr. Vice President, Commercial Operations at Enwave Energy Corporation
- Carolyn Calwell, Chief Corporate Services Officer at Ontario Energy Board
- Jacquie Hoornweg, President of Joule Communications
- Elinor D’Cunha, Senior Director of Market Operations at IESO
Key Themes
- Career Growth and Leadership:
A consistent theme across the panel was the importance of embracing opportunities and focusing on personal strengths. Amy Jacobs highlighted the need for self-reflection and understanding one’s motivations, advising attendees to seek mentorship and invest in personal development. Leadership, she noted, is about making tough decisions and knowing when to pivot. - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
The panelists underscored the critical role of DEI initiatives in shaping the energy sector's future. Carolyn Calwell shared insights into forming DEI councils and implementing intentional policies, emphasizing that diverse perspectives are a competitive advantage. The panel agreed on the importance of creating psychologically safe environments where all voices are heard and valued. - Collaboration and Partnerships:
Building strong networks and partnerships was another key discussion point and learning from mentors. Jacquie Hoornweg addressed the challenges of bringing diverse perspectives into a traditionally male-dominated field, highlighting the need for systemic change. She encouraged attendees to build relationships across different intersectionality and to learn from leaders, regardless of their backgrounds. - The Importance of Continuous Learning:
Continuous learning and adaptability were emphasized as essential for career growth. Elinor D'Cunha encouraged self-reflection to identify strengths and weaknesses, and Carolyn Calwell advised pursuing new areas of interest and staying informed on industry trends. The panelists collectively stressed the importance of staying curious and open-minded to foster personal and professional development.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Amal Jina, Mouwafak Ayoub, Özge Bölek, Tanmay Soni, Nasreddine Guerfala, Crissy Godfrey, Hadas Webb, and volunteers Sanhita and Faysal for their dedication and support.
About CWEEL
The Council on Women in Environmental and Energy Leadership (CWEEL) serves as a platform for professional women to grow, learn, and connect. With committees focused on encouraging, leading, and supporting, CWEEL is committed to fostering opportunities for women in the industry. You too can join CWEEL by adding division membership to your existing (or new) AEE membership. You can also deepen your commitment to our mission by forming a CWEEL group within your local AEE Chapter or by joining one of our Governing Council committees. To submit interest in joining a committee or starting a group, please email cweel@aeecenter.org.
