Seeing CWEEL: Christina DiBeraRdino
In the words of her nominator, “Christina has served on our Career Advancement Committee and has made numerous contributions in helping us to plan and moderate our training webinars. She also collaborated with me on a Leaders in Energy CWEEL event in 2021 and served as the AEE NCC chapter moderator. She is a pleasure to work with and very flexible and helpful in contributing to getting the job done.”
In Her Own Words
What has been the biggest benefit of being a CWEEL member?
There are so many benefits! CWEEL is where women are encouraged to pursue their career passions. I found endless support from industry peers as I became involved with this organization. It has helped me to develop and strengthen my skill sets, such as tackling my fear of public speaking, which I am deeply grateful for. When you know everyone around you is rooting for your success and development, just as much as you are rooting for theirs, it becomes a place for you to be vulnerable and thrive.
Any other thoughts on the CWEEL community you would like to share?
CWEEL provides an incredible opportunity to network with diverse women across our industry, provides access to training, panels, and events. You can enroll in the mentorship program, attend social receptions, and so much more. I would encourage members to get more involved by joining one of the committees and allowing those peers to share their industry expertise with you. You will learn so much and gain exposure. Most importantly, recruit your industry friends to join AEE and CWEEL!
What other roles have you had? Share as much of your story as you would like, below.
When I first graduated college in May ’08, I was actually planning to pursue a career in public relations and even considering attending law school to become an entertainment lawyer. In the interim, while job hunting and dreaming about what I thought I wanted my career to look like, I accepted a temp position at Hess Corporation to start gaining some work experience. Over the course of that summer, I was offered a full-time position as an oil pricing analyst. I accepted it because I had slowly started to become intrigued with the energy industry. I wanted to give it a chance and I am so glad that I did. My entire career path refocused and I was determined to absorb everything I could learn about energy.
Within that first year, a VP in the organization asked about my career goals and interests, and commented that I would probably be great in a commodity sales role. The conversation stayed in the back of my mind for quite some time because the competitive nature of the position was very appealing (I like to win!) I decided to take the leap in that direction when a position on the sales support team opened up. This role supported account managers with their books of business. I learned about commodity markets, oil, natural gas, electricity, renewables, sustainability goals and demand response programs. I was partnered with a very ambitious sales rep who was passionate about his career and wanted to give me exposure to the different types of industries he sold to. It was a demanding role, but also fun and we were a great team.
After a couple of years in the supporting role, I was promoted to an account executive where I have continued to develop those skills transitioning from managing brokerages to now having a direct customer focus. I realized over the years that my true passion is actually being able to help others and building connections, whether it is working alongside a company to support their energy needs and develop a commodity hedge strategy or coaching a peer. I want to always be learning and of service.
We work in an ever-changing industry and there are always new things to become educated about. I’ve taken many courses and leadership development training programs over the years. I have been very lucky throughout my career to have peers and mentors who exude passion for what they do, who wanted to coach me along the way such as Deb Lenny, who also introduced me to AEE and CWEEL.
I drove past that Hess corporate building so many times as a young girl. It still strikes me as funny that my energy career was standing there in front of me all along, waiting for me…I just didn’t realize it until I was 22. It’s in the journey!
What is something we wouldn’t know about you from your resume?
I completed a triathlon, am a member of the Junior League of Washington, enjoy reading, have an adorable one year old puppy named Alex, traveling is my favorite hobby (I studied abroad in London my junior year of college – highly recommend!), and I love to dance to jumpstart my mornings along with a cup of coffee!
Do you have a quote that has inspired you?
“For what it’s worth… it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you’ve never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start over again.”