Celebrating Centennial of Women's Power

August 2020 marks the one hundredth anniversary since the nineteenth amendment — giving women the right to vote — was ratified in the U.S. Several commemorative events are planned throughout the year and state Public Utility Commissions are no exception.

Thanks to the leadership of Illinois Commerce Commissioner Sadzi Oliva, Chair, NARUC Subcommittee on Supplier and Workforce Diversity, a panel of thought leaders was convened during the February NARUC meetings in Washington. The panel addressed how far women have come and what still needs to be achieved, by sharing their success stories, experiences, and unique approaches.

The discussions opened with remarks from NARUC President Brandon Presley thanking the capacity-filled attendees for their early morning arrival. Commissioner Oliva paid tribute to women energy leaders from past decades, beginning in the 1920s and stretching to today.

After highlighting the century of past role models, the focus shifted to the future of women in the energy sector. Panelists included: Kelly Tomblin, CEO, Intren, Colette Honorable, partner, Reed Smith, Julie Brown, Commissioner, Florida PSC, Barbara Tyran, president, Women's Council on Energy and the Environment, and Mary Stephenson-Schroeder, principal, Stephenson Schroeder Ltd. and M. Ford Consulting, Inc.

The panel attributed the value of hard work to much of their success, as well as the support of others (mentors, family, and colleagues) in allowing them to pursue their professional aspirations. The benefit of graduate school education, particularly in providing analytical skills, was also cited as a significant contributor to workplace problem-solving capabilities.

Centennial of Women’s Power Panel, from left, Sadzi Oliva, Commissioner, Illinois Commerce Commission, Kelly Tomblin, CEO, Intren, Colette Honorable, partner, Reed Smith, Julie Brown, Commissioner, Florida PSC, Barbara Tyran, president, Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment, and Mary Stephenson-Schroeder, principal, Stephenson Schroeder Ltd.

The four hundredth anniversary of Africans arriving in America was also noted, with the resulting impact that race has played in the workforce, and potentially double challenges of inequity for African American women.

In and around the energy industry, progress continues as the workforce landscape, corporate culture, and corporate governance continue to evolve.

Following the panel conclusion, the audience rose to their feet in applause, signifying the mutual respect and support shared throughout the room. 

Lead image: From left, Barbara Tyran, president, Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment, Sadzi Oliva, Commissioner, Illinois Commerce Commission and chair, NARUC Subcommittee on Supplier and Workforce Diversity, Kelly Tomblin, CEO, Intren, Julie Brown, Commissioner, Florida PSC, Mary Stephenson-Schroeder, principal, Stephenson Schroeder Ltd., and Colette Honorable, partner, Reed Smith.