Women Superheroes

Our energy sector is experiencing a rapid transformation driven by technological advancements, changes in policy, and societal demands. The growth of job opportunities in clean energy are undeniable and high-paying. Women are seizing the opportunity to lead and contribute to the energy transition.

In this new captivating series, “Women are Energy Superheroes,” we share the career pathways and stories of remarkable women in the energy workforce. These profiles highlight the accomplishments of women who have successfully pursued energy-related careers, including those who have attended community college programs. Each profile provides valuable insights into the excitement and impact of energy careers while offering tips for aspiring professionals.

We are proud to announce that all of the remarkable women featured in this series are also celebrated in the children’s book, “Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers.” This series is in collaboration with award-winning children’s book author, educator, and STEMinist Erin Twamley.

Together, let us celebrate and join women in the energy workforce as they continue to shape a sustainable and brighter future.

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Amanda Polematidis, Buildings Engineer:

Energy, Sustainability, and Resiliency Assistant Project Manager – Driven by curiosity, Amanda’s journey into the world of energy started when she stumbled upon a sandwich shop located in a LEED-certified building in 2012. The building was in downtown Chicago, called Hannah’s Bretzel, and the whole space had signage about how the space was sustainable. The mix of environmental responsibility and architectural design piqued her curiosity. Now, Amanda spends her days using her engineering and project management skills to help create buildings and infrastructure that are durable to a changing climate.

Amanda began her career as a science teacher. After her encounter in Chicago, she studied and took an exam to become a LEED Green Associate. She joined her local U.S. Green Building Council to learn about local sustainability projects. Many building professionals seek certifications and programs from organizations like the US Green Building Council, Buildings Performance Association, or Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. She started working on school sustainability projects before launching her second career full-time.

Today, she uses advanced computer software to analyze building data to reduce its carbon footprint. All of this data is collected through energy audits. These audits help monitor and predict energy usage and potential savings. These audits collect data including electricity consumption for lighting, heating, and cooling, as well as emissions associated with the production, transportation, and installation of building materials for projects.

Amanda’s involvement goes beyond data analysis as she frequently visits building sites, collaborating with construction workers, architects, and building owners while wearing a hard hat, steel-toed boots, and safety goggles. Her hands-on approach ensures that the construction process aligns with the carefully planned sustainability and resiliency building strategies.

She believes that by designing and building with sustainability, resiliency and equity in mind, we can create a brighter and greener future for everyone. She still supports efforts to diversify green building professionals by advocating for and mentoring students in K-12. Beyond her professional pursuits, Amanda finds solace in practicing the piano, traveling and maintaining an active lifestyle. Connect and learn more about her work on LinkedIn.

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Jaimey Fulford, Powerline Technician:

Across the United States and Canada, a vast network of high-voltage power lines intricately zigzags or weaves underground, spanning over 700,000 miles. These power lines deliver electricity to our cities, colleges, businesses, and homes. Who helps install, inspect, test and maintain these lines to keep our lights on and favorite devices charged? These individuals are powerline technicians. Powerline technicians are skilled professionals who help build and maintain the overhead and underground electrical infrastructures. They also have a thorough understanding of electrical theory and use of job specific tools in the field. They often prioritize safety whether at great heights, working with live wires or operating heavy equipment. Meet an apprentice powerline technician Jaimey Fulford, a Canadian tradeswoman. Fulford is currently in a four year, 8000 hour, apprenticeship program to obtain her Journeyman ticket. Jaimey currently works for Ottawa River Power Corporation at their Almonte location. Fulford's affinity for the trades stems from a familial influence. Fulford’s mother is a cabinet maker who helped instill a love for woodworking and working with her hands from an early age. However, it was the spark of electricity that captivated Fulford and led her to pursue a career as a powerline technician. In her role as an apprentice she spends her days with a blend of classroom learning and on-the-job training. Fulford uses her problem-solving skills and communication skills daily to keep safe. Her commitment to her craft extends to obtaining certifications such as First Aid, Working at Heights, Chainsaw Safety Handling, and a Commercial Driver's License. Upon successfully completing an apprenticeship program, individuals like Fulford, attain the status of Journeyman or even Red Sealed Journeyman if she continues her education in the trade. Beyond her daily responsibilities, Fulford actively participates in outreach efforts to promote trade careers, particularly among women. She recognizes the untapped potential of more women ready to don boots, hard hats, and engage in the dynamic world of power line technology. Today, Fulford not only contributes to keeping the lights on but also strives to illuminate the path for others interested in pursuing rewarding careers in the trades.

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Marie Kills Warrior, Solar Installer:

Meet solar installer and construction manager Marie Kills Warrior. Marie spends her day installing panels in Northern Minnesota. Installing rooftop solar panels connects Marie to her Native American heritage. Marie is a proud Oglala Lakota woman in Renewable Energy dedicated to protecting the Earth and using natural resources wisely. She is proud to be a leader in the solar industry installing solar in the Midwest. Marie has always liked working with her hands and fixing things. She first learned how to fix cars and even went to get a degree in automotive technology. She studied at Oglala Lakota College and earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Automotive Technology in 2014. Her interest in solar energy was sparked at an Earth Day event in 2016. There, she learned from a company called Thunder Valley, how solar installation can protect the environment and create new jobs. She went on to train in the NABCEP Associate Program focused on Photovoltaics (PV). In this program, Marie earned her credential by completing a training course and through full-time on the job experience. Today at Renewable Energy Partners Inc., Marie spends her time helping communities and buildings install solar panels. When not capturing the sunlight, you will find Marie fishing with her furbaby, a dog, named Titan. Marie is proud to be “Two-Spirit,” which means she has both a masculine and a feminine spirit.

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Maria Moreno, Electrical & Instrumentation Technician:

Technicians play a crucial role as problem-solvers across diverse industries including in energy! For Maria Moreno, the journey into the career as a technician and now woman-owned electrical business owner was motivated by a quest for financial stability and job security. Having experimented with waitressing to support her family, Maria drew inspiration from her familial ties to the trades, with four brothers deeply entrenched in the electrical industry. Embracing the notion that “everyone needs an electrician,” Maria decided to chart her own path as an electrical and instrumentation technician. Her education journey began at Great Basin Community College in Nevada, where she dedicated herself to acquiring certificates and associate degrees in electrical and instrumentation disciplines. Maria’s professional experience began with small-scale electrical projects, gradually expanding to waste management and commercial power generation. Recognizing the dynamic nature of her field, Maria continues to obtain new skills and certifications to stay current with the evolving tools and safety measures on projects. For example, she completed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Training Program. She also achieved the designation of a Certified Instrumentation and Control Technician (CICT). These certificates help her continue to provide a diverse ray of technical services for any employer. In 2023, she decided that her technical skills and her commitment to growth could culminate in Maria establishing her own woman-owned electrical business, Redline Technical Services. As an entrepreneur, she not only demonstrates her technical know-how but also exemplifies the spirit of female empowerment in traditionally male-dominated industries. Beyond her professional endeavors, Maria finds joy in outdoor activities, sharing her passion for dirt biking and snowboarding with her children. Maria not only is a skilled technician but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring individuals seeking success in non-traditional career paths.

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Jennifer Hill, Power Plant Operator

Meet Jennifer Hill, a dedicated Power Plant Operator at the Muskogee Power Plant in Oklahoma and a proud Lifetime Girl Scout member. Jennifer’s journey began at just eight years old when she toured the very power plant she now oversees! This tour sparked her curiosity about the mechanisms behind her community’s power supply. Jennifer is the first woman to run a mixed power plant for Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E). Operated by OG&E, the Muskogee Power Plant is a powerhouse, generating 1,500 MW of electricity. This power plant provides reliable electricity 24/7 for 267 cities and nearly 900,000 customers across Oklahoma and western Arkansas. In her role, Jennifer collaborates with technicians and engineers, ensuring seamless electricity flow during peak demand periods. Jennifer’s career at the power plant started from the ground up, beginning as an auxiliary operator apprentice in 2006. Through on-the-job training, Jennifer learned everything about the control room, equipment, and safety protocols. Working tirelessly through a rotating schedule of day and night shifts, Jennifer ensures uninterrupted electricity supply round the clock. In her day-to-day tasks, Jennifer operates from what she affectionately calls the “giant video game room,” where she monitors and controls the systems and machinery responsible for generating and distributing electric power. She monitors instruments to maintain voltage and electricity flows, adapting to changes in consumer demand throughout the day. Her team conducts routine equipment inspections and troubleshooting, ensuring smooth operations and quick resolutions to any issues that arise. As the world’s demand for electricity continues to rise, the role of power plant operators like Jennifer becomes increasingly vital. With most electricity in the United States generated by large central plants like Muskogee, their efficient operation ensures that electricity reaches consumers reliably.

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Chelsea Abner, Wind Energy Facility Manager

Running a wind energy facility requires technical knowledge of renewable energy systems, management skills, and a love for problem-solving. Meet Chelsea Abner, the first woman to manage a wind facility at Pattern Energy. Chelsea oversees both Broadview Wind and Grady Wind which span across the New Mexico and Texas border. These facilities have 225 wind turbines, representing 544 megawatts (MW) of power. The wind facility can meet the energy needs of nearly 200,000 American homes every year. Chelsea’s journey in the wind industry began as a Wind Technician. She grew her skillsets on the job and was promoted to Lead Technician, Assistant Facility Manager, and then Facility Manager. As a Facility Manager, Chelsea leads a team of technicians to keep her sites running safely and efficiently. She uses math to spot patterns, fix issues, and prevent future problems. Chelsea relies on plans, safety gear, and sensors to find out what’s wrong on the sites. She says every day is different and full of problem-solving. For those curious about this career, Chelsea suggests considering the diverse ways to join this dynamic industry. Before becoming a wind technician, Chelsea was an elementary school special education teacher. She saw the growing wind industry and wanted to be part of it. Her background as an educator helped her grow as a leader within Pattern Energy. Chelsea’s story is a testament to the exciting opportunities in the wind industry. With dedication and a willingness to learn, anyone can make a difference, just like Chelsea.

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Kelsey Chavers, GIS Analyst

Cartographers use a mix of art, science and technology. In fact, this intersection of science and art is what made modern mapmaker Kelsey Chavers study geography. Her interest in geography began in high-school. Through her first studies she saw how maps could help communities thrive. Kelsey pursued this interest and studied geography at the University of Mary Washington. She began her career gaining experience in a paid internship for one of the largest renewable energy companies in the US. Through this experience she learned how data and maps were combined. After her internship she was hired full-time as a Geographical Information System (GIS) analyst. In this job, she helped to create the preconstruction maps for large solar and wind farms. Kelsey recommends using internships to gain experience and knowledge. She knows firsthand how internships can lead into a job. Today, Kelsey is using her love of science and art to make maps for the United States Marine Corps Quantico. Kelsey helps to map the locations and transportation routes across this 68,000 acre base. She also spends a lot of time doing data clean up and management. At the foundation of her maps are data and lots of it! Kelsey is passionate about helping others, especially young girls see the career opportunities at the intersection of art and science. To this end, she is a Lifetime Girl Scout member and a member of the American Association of Geographers. She volunteers sharing her love of art, geography and data.

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Karen Roark, Land Manager

The global energy system uses nearly 75 million acres of land for energy production. Solar and wind farms require large amounts of land even with the energy transition to renewables. As a result, land managers like Karen Roark who works at Orsted play a crucial role in managing the land for energy projects. Roark works with landowners all across the U.S. who lease their land for renewable energy development. Her role involves negotiating agreements that ensure benefits for landowners, communities, and local governments. With a background in accounting, Karen ensures that these projects are both financially and environmentally beneficial.

Many families in the USA who own large farms or ranches have owned the land for at least three generations. Karen herself is a landowner, owning a five-acre hobby farm in Texas. Karen uses her superpower of communication to ensure that energy companies, local governments, landowners, and communities benefit from an energy project’s life.

Karen’s superpower of communication was one she grew. It wasn’t until the fourth grade that she knew how to read. Despite childhood struggles with reading, Karen developed strong communication skills that now help her explain the advantages of renewable energy projects to stakeholders. Today, she spends most of her time reading contracts!

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Alessia Falsarone, Energy Investor

Managing money successfully is more than just a skill – it can be a life-long career. Take investors like Alessia Falsarone. Every company needs someone to manage their finances, ensure budgets are aligned with their needs, and help analyze their profits to support future growth. In the world of energy, billions are being invested every day. Investors like Alessia Falsarone help allocate investment funds for emerging energy technologies and energy infrastructure projects.

Falsarone grew up in central Italy, where she developed a love of wind energy at age nine when the world’s hang-gliding championships were held in her hometown. To keep up with her finance and research skills, Alessia first studied economics, and then went on to study computational mathematics at Stanford University. Today, she’s all about ensuring energy investments contribute to powering our planet and preserving our natural ecosystems.

No day is the same as Alessia works with industry networks, government entities, and innovators to bring more financing to scale breakthrough energy technologies, from wind and solar power to green hydrogen. She works with capital providers to help select the most innovative energy technologies. She also helps to bring capital to grow the energy infrastructure ecosystem needed for faster clean energy adoption. This includes the collection of data from pilot projects to the distribution of energy for everyday use.

Clean energy projects can help bring better trained and higher paid jobs, and increased tax revenue to local communities. Alessia’s work has contributed to hundreds of low carbon investments keeping our lights on and heating our homes from eco-friendly sources. Alessia is proud to know that through her evaluation and assessment, she brings us closer to a world powered by clean energy technologies.