Around the world, the energy industry remains one of the most gender-imbalanced sectors according to the United States Agency for International Development. However, in clean energy, the percentage of women is growing. North Carolina is a leader in clean energy and with that status comes amazing opportunities for women to be leaders in all sectors of clean energy.

The Women in Clean Energy (WICE) initiative, an project of NCSEA, offers women the opportunity to excel in North Carolina’s clean energy industry by fostering support, camaraderie, and knowledge sharing. In less than two years, WICE has grown its network to over 400 women, and created a mentorship program with participants across the country. Our goal is to increase the gender diversity within the clean energy sector and to ensure equal opportunity for all who want cleaner air and a thriving economy.

Here's why I support WICE:

After exploring many careers that ranged from teaching to counselling to mediation, I found myself wanting to focus my work more on environmental issues.  As a master’s student in environmental geography, I learned even more about our impact on the environment and I knew I wanted to create solutions to growing environmental concerns.  I also knew that my career would have to integrate my analytical mind and my background and interest in education and sociology.

As I built my new career, there were few female role models to turn to for guidance.  I “wandered” through jobs that focused on community recycling programs, grant management and adult education around home energy and, while that work scratched part of the itch, none really allowed me to push myself professionally.  They were all safe.  They were all “woman-appropriate” jobs.  Then I got hired by NCSEA where I found male and female colleagues who offered me a variety of perspectives and support in my exploration of Laura 2.0.  At NCSEA, I was able to receive mentoring from strong, professional women in my field.  I was able to “lean in,” take risks, and grow professionally in a way I had never imagined. And now, I am privileged to work alongside the next generation of women in clean energy, offering guidance when asked and learning much from them, as well. 

I am so proud to work for an organization that is paving the way for NC to operate on 100% clean energy, while ensuring that equity, diversity and inclusiveness is incorporated into every project we do. I encourage you to help us make this program, Women in Clean Energy, a success and a resource as more and more women join the energy industry. We want to lead this in our state, and we need your support to do so. Donate, and dedicate your donation to someone you care about. Mine is dedicated to my two strong girls who have years before joining the workforce but deserve support and a fair chance.

To learn more about our 2020 Women in Clean
Energy Campaign, return to the homepage here. 

For step-by-step instructions for creating your own Women in Clean Energy Fundraiser page:
https://energync.org/setup-wice2020/.

For copy and paste sharing content, check out our fundraiser sharing suite: 
https://energync.org/social-wice2020/.