Women IN Energy Hosts Annual “Powering Progress: Driving Transformation in Energy” Conference in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana, October 28, 2024   — Women IN Energy, a community committed to empowering women in the energy industry, successfully held its 6th annual conference, bringing together professionals from across sectors to explore the future of energy and the critical role of women in driving transformation. The event drew approximately 300 participants, featured 18 speakers, and was sponsored by 21 leading companies in the energy space.

Founded in 2017 by Kelly Snyder of EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) and Tameka McNair of Microsoft, the Women IN Energy conference was established to foster networking and innovation opportunities for women in the energy sector. This year’s theme, “Powering Progress: Driving Transformation in Energy,” highlighted key topics such as energy opportunities for all, success in the digital age, personal branding, leadership in the sector, and the future of generative AI.

“With the growing number of women entering the energy sector, this conference has become an essential platform for sharing insights, driving innovation, and fostering meaningful connections,” said Kelly Snyder, Senior Director of Origination at EDPR NA. “These women represent the future of the energy industry, and their collaboration here is critical to building a more sustainable and innovative energy economy.”

Tameka McNair, HR Director at Microsoft, added, “Empowering women leaders in Indiana’s energy sector is more important than ever. This event equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and network they need to navigate today’s evolving energy market—from sustainability to the ongoing energy transition.”
 

Key speakers included executives from AES Indiana, Duke Energy Indiana, EDPR NA, Microsoft, MISO, CenterPoint Energy, and Wabash Valley Power Alliance, with keynote remarks by leadership expert Lindsay Boccardo.

“I'm honored to be one of many voices today, reminding us that as women, we lead not by avoiding uncertainty but by embracing it as a chance to grow, connect, and transform. This is OUR time to rise—for ourselves, our teams, and our community. Together, we are building a legacy of resilience and strength, using uncertainty as a catalyst for growth and transformation in the energy industry,” stated Ms. Boccardo.

Spotlight on Indiana’s Energy Economy

Indiana’s renewable energy sector is growing rapidly, driven by projects like EDPR NA’s five solar and wind farms (including six phases of the Meadow Lake Wind Farm), which total 1.6 GW of installed capacity, with two more solar parks in development. As a major conference sponsor, EDPR NA plays a key role in advancing the state’s clean energy initiatives, partnering with local customers and communities.

Event Sponsors

Event sponsors include:

• Platinum Sponsors - EDP Renewables North America, MISO, ACES, Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse, CoBank, AES Indiana, Hoosier Energy, Wabash Valley Power Alliance, Duke Energy Indiana, Ryker Holdings, CenterPoint Energy, National Grid Renewables
• Gold Sponsors - National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, Microsoft
• Silver Sponsors - Customized Energy Solutions, Meridian Cooperative, Miller Pipeline
• Bronze Sponsors - Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, Hallador Energy Company, Ice Miller, Lochmueller Group, SAM