1. Introducing
WiRE –Women In Renewable Energy
SheEO Program
Co-Founders & Co-Chair: Joanna Szarek Osawe & Rebecca Black
2. Vision
• Expand the involvement of professional
women in all renewable energy industry
segments
• Play a meaningful and visible role in the
energy sector
• Advance the role and recognition of women
making a difference in the RE field
• Mentor developing professionals and students
3. History
• Built on the foundations of the Women of
Wind Energy (WoWE) Greater Toronto Area
Chapter
– Since 2006 in Canada, GTA Chapter since 2011
– NEW: Inclusive of all RE technologies
– NEW: Expanded mission that includes advocacy
– Policy working group under development
4. Activities & Programmes
• Educational field trips
• Monthly networking meetings
• Communications and engagement initiatives
5. Educational Field Trips
• Monthly on-site workshops
• Increase literacy across a wide range of
applications related to renewable energy
• Learn about technologies, projects, companies
and associations that drive renewable power
generation in Ontario
6. Educational Field Trips
• Previous trips:
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IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator)
hb Solar Canada Inc (PV mounting systems)
Virelec Ltd Power System Protection
PowerStream Inc (LDC)
G&W Canada (electrical power equipment) and Survalent
Technology (SCADA)
– ResCO/SolaShare Rooftop Solar Workshop and Rooftop
field trip
– MaRS Field Trip & Workshop
8. Educational Field Trips
• Rooftop Solar Workshop
– EPC / Technology Presentation
– Community Solar Bond Presentation
– Visit Goodmark rooftop solar project: 133 kW DC,
18,000 ft2 rooftop solar
– Register on eventbrite, link on WiRE website
www.rescoenergy.com
www.solarbonds.ca
9. Monthly Networking Events
• Informal gatherings, held on the third
Wednesday of every month
– Meet peers
– Share ideas and opportunities
– Educate professional colleagues about projects
and initiatives of interest to the group
10. Monthly Networking Events
• Inaugural meet-up
• Wednesday March 19th, 2014 – 5:30-7:00PM
• The Imperial Pub
– 54 Dundas St East, Toronto M5B 1C7
– 2 Blocks East of Yonge St
11. Partnerships
• Forging partnerships to maximize outreach
and opportunity
– RE industry associations
– Networking groups for professional women
– Academic providers
12. Partnerships
• Thank you to CanWEA for supporting WiRE
and today’s launch
“We look forward to working
together to support the evergrowing role of renewables in
the province’s energy mix.”
Robert Hornung, President,
CanWEA
13. Sponsorship
• Support the start-up and development of
WiRE programs, events and community
engagement
• Benefits:
– Logo and branding placement
– Priority positioning for emerging programming,
partnerships and profile-building industry
initiatives
– Present your products and services at monthly
networking events
14. Founding Sponsors
Thanks to WiRE's visionary Founding Sponsors
"G&W and Survalent Technology
welcome the opportunity to build a renewable energy future
for North America and assist by supporting the involvement of
professional women in all segments of the industry.”
Steve Mueller, President, G&W Canada
www.survalent.com
www.gwelec.com
16. Who’s involved
• WiRE Advisory Board
– Drawn from across RE spectrum in Ontario
• Co-Chair Rebecca Black Founder, Black Current Marketing
• Co-Chair Joanna Szarek Director of Business Development,
Pro Watts Inc.
• Jen Aitchison Account Executive - Renewable Energy jones
brown inc.
• Aisha Bukhari Grid Solutions Engineer Toronto Hydro-Electric
System Ltd.
• Marnie Dawson Manager of Environmental Services – Wind,
Eastern Canada, TransAlta Corp.
• Debbie Ellis District Sales Manager, G&W Electric Canada
17. Who’s involved
• WiRE Advisory Board
– Drawn from across RE spectrum in Ontario
• Brandy Giannetta Regional Director – Ontario, Canadian
Wind Energy Association
• Valerie Kitchell Manager, Renewable Energy Approvals,
wpd Canada Corp
• Piper Morley Associate, Aird & Berlis LLP
• Lisa Oelke Senior Account Executive, hb solar Canada;
Manager of Business Development, Advanced Racking
Solutions
• Nancy O'Neill Team Leader, Environmental and
Permitting Services, DNV GL Energy
18. Goals
• Expand the involvement of professional
women in all renewable energy industry
segments
• Play a meaningful and visible role in the
Ontario energy sector
• Advance the role and recognition of women
making a difference in the RE field
• Mentor developing professionals and students
19. How to get involved
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Join our monthly gathering
Attend a field trip
Host a field trip
Spread the word
Sponsor and partner opportunities
Subscribe to newsletter
www.WomenInRenewableEnergy.ca
