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2016 Women’s Energy Summit

Approximately 200 participants, including energy and utility regulators, industry leaders, political officials and consumer advocates attended the third annual Women’s Energy Summit on September 20 in Chicago. Illinois Commerce Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards and WES (Women’s Energy Summit, Inc., a non-profit organization) hosted the day-long event at the JW Marriott in Chicago.

The Summit focused on pertinent topics including cybersecurity and measures taken to enhance the reliability and security of the nation’s most critical infrastructure, the utility of the future and how utilities can embrace innovation and enhance customer alternatives, and a discussion of the C-Suite collaborative from the perspective of a utility holding company CEO and the CEO of its subsidiary. In addition to the daylong Summit, a half-day Rising Star Forum was held on September 19 to recognize over 25 stellar, up and coming women energy professionals.

AS OTHER GUEST speakers look on, Illinois Commerce Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards addresses the nearly 200 attendees of the Women’s Energy Summit held recently in Chicago.
AS OTHER GUEST speakers look on, Illinois Commerce Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards addresses the nearly 200 attendees of the Women’s Energy Summit held recently in Chicago.

As an exciting addition to this year’s event, and in furtherance of the organization’s philanthropic goals, WES presented a check for $5,000 to the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to help fund a new program focused on educating and encouraging young girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

The Summit’s distinguished morning and luncheon speakers include Colette D. Honorable, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District; and Susan N. Story, President and CEO, American Water.

GIRL SCOUTS OF Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana attending the luncheon speak with ICC Commissioner, Women’s Energy Summit founder, and GSGCNWI Board Member Sherina Maye Edwards.
GIRL SCOUTS OF Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana attending the luncheon speak with ICC Commissioner, Women’s Energy Summit founder, and GSGCNWI Board Member Sherina Maye Edwards.

Additional speakers include some of the most well recognized leaders in the energy industry such as Christopher M. Crane, President and CEO, Exelon Corporation; Anne Pramaggiore, President and CEO, Commonwealth Edison; Elizabeth Reese, Executive Vice President and CFO, Southern Company Gas; and Lisa A. Sparrow, President and CEO, Utilities, Inc.

The event was sponsored by Deloitte, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Russell Reynolds Associates, the National Association of Water Companies, Blaylock Beal Van LLC, Loop Capital, Osceola Consulting, the Natural Gas Supply Association, Eire Direct Marketing LLC and Reed Smith.

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