Loading

The Women's International Network of Utility Professionals 2022 Fall Connection

MISSION STATEMENT

The Women's International Network of Utility Professionals is an organization providing a link for developing and recognizing professionals involved with utility business trends, issues, products, and services.

OBJECTIVES

  • Opportunities for professional development of members.
  • Network and mentoring among members.
  • Recognition and visibility for members and business partners.

VALUES

  • Well-connected members
  • Inclusion, equity and diversity
  • Networking
  • Uplifting
  • Philanthropic

Message From The President

Kristen Thompson - 2022 WiNUP International President

Dear WiNUP Members and Friends,

The 2022 WiNUP Conference is just around the corner. (Or is it the 2020 conference?) After being delayed due to COVID for 2 years now, we will be back in person for this year’s conference and I hope to see many of you there and taking advantage of being together again.

In just a few short days many of you will be leaving your hometowns to travel to Little Rock, Arkansas. There will be business meetings, professional development speakers and non-stop opportunities for networking. My words of advice as we head into this adventure are to set 3 goals for yourself. What do you want to get out of conference? How will you execute on these goals? Below are my three goals. Please share yours with me and let’s help accomplish them together!

  1. Meet and make connections with 1 new person each day.
  2. Share my thanks and appreciation to the EC, IB and Committee Chairs for all their work this year.
  3. Reflect on the conference theme: The Vision of You in 2022 and develop a personal goal to carry this theme with me over the next few months.

Vice President's Professional Development Corner

It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of summer and moving into fall. Being able to get out and see others in person has been a welcome change after the last two years of a fully virtual world. I am so excited that we will be gathering in person again for 2022 Annual Conference in Little Rock. Professional development opportunities present themselves to WiNUP members both on the chapter and international level throughout the year. However, the largest opportunity for both networking and professional development opportunities is the Annual Conference in the fall. My first year as a WiNUP member, I was unsure of how the organization supported women in utilities and what benefits I could gain from it. Don’t get me wrong, I was beyond excited to finally have an avenue to connect with women working in various utilities in my region that are willing to support each other. It wasn’t until my first conference that I had my ah-ha moment with how beneficial WiNUP could be to my development with the quality of the programs provided.

My first conference was Dallas in 2014. Two speakers that stood out the most at the Dallas conference were Bob McCall, General Manager of Fleet Service Duke Energy, and Sandra Bennett, Vice President Regulatory & Finance SWEPCO. Mr. McCall’s presentation focused on how to secure a strong safety performance from a team. However, I gleaned from his presentation that every strong team performance is a result of how employees are treated, what behaviors are tolerated, and the maintenance of a positive culture within the team. Ms. Bennett presented proposed significant regulatory changes to the electric utility industry and others with general interest. These regulatory changes were relevant to all electric utility employees present at the conference. I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tour of AT&T Stadium that included discussion of transformers, facility cooling, and lighting challenges. I left that conference feeling inspired by what I had heard from the presenters and the new friends I had made through networking with members.

Every conference before, and every conference since Dallas, has been filled with strong topics from current industry regulatory changes to VP panel discussions about overcoming tragic events to discussions on how to get more women into the C-suite. The 2022 Annual Conference touts the same reputation with a presentation by the President/ CEO of Entergy- Arkansas titled “Powering Through Life” and one by a DEA Director titled “Common Women on Uncommon Ground”. Other topics on the agenda are STEM, DEI, “SPARK - 5 Essentials to Igniting the Greatness Within”, and “The Towanda Effect-Unapologetic Boldness for Life and Career Success”.

I would love to see everyone in Little Rock, but understand we are still in an uncertain time. However, I strongly encourage you to put the 2023 Centennial Celebration conference on your calendar now. Many WiNUP members are sponsored and supported by employers. I encourage you to have a conversation with your supervisor soon about how the WiNUP conference has a track record of providing a strong professional development opportunity and ask him/her/they to add the conference expenses to the 2023 budget. Other support opportunities may also be available through company sponsorship and a grant for travel provided by the Past Presidents Council. Some chapters also have grant opportunities available. And it wasn’t until recently that I found out that some of our members will use personal funds to attend conference.

The WiNUP Professional Development committee has been hard at work this year planning several virtual offerings for members and nonmembers. Keep an eye on your email and the WiNUP website to find out more and register for these offerings. These opportunities are open to anyone, so please extend a personal invitation to any friends or colleagues to join us.

Submitted by Karen Gilmer

2022 WiNUP International Conference

IT’S NOT TOO LATE to join us at the 2022 WiNUP International Conference, The Vision in You in 2022, in Little Rock, AR from September 11-14.

The 2022 Conference planning committee has developed an outstanding conference program for this year’s conference in Little Rock! The conference is still scheduled as planned and WILL be held. Please note the conference committee is working closely with the Little Rock Marriott on ensuring your visit to Little Rock is as safe as possible (Little Rock Marriott COVID Policy). We encourage all of our members and colleagues to register for the upcoming conference and reserve your hotel room NOW! If you have questions regarding the conference itself please reach out to Vivian Andrews at vfandrews@msn.com or Laura Havis at bearkat88lhh@yahoo.com.

Take a look at the action-packed agenda for more information about speakers, tours, networking opportunities, the awards banquet and more!

Submitted by: Lynn Adamson

ACTIVITY CENTER

Project Management
Click to enlarge the puzzle.

NO PEEKING - ANSWERS AT THE END OF THE NEWSLETTER

Submitted by: LaRhonda Julien

Dig Deeper: How Does Gardening Boost Mental Health?

Good for the Mind

Why gardening? Turns out it provides essential opportunities for contact with nature, which alone has numerous benefits for your mental health, such as:

  • Decreases stress
  • Reduces the symptoms of depression
  • Enhances concentration and attention
  • Provides time to recover from mental fatigue
  • Provides a sense of peace and satisfaction

Gardening also helps on a community level, reducing social isolation and strengthening community bonds. Gardeners often share their knowledge, skills and experiences with each other and, by doing so, develop relationships and support networks. Having these support networks greatly improve mental health, as experts found having social ties to others increases life expectancy, boosts feelings of self-worth, gives us greater resilience to stressful life events and leads to fewer visits to the doctor.

Good for the Body

Gardening is also an opportunity for physical activity, which we all know, is great for boosting mental health (thanks to the rush of endorphins). According to a recent study by Pennsylvania’s University of Scranton, light exercise, such as gardening, can burn more calories than a gym session, despite feeling much easier. This is due to the duration, since a typical gardening session tends to last twice or even three times as long as a trip to the gym. Getting in this type of physical activity is great for the body and mind and has even been linked to lower obesity rates and heart disease – all great reasons to give gardening a try!

So, the results are in. The next time you’re feeling low, grab a bucket and shovel, then get a little dirty.

Can you dig it?

Source: MentalHelp.net

Submitted by: Lynn Adamson

Utility Affairs

Sandia: Cheap, Magnet-Free Wind Power Ready To Go

John Siciliano

The Sandia National Laboratory quietly announced July 28 that a new breakthrough wind technology it has developed over the last decade is now ready for mass production. The lab claimed the new device would lower wind turbine costs significantly by eliminating the need for expensive rare-earth magnets used in a turbine’s rotary electricity generator system. Sandia’s new “Twistact” rotary electrical contact system enables the wind turbine, or indeed any synchronous generator, to generate power without the need for expensive rare-earth magnets that have faced increasing supply chain risks over the years, which have driven up costs for new wind power projects and could stifle future development if alternatives are not found, the lab said. Indeed, a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study on the design done for the Energy Department showed that replacing a wind turbine’s magnetic assembly with a wire-wound rotor joined to a Twistact would eliminate the need for magnets in a 10-MW direct-drive wind turbine. The study also said the Twistact can generate power with nearly the same efficiency as a typical turbine. In addition, Sandia said the Twistact can operate with limited maintenance for 30 years, which matches the lifespan of a typical wind generator. Although the technology has been under development for years, Sandia now says it is ready to be commercialized and is actively shopping the device to wind turbine vendors to develop the design and begin manufacturing. “Sandia is now exploring opportunities to partner with generator manufacturers and others in the renewable energy industry to assist with the transfer of Twistact technology into next-generation direct-drive wind turbines,” the lab said. Furthermore, the lab is also open to partnering with companies on the development of Twistact technology for use in electric vehicles or doubly fed induction generators. The new technology is significant since most mechanical generators, like wind turbines, rely on magnets to generate electricity. Any generator that claims to be able to produce power without the need for rareearth magnets should grab the attention of any renewable operator looking to become more competitive by lowering costs and supply-chain risks, according to the lab. Supply chain risks have emerged as a major problem in recent months, substantially delaying solar, wind and other energy projects. Sandia says it developed Twistact largely to help project developers avoid those problems. Most current utility-scale wind turbines require rare-earth magnets, but these materials come at a high initial cost and are especially vulnerable to supply chain uncertainties, the lab said in a press release. “The technology proves beneficial in lowering costs, improving sustainability and reducing maintenance,” it adds. Although today’s supply chain problems are tied largely to the COVID-19 pandemic and current global tensions, Sandia said it began pursuing a magnet-free system in 2011, after “a rare-earth materials supply chain crisis” caused the price of neodymium and dysprosium — the two most widely used elements for magnets — to skyrocket. Aware that the 2011 disruption could undercut wind industry growth, the lab’s wind power team began developing Twistact “as a hedge to protect the growing wind industry from future disruptions,” Sandia said. “When you weigh in the fact that rareearth metals have always been in short supply, that their mining is notorious for its adverse environmental impact, and that competing applications such as electric vehicles are also placing demand on rare-earth metals, the value proposition of Twistact becomes clear,” said Jeff Koplow, research scientist and engineer at Sandia.

Submitted by Heidi DeBenedictis

Fall Season Safety Tips

Fire Safety Tips for Fall

When the weather turns cold most people spend more time inside their homes using fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters to keep warm. There's nothing quite as cozy as a fire, but it presents some safety hazards. Keep these tips in mind.

Service Your Furnace

Before the cold autumn and winter weather sets in, be sure to call your heating and cooling company to service your furnace. A specialist should inspect the furnace to make sure everything is in working order and that there are no leaks.

Use Fireplaces Safely

Keep that fire in its proper place by using a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying out of the fireplace. Never leave a burning fire unattended and make sure a fire in a fireplace is completely out before going to bed.

Use Caution with Space Heaters

A space heater can be an effective way to warm up a chilly room, but it's essential that you read the instructions on the unit before you use it. If your space heater requires venting, make sure you have vented it to the outdoors. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home; only use space heaters that are approved for this purpose. Always allow at least three feet of empty area around space heaters.

Reconsider Leaf Burning

According to information from the Environmental Protection Agency, burning leaves produces dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals. For this reason, homeowners should avoid disposing of leaves this way. If you decide to burn leaves, wear a protective mask. Burning leaves should only be attempted far away from a house or other structures on a homeowner's property. Always check the weather forecast before starting to burn leaves. This activity should not be attempted in windy conditions.

Exercise Candle Caution

Candles are a great way to give a room that warm glow, but they can also cause fires. According to the National Candle Association, almost 10,000 home fires start with improper candle use. Never leave candles burning if you go out or go to sleep and keep your candles away from pets and kids.

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you turn back your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Make sure to check the alarms with the new batteries installed. Check and replace any home fire extinguishers that have expired.

Safety Tips for Fall Driving

There's nothing more beautiful than a fall drive, but this season brings some unique hazards for drivers. Being aware of these potential dangers can help keep you and your family safe and prevent accidents.

Be Aware of Poor Visibility

Falling leaves, while beautiful, can obscure your vision, as can rain and fog. Shorter days are part of the fall season, making it more difficult to see children playing or people walking and riding bicycles. Be aware of limitations in your visibility and slow down if you can't see well. Use your dimmed headlights in bad weather with decreased visibility. If possible, try not to be on the roads when it's hard to see.

Watch for Children

Children love to play in piles of leaves, so use extra caution where leaves are piled at curbside. In addition, the school bus will be making its rounds now that school is back in session. In addition to educating children about back-to-school safety, it's important to stay vigilant as a driver.

Slow Down on Wet Pavement

In many areas of the country, rain is common during the autumn. If it's raining, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Wet roads make it more difficult to stop. When wet leaves are on roadways, they make the pavement slippery, and it can be difficult for drivers to get good traction.

Be Prepared for Bright Sunlight

When sunrise occurs later in the morning, it can also present challenges for drivers. Have a pair of sunglasses in the vehicle to wear when the sun is bright is a good strategy. If it becomes too difficult to see because of bright sunlight or glare, a good strategy is for the driver to pull over until he or she can see again.

Watch Out for Ice

As the temperatures drop further at night, a driver will need to spend some extra time in the morning scraping frost off his or her vehicle. Shady spots on the roadway may be home to black ice, which a driver may not be aware of until his or her car starts to skid on it.

Safety Tips for Fall Boaters

According to a report from the US Coast Guard, autumn boating accidents are far more likely to be fatal than those that occur during the summer months. Although there are many more boating accidents in the summer season, boaters involved in accidents during the fall months are exposed to cold water and other weather hazards. Keep these tips in mind for safe autumn boating.

Be Prepared for Changing Weather

Since fall weather can change quickly, you should always be prepared for possible cold, windy, and wet weather even if the sun is shining. Stay closer to shore, so you can turn back if the weather changes. Bring appropriate clothing, such as warm coats, rain gear, and gloves.

Watch for Signs of Hypothermia

Small open boats combined with cold, wet weather can lead to possible hypothermia. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are a few of the signs you should know:

  • Shivering or trembling
  • General lack of coordination, including stumbling and dropping things
  • Drowsiness, confusion, and apathy
  • Mumbling and slurring of words
  • Weak pulse and shallow breathing

Tell Others About Your Trip

Make sure you tell a friend or family member your boating plan and your expected return time. There are fewer boaters in the fall to help in the case of an accident or emergency.

Always Wear Life Jackets

Wearing your life jacket, while always a smart move, is even more important in the fall. If you should accidentally fall overboard, the cold water will quickly drain away your strength.

Autumn Home Maintenance Safety Tips

Fall is the time for yard clean-ups and readying your house for the cold winter ahead. Keep these safety tips in mind as you work.

Look Up Before Pruning Trees

If you have decided that your yard needs to be spruced up by trimming your trees, be sure to look up and survey the area carefully before you start. Make careful note of where power lines are located before you set up your ladder so that it is positioned away from them.

Use Caution on Ladders

Wearing appropriate footwear is important when using a ladder; shoes or boots may be wet, causing you to slip as you climb the ladder. The ladder should be positioned on a flat surface before use. Be sure that the tools you are using are specifically designed for this purpose and are in good condition before starting work.

Clean Up Fallen Leaves

Keep your driveway and walkway clear of falling leaves. Wet leaves can create a hazard for pedestrians in the fall by making sidewalks slippery. Later in the season, snow may mix with leaves to increase the risk of falling. Homeowners should mulch or rake up fallen leaves and dispose of them according to local bylaws.

For more information, visit: https://family.lovetoknow.com/fall-season-safety-tips

Submitted by Staci Spencer

2023 Conference

Niagara Falls - More Than Just a Vacation Destination!

2023 Conference Site: Birthplace of Hydro-Electric Power

WiNUP’s 100th Anniversary International Conference will be held Sept. 25 – 27, 2023, at Niagara Falls, New York. “How am I going to ask my management to attend a conference at a vacation destination?” you might wonder.

Transmission tower display at New York Power Authority’s Power Vista.

Easy-peasy! Let your supervisor know that next year’s conference site played an important role in the evolution of the utility industry. Niagara Falls is the birthplace of hydro-electric power and is still powering the area today. While it is true that millions of people from around the world visit the falls each year for its natural beauty, they leave in awe of the strength of moving water. Especially those who get up close and personal with the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat, newly converted to run on electricity instead of diesel.

Tesla Monument on Goat Island, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Nikola Tesla had long dreamed of harnessing that power and in 1893 he helped George Westinghouse win the contract to build the world’s first major hydro-electric power plant as the Niagara Falls Power Project. The first power generated reached Buffalo at midnight, Nov. 16, 1896, ending for all time the competition between electrical transmission systems with AC (alternating current) power, as Westinghouse proposed, and DC (direct current) power, advocated by Thomas Edison. This started the electrification of the world as we know it today. Within a few years, 10 generators at Niagara Falls were electrifying New York City, located clear across the state. Broadway was ablaze with lights; the elevated, street railways, and subway system rumbled; and even the Edison systems previously installed were converted to alternating current.

Charging the Maid of the Mist between tours.

Those who attend WiNUP’s Centennial Celebration conference at Niagara Falls in 2023 will pay homage to our founding ladies who first met at a New York conference in 1923. They can visit the Underground Railroad Museum to learn about the last stop for former slaves who sought freedom in Canada just across the Niagara River. They can learn how moving water creates electricity at New York Power Authority’s Power Vista. And they will have the opportunity to see the awe-inspiring falls and the statue of Nikola Tesla at Niagara Falls State Park, the country’s oldest state park.

Says conference co-chair Emily Schilling, “We hope to see you there! It is ‘The Place to Be in ’23!’”

Submitted by: Trena Riffle

Trena Riffle is the co-chair of the 2023 WiNUP International Conference.

Annual fellowships honor WiNUP VIPs

Ever wonder who WiNUP’s three annual fellowships were named for? Julia Kiene (pronounced Kee-nee), Lyle Mamer (pronounced May-mer), and Louisan Mamer were all members who made significant contributions to the electric industry and the organization.

Julia Kiene served as home editor of Capper’s Farmer and worked as a home economist at the Westinghouse Corporation. Kiene also served on the board of directors of The Electrical Women’s Round Table, Inc. (EWRT), as WiNUP was formerly known.

Lyle Mamer was a long-time associate professor at the University of Tennessee College of Home Economics. She was an active member of several professional organizations, including EWRT.

Longtime EWRT/WiNUP member Louisan Mamer, Lyle Mamer’s sister, worked at the Rural Electrification Administration for many years, traveling throughout the country to educate rural Americans about how to use electricity when power first came to remote areas.

WiNUP Fellowship Recipients

Winners include two WiNUP members

Two WiNUP members pursuing MBA degrees and a climate change specialist from Washington are the latest receipients of WiNUP’s educational grants.

Kimete “Kim” Seferi

Kimete “Kim” Seferi, a regulatory consultant with American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio, is this year’s Julia Kiene Fellowship winner. Seferi, an Ohio Chapter member, is pursuing an MBA at Ohio University. The Kiene Fellowship is a $2,000 award.

Seferi is no stranger to WiNUP’s fellowship opportunities. Last year, she received WiNUP’s Louisan Mamer Fellowship.

She received her bachelor’s degree in economics from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in regulatory science from Johns Hopkins University. She began work on her MBA in August 2020 and is planning to graduate in May 2023.

Seferi hopes to transition to the finance organization at AEP and says earning an MBA is crucial to achieving her goals. “I believe that the MBA studies will help me help AEP produce and deliver the safe, reliable and affordable energy that powers millions of homes and businesses,” she said. “At work, my focus is on the customers we serve and continuing to innovate and further develop green sources of energy that we provide to our customers.”

Besides her WiNUP involvement, Sefiri serves as president of AEP’s Toastmasters group and is a women’s board member of the Franklin County Botanical Gardens. Last year, she won a first place in Toastmasters International’s Area 71 speech contest.

Megan Smith

The $1,000 Lyle Mamer Fellowship is being awarded to Northern Indiana Chapter member Megan Smith, who is pursuing an MBA degree at the University of Southern Indiana. Smith is a customer services account representative at Indiana Michigan Power’s Muncie, Indiana, office.

Since January 2021, she has served as treasurer of her local WiNUP chapter. In 2019, she received the Altrusa Club’s President’s Award and in 2020 she received its New Member Award. Smith is a board member of the Altrusa Foudation and is also a Rotary Club member.

Smith aspires to a leadership position where she can coach and develop others. “We need more women in the industry and I hope to be able to assist in bringing more women with me!” she said.

Kristen Hayman

Meanwhile, Kristen Hayman, this year’s Louisan Mamer Fellowship recipient, will receive $500. Hayman is a climate change specialist at Puget Sound Partnership, a Washington state agency that is leading the region’s efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound. She is pursuing a Master of Marine Affairs degree at the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs as well as a graduate certificate in climate science from the University of Washington’s Program on Climate Change. She expects to graduate in June 2023.

Her career goals include working as a climate mitigation specialist for city, county or state government. “In this capacity, I will have the opportunity to work with a diverse cast of partners (including public utility districts) to ensure that we efficiently and effectively mitigate climate change and prepare for the impacts of climate change to our infrastructure and our communities,” Hayman said. “As I carry out this work, I will ensure that we decarbonize or energy systems equitably so that everyone care reap the benefits of our work and particular communities are not unfairly burdened with the negative consequences of the transition to a more sustainable economy.”

Hayman is a graduate of Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She is a former professional soccer player who also was an NCAA Division 1 soccer standout and team captain.

Professional Development Scholarship

WiNUP offers a $500 Professional Development scholarship annually for degree and non-degree courses. Non-degree courses include professional development programs and workshops that have associated participation costs such as program management, accounting, excel, etc.

This year the scholarship was awarded to Jasmine Gilbert of the ArkLaTex Chapter to assist with her Environmental Management Professional Certification.

Jasmine Gilbert

Jasmine shared with us:

I am an Environmental Coordinator for AEP/SWEPCO generating facilities in East Texas. She has been with AEP for seven years and has worked at multiple facilities in various roles. Taking these courses has aided me in my current role greatly and there are electives in the certification package that have the potential to lead me into a much broader pathway to success. I am very grateful to be a part of AEP and WiNUP both and have the opportunity to grow afforded to me by the association with these organizations. I have a current senior in high school looking to her future and as she sees me work through this continual learning and growth process, she can prepare herself for a future that she can always be fluid and confident of.

A Century Club Tribute

By Vikki Michalski, WiNUP President 2011

The contributions of WiNUP’s past presidents are many and marked with the passions that drive us as members. As a past president, I am honored to highlight a past president who became the Century Club’s first “in memory of” member.

In 1997, I was new to the utility industry and new to WiNUP. At my first conference that same year, I was approached by Linda Johnson, the organization’s president from 1989-90. From that first encounter, a stranger and someone I met at conference became first a mentor and then a dear friend. Her unexpected death on Oct. 29, 2014, left a void.

Linda Johnson

Linda was a doer, an encourager. She successfully challenged – and to be honest – sometimes pushed, members to strive to be better, to be mentors, to be leaders. She was the reason I and several others overcame hesitancies to pursue positions as WiNUP board representatives and officers. I don’t regret a moment of it.

A 34-year member of EWRT/WiNUP and multi-term Member-at-Large representative on the board of directors, Linda’s contributions were numerous. Her passion and loyalty to WiNUP were evident. During her presidency, she led the organization’s first board strategic planning session, initiated the financial review committee and created the POWER Award to recognize newer members’ contributions. She would later serve on the committee that created the OAK Award. Job transfers moved her three times during her presidency, changing her chapter affiliations from Bluegrass to Members-at-Large (MAL) to Atlanta Southeastern.

Linda was a major force in how WiNUP operated. She served various committee appointments including bylaws and guidelines, officer nominating, protocol, officer criteria, awards review and conference planning. In turn, she was recognized with high WiNUP accolades. She was the Member-at-Large Award recipient in 1999 and the international Honorary Life Member recipient in 2003. She helped select several POWER and OAK Award winners as well as international Honorary Life Members.

A longtime international parliamentarian, she stressed the importance of protocol at international board meetings, an important takeaway for me personally when leading or attending work meetings. I took on the parliamentarian role at her “encouraging.” It was a knowledge builder. If you want to truly know and understand WiNUP’s bylaws and guidelines and how to run a successful meeting, become the international or your chapter parliamentarian. WiNUP continues to evolve with initiatives and goals because of her influence for strategic short- and long-term organizational planning. At her passing, she was the MAL representative on the international board of directors. The WiNUP board further recognized her contributions by renaming the annual newsletter award to the Linda Johnson Newsletter Award.

By degree, Linda was a journalism major, specializing in public relations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. As with WiNUP, she actively supported her alma mater. She received the university’s School of Journalism Benefactor Award in 1992. In May 2014, she was presented with the Regents’ Alumni Award for her dedication and service to the university. She was a lifetime alumni association member and served as president of two University of Oklahoma alumni groups.

This I know for sure. No matter her official WiNUP role, she always befriended, always mentored, always encouraged.

Memories with Linda

Submitted by Staci Spencer

ARKLATEX

ArkLaTex uses conference hosting as membership drive and enrolls 10 new members for the chapter!

Celebrating 30 years of the WiNUP Ohio Chapter

This Chapter Spotlight is dedicated to WiNUP - Ohio Chapter celebrating 30 years of Membership!

Acorns grow into oaks….so do organizations. Yet each grows differently. Many have success stamped on them from the beginning. Many struggle along and either take hold or fold. Then there are those that seem to just happen, as if destined to be. *

*As written and quoted from the Acorn to Oaks book of WiNUP

Today, we will tell the story and celebrate 30 years of WiNUP with – The WiNUP Ohio Chapter. Like many new chapters, Ohio also had its struggles and roller coaster rides from EWRT (Electrical Women’s Round Table) to WiNUP (Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals), from 1951 to 1976. However, in 1990 WiNUP Ohio was born and continues to build a legacy of women leaders. Its strength continues! Let’s follow the story from 1990 – 2020! And celebrate how it continued to remain strong even during the 2020 pandemic until current day.

The WiNUP Ohio Chapter – THEN and NOW

If you go back, Ohio chartered a Cleveland chapter from 6/29/51 – 6/25/71. On 7/31/52, Columbus chartered a chapter. Six months later, Cincinnati/Dayton chartered a chapter on 1/28/53, and then disbanded on 6/23/72. Columbus followed shortly thereafter and disbanded on June 25, 1976

In 1990 – One new chapter was born –WiNUP - Ohio Chapter

  • There were 10 members
  • The first Chapter Chair for WiNUP Ohio Chapter was Donna Kowalenko. She also went on to be the National President for the 1997-98 term
  • In 1998 – The then EWRT (Electrical Women’s Round Table) – was renamed and resulted in the member-approved organizational name change to WiNUP (Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals)
  • In 2010 – A well-organized membership drive grew the chapter to more than 200 – The Chair at the time was Janet Rehberg
  • From 1992 – 2022 – Ohio has hailed many of the International Presidents – Judith Wessel, Donna Kowalenko, Kim Thompson, Teri Berliner, Lila Munsey, Vikki Michalski, Velda Otey, Janet Rehberg, Kristen Thompson
  • The WiNUP Ohio Chapter has hosted three international conferences – 1997, 2005, 2012
  • 2009 – Pilot Program for Mentoring began and continues today in 2022
  • 2011 – Claudia Powell becomes the fifth executive director
  • As of current - Ohio remains as the largest WiNUP Chapter! – Currently 176 members

International Awards

  • Honorary Life Members – Velda Otey, Vikki Michalski, Lila Munsey, Teri Berliner
  • Oak Award Recipients – Teri Berliner, Vikki Michalski, Velda Otey, Janet Rehberg, Krista Tillman
  • Power Award Recipients – 2001 only person in Ohio to ever receive the Power Award - Claudia Powell.
  • Chapter Achievement Awards – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Newsletter Achievement Award – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Additional Noteworthy Memories

  • Ohio is the fourth and ONLY remaining EWRT/WiNUP chapter in Ohio
  • Lila Munsey was president of two chapters simultaneously in 2010 – Ohio Chapter and Kentucky Chapter
  • Susan B. Eisenhower, Dwight Eisenhower’s daughter, speaks to the Ohio Chapter on Authenticity in 2019
  • Members of the Past Presidents Council – Teri Berliner, Lila Munsey, Vikki Michalski, Velda Otey
  • 2013 – Krista Tillman recipient of the Julia Kleine Fellowship
  • 2013 – Kristen Thompson recipient of the President’s Award
  • Awarded Professional Development Grant – 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Awarded Event Funding Grant – 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

30 years of Chapter Chairs

As part of my historian research, I made it my mission to reach out to get a few words from each of the Past Chairs from the 30 years of the WiNUP Ohio Chapter! Mission Accomplished! Please enjoy all the memories shared from 30 years of WINUP – The Ohio Chapter – Past Chairs. (Click on the link to view 'Words from the Chairs of the past 30 years of WiNUP Ohio Chapter.)

Thank you, WiNUP Ohio Chapter, for 30 successful years as an organization and continuing to follow our mission of providing a link for developing and recognizing professionals involved with utility business trends, issues, products, and services.

In Memory of our FIRST Chapter Chair – 1990 – Donna L Kowalenko

November 16, 1944 – March 30, 2022

Is your chapter celebrating an anniversary? Submit an article to winup.lisa@lkm-associates.com ASAP as we will be highlighting chapters as we lead up to the WiNUP 100th in 2023. See you at Niagara Falls!

Historical information presented by Deb Hohn – Past Chair - 2019 WiNUP Ohio Chapter

TEXHOMA

During the last several months our chapter has been getting back to normalizing life in the workplace again. With this, came the opportunity to finally hold meetings face to face, begin fundraisers, membership drive planning and getting back into the community, and we did all of this!

The Texhoma chapter heard of a local 6A high school arts program that was looking to make a 20-foot tall Chihuly Project to be displayed in the entrance of the school, all from recycled water bottles. We immediately jumped on this due to the extensive amount of water bottles consumed in all our workplaces. In just two short months we were able to provide MORE THAN ENOUGH water bottles for the project to be completed. The school and students were overjoyed at the amount of donations they received from us. What they predicted would take an entire school year was completed in no time! Below are pictures of the progress they had send us in the middle of building it. When they open for the 2022-2023 schools year, we are invited to see the display that will welcome everyone in the entry way!

In addition to this project, our chapter was also able to hold a face-to-face meeting in Oklahoma City, Ok to continue planning for the 2022 International Conference. Texhoma will be hosting the Welcome Banquet and we could not be more excited to finally see everyone again.

Public Service Co of Oklahoma hosted a United Way of Southwest Oklahoma fishing tournament where several of our chapter members were able to volunteer at the registration table, fish weigh in, and awards tables. This event was a huge hit for United Way and 100% of the proceeds went to help in the Southwest Oklahoma area.

The Oklahoma Special Olympics were finally able to make their in-person comeback this year. This amazing event was held in Stillwater, Ok in May 2022. Members of the Texhoma chapter braved the over 100-degree heat and volunteered at the outdoor softball throw event. There were over 700 athletes at the Special Olympics Games this year and is always a favorite event to volunteer for as a chapter.

This year we have completed one successful fundraiser for our chapter, which was Purivida bracelets in the WiNUP colors. We are preparing for an additional fundraiser in the late fall, after out 2022 Annual Conference! Stay tuned for the announcement!!

International Fundraiser

The WiNUP International Ways and Means Committee is selling Bangle bracelets with a WiNUP charm for $20.00 (includes shipping). The bangles are made of stainless steel and include a nickel-plated charm. If you already purchased a bracelet or necklace and want to purchase just the charms, the charms can be purchased for $10.00 (includes shipping). To purchase the bracelet with charm or just the charm, click here.

The History of WiNUP

Part 7

This is the seventh article in our series exploring the almost 100-year history of WiNUP. Information, quotes, and context are from “From Acorns to Oaks: The story of the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals and the Electrical Women’s Round Table” Version 3, © 2015 by Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals, Inc.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~ Muriel Strode

The new millennium had arrived and with it came new horizons to explore and a time of strong growth for the energy sector. Refuting the doomsday Y2K predicted, the first decade of the 21st century ushered in the new digital age with technological advances that fundamentally altered lives on a global scale. Increasing access and use of the internet fundamentally changed society and business in every sector, irrevocably altering the way we consumed information, accessed ideas, and used utilities.

Advances in miniaturization and access to broadband internet grew exponentially during “The Aughts,” severing ties to modems, desktop PCs, and landlines and releasing us into the wireless world of laptops and handheld devices. Ever smarter cellular phones like the BlackBerry replaced pagers and Palm Pilots, and we entered the relentless cycle of technology obsolescence in increasingly shorter cycles.

The iPod (2001) and the iPhone (2007) provided fascinating new ways to interact with the wonders of the internet and ushered in Apple’s Golden Age. Steve Jobs created a fervent fan base with global fans waiting in lines for days to get his latest tech. Jeff Bezos’ genius was also ascendant as he launched Amazon Web Services in 2002, opening the virtual doors of e-commerce. The first Cyber Monday in 2005 soon rivaled the Black Friday sales at brick-and-mortars. America was witnessing the birth of the “technocrat” and suddenly traditional print media and physical retail stalwarts were on unsure footing.

As technology freed us from our desks, mobile offices became the new working norm in the burgeoning global economy, and business travel soared. No matter how far from work or home, the weary road warrior could stay, productive, entertained, and connected like never before. Newly minted social media apps erased the barriers of distance and time, enabling sophisticated multi-media interactions with co-workers, family, and friends old and new.

Facebook, launched in 2004, succeeded beyond any other platform, capturing a multi-generational user base on an unprecedented level, expanding its offerings far beyond basic messaging. Meanwhile, internet companies like Google and Wikipedia satisfied our ever-growing desire for instant and unfettered data access and profoundly changed how we teach and learn about everything. With the introduction of Bitcoin in 2008, we seemed on the cusp of becoming a completely virtual society.

For modern business, an online presence was first normal, then necessary. Software applications transitioned from physical sources to online ones with new app developers seeming to pop up each day. With everyone seeking access to faster and more reliable internet that could accommodate massive data transfers, telecommunications infrastructure, and the energy to power it was much in demand.

In the 2000s, retail sales of power grew substantially as electric retailers incorporated the new technologies to market electricity. The popularity of social media and the ability for people to publicly voice their comments enabled utilities to better focusing on improving the customer experience.

New technology and applications were irresistibly drawing us into Internet 2.0, an interconnected space where users defined the boundaries and environments, but the technocrat was king, and all was not rosy in this brave new virtual world. The confluence of major events in the first decade with globalization, technological advances was making us increasingly aware of the social and environmental impacts of boundless consumerism.

The tragedy of September 11, 2001, and its aftermath irrevocably altered the exuberance of millennial possibility for Americans. As we plunged into the longest, most complex war yet, the Patriot Act came into effect, and cyber criminals became a common threat, we saw how the same technology we eagerly embraced became both a means to track and to attack us.

The freedoms of technology had unforeseen costs to the environment and added complexity to our lives in unexpected areas that continue today. Who can remember when you could have unlimited liquids in your luggage, arrive at the airport mere minutes before your flight, and kiss your family goodbye at the gate when flying commercial? Who could foresee the devastation to water, air and land wreaked by our bottomless desire for shiny new gadgets with ever-faster processing?

The reality of climate change hit national consciousness after hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Ike (2008) left millions without power for extended periods and destroyed vital infrastructure needing years to rebuild. Reporting on extreme weather aftermath was now commonplace, and, as with environmental damage, we could no longer deny the disproportionate impact on those less fortunate. Al Gore was traveling the country presenting “An Inconvenient Truth” injecting the decades old green movement with new life and promoting the concept that a clean environment was another facet of social justice.

Just as we began to turn to our will to use technology for social good, the Great Recession arrived to shatter our collective notion of prosperity and financial stability. In 2008, we reeled from the collapse of financial institutions and blue-chip companies that had been building fortunes underpinned by high-risk investments promoted by Wall Street. Overnight, pensions were worthless, jobs and wealth evaporated, and taxpayers had to fund massive bailouts for companies that were “too big to fail.” The collapsed housing market soon led to unprecedented amounts of homelessness where social inequities became starkly and personally apparent to millions so recently considered part of the suburban “middle-class.”

In the middle of this crisis, a bitterly partisan contest for the highest office in the land was burning red hot. In 2009, America reached an historic milestone, inaugurating Barak Obama as its first Black President. The Obama administration had innumerable unprecedented challenges as it began its work to restore prosperity to the American public. During this time both social and environmental issues took somewhat of a back seat, but one key area was critical to helping the energy sector move toward clean energy.

Under the Clean Power Plan, utilities were able to increase investments in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass as customers and regulators demanded cleaner energy, and companies worked to develop smart grid technologies. Advancing technology to harvest natural gas from shale deposits in eastern U.S. states increased the nation’s supply of cleaner burning natural gas for home heating as well as more modern power generation. The shale gas boom also set the stage for growth in the electric transmission and distribution sector.

Through all the difficulties and breakthroughs, WiNUP was there supporting its members and paving the way for the future. In the first decade of the 21st Century, membership grew through the formation of six new chapters in eight states. Membership continued to expand into non-electric utility areas.

Between 2003 and 2009, WiNUP lost one chapter and gained six – Missouri, 2003; Oklahoma, 2005; Virginia, 2006; ArkLaTex, 2007; Northern Indiana, 2008; and Kentucky, 2009. Missouri came to WiNUP in 2003 as an already organized group, previously operating as a chapter of Women in Energy. Bluegrass folded in 2003. The Ohio Chapter contributed 82 new members from NiSource and Columbia Gas. With increased support from members’ employers, membership grew from 34 in 2006 to more than 200 in 2010.

Initiatives

During this decade and under the guidance of its diverse international presidents, Winup leaders dealt with a variety of business issues important to its sustainability. These included setting short- and long-term business strategies, establishing financial controls, providing insurance to protect the officers, board members and chapter chairs, reviewing the bylaws and guidelines item-by-item and reconfirming the relevancy of WiNUP’s mission and objectives.

The creation of officer eligibility standards and qualifying criteria was a key initiative that would help develop the organization’s future leaders by encouraging members to become engaged at all levels of the WiNUP. This ensured future officers would have essential knowledge of the organization’s structure and operations and added a leadership development layer to WiNUP’s mission and objectives.

In 2005, WiNUP introduced the Member-at-Large Chapter Friend program. This program, designed to provide networking and participation opportunities for members-at-large, encouraged chapters to add a member-at-large to its mailing lists for meetings, newsletters, and other events. Unfortunately, the program never flourished, often because members-at-large formed new chapters and then joined them. In other cases, the member-at-large geographic location was too far away for viable chapter interaction.

In 2007, the board of directors approved a new grant for chapter development and member recruitment to help fledging chapters set up a strong foundation and revitalize stagnant chapters. The grants assist chapters when their chapter treasuries are inadequate. The awards are not automatic; chapters must present their business case for the grant in formal letter to the executive committee requesting a specific amount (up to $250) and detailing the purpose for the funds.

Thanks to the efforts of the 2007 bylaws committee, the general membership approved revisions to the organization bylaws that benefit all members including improving the organization and changing the overall look to be consistent with bylaw structure and adding professional and ethical representation requirements for members.

In 2008, the board approved increasing the seed money loan the international organization advances to conference host chapters to $2,500 so there are adequate funds for initial program planning. Conference success has been and remains vital to providing funds for WiNUP’s operating budget.

Also in 2008, the board established the Past Presidents Council to define a formal contributing role for past EWRT and WiNUP presidents. Its primary function is to manage the newly established Past Presidents’ Conference Grant for WiNUP Members, but members can also coordinate special programs, develop additional fundraisers, and continue to share their knowledge and experience through mentoring other members. The immediate past international president chairs the Council (as well as the conference grant committee), and all members are active EWRT and WiNUP past presidents.

Awards

Winup established new awards during this time:

The board established the Conference Host Recognition Award in 2008, agreeing that it was appropriate to say thank you and recognize the chapters and groups that host, organize and execute WiNUP’s annual conference. The board reconfirmed it in 2012, adding specific objectives and eligibility requirements.

Also in 2008, the board reinstated the Chapter Achievement and Chapter Newsletter awards, dormant since 1998, to rekindle competition and participation among the chapters.

The new conference grant and WiNUP awards programs encourage members’ engagement and promote recognition of members’ achievements and contributions.

As we frame our minds toward the reunions and networking opportunities the first post-pandemic annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers, below are words of wisdom to inspire us:

WiNUP Past Presidents Recipe for Success

  • Join
  • Get involved, stay involved
  • Take on tasks outside your comfort zone
  • Be inquisitive
  • Be a mentor and a mentee
  • Be willing to give when the organization calls
  • Make lifelong friendships — sometimes where you least expect
  • Most important — Pay it forward

The early 2000s were a time of incredible technological advances that propelled us into the globalized and hyper-connected world we live in today. America’s awakening to climate change and social justice issues would come into sharper focus in the second decade as we took stock and realized that an historic administration was only the barest beginning of the collective work needed to step fully into the 21st Century.

WiNUP would be there through it all, a guiding beacon for its members to act and lead with purpose in this dynamic new millennium.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Submitted by: Molly Long

WiNUP Social Media

Click on the buttons below and join us there!

Please remember to visit the WiNUP website to learn about upcoming events and other WiNUP activities.

WiNUP.org

The Member Section is also a great resource to find WiNUP documents. Check out the Lunch-N-Learn recordings that provide a how to on accessing member profiles, making changes to your profile, etc.

Check out the Calendar of Events!

DATES AND DEADLINES

TO KEEP IN MIND

Executive Officers 2022

President

Kristen Thompson

Immediate Past President

Vivian Andrews

Vice President

Karen Gilmer

Secretary

Trishia Swayne

Treasurer

Debra Jackson

Executive Director

Lisa Morinini

Project Management Puzzle - Answer Key

Click to enlarge the answer key.

Fall Connection 2022

Produced by the WiNUP International Member Publication Committee: Molly Long/Melenda Meazle (Co-Chairs), Lynn Adamson, LaRhonda Julien, Melody Lynch, Staci Spencer

Created By
International Member Publication Committee
Appreciate