As someone deeply passionate about strategic social impact and meaningful community engagement, I am thrilled to share my experiences and insights from the July 2024 AESP Southeast The Energy Jamboree: Sparking Connections in the Southern Sun Conference.
Recently, I was honored to be selected as an Emerging Fellow for the AESP (Association of Energy Services Professionals) Southeastern Region, a significant milestone in my career.
At the conference, I participated in a dynamic panel discussion focusing on the challenges and opportunities for emerging professionals in the utility industry. One of the first questions we tackled was about common misconceptions that deter young professionals from considering a career in this field. I shared,
"Many perceive the utility industry as outdated and resistant to change. They often think it's dominated by rigid processes with little room for innovation. The industry is evolving rapidly, with a strong focus on sustainability, technology integration, and customer-centric solutions. It's an exciting time to be part of this transformation, but also an imperative time for the industry to change that narrative.”
Younger generations are always at the forefront of change, so it is crucial to connect with their values, which now seem to be geared towards bettering the world and addressing the problems of our past. While this perspective is more emotional and less technical, there is a clear connection to the energy industry that may be undermarketed. Being able to connect everyday jobs to a human-centered goal is what brought me not only to the energy sector but also to Milepost.
Another key topic was the impact of diversity on innovation and collaboration within the sector. Being both on the Milepost Innovation Team along with consulting with utility clients has shown me that diversity brings a wealth of perspectives that can lead to more creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.
Having access to people with different experiences allows for a more holistic view of the world's problems, resulting in more successful programs, better product sales, and enhanced overall engagement. There is no one type of person, so the more diverse your team, the better you'll understand and address the nuances in various communities, whether they are minorities, low-income, rural, or otherwise.
We should look like and understand the communities we serve, which because energy effects everyone means we must be dedicated to being inclusive and open. This not only enhances collaboration but also drives the industry forward by challenging conventional thinking and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
One of the questions we addressed was about steps the industry can take to encourage more collaborative initiatives that drive positive change. I suggested that,
"The industry should invest in platforms that facilitate cross-company and cross-sector collaborations. Being good stewards of the relationships we foster is essential and focusing on the common goal of driving positive change can lead to more effective and impactful outcomes."
This means ensuring that community organizations are well supported and that we prioritize their needs alongside our own. By sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise, we can develop more comprehensive and effective solutions to the challenges we face. Encouraging partnerships between utilities, tech companies, and community organizations can accelerate innovation and ensure that solutions are both technologically advanced and socially inclusive.
I'm incredibly proud to represent Milepost and contribute to such an important dialogue. Here's to a future filled with innovation, diversity, and sustainability!