The 2025 WISE Awards

Celebrating the work and accomplishments by Women in Smart Energy

Through Smart Energy Decisions’ WISE (Women In Smart Energy) Awards, Net Zero Forum Spring will recognize the exceptional professionals leading the energy transition at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa during an awards presentation on April 23. Award winners are also invited to attend #SEDNZF to speak on their accomplishments and experiences in advancing the energy transition.

Award Categories

The Innovation Award recognizes a woman who has developed a new or substantially improved an energy or sustainability product, service, or strategy for her organization or the wider smart energy industry.
The Project/Initiative Award recognizes a woman who has led or significantly contributed to an energy or sustainability project for her organization or the wider smart energy industry.
The Leadership Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated excellence in leadership in the areas of energy or sustainability within her own organization or the wider smart energy industry.
The Mentorship Award recognizes a woman who demonstrated commitment to the mentorship of rising professionals (women and/or men) in the smart energy industry.
The Rising Star Award recognizes a woman with less than 10 years of experience in the smart energy industry who is already making a positive impact.
The Industry Veteran Award recognizes a woman with more than 10 years of experience who has made–and continues to make–a positive impact on the smart energy industry.
The Advocacy Award recognizes a man who helps advance women’s empowerment in their organization and/or the wider smart energy industry.

Women who work at energy customer organizations, including commercial, industrial, institutional (higher education, healthcare), and government are eligible to win WISE Awards. Nominations may be submitted by colleagues, peers from other organizations, and supplier partners. Women may also nominate themselves.

Suppliers/solution providers are not eligible to win a WISE award. However, we encourage them to nominate their partners and customers from eligible organizations.

Please note:

There is no fee for participation.
Previous WISE Award winners are eligible to be nominated again for a new project or initiative.
You may submit nominations in multiple categories, but each must be submitted in a separate form and recipients will only be granted an award in a single category.
Smart Energy Decisions and Diversified Communications encourage inclusivity. WISE Awards are open to all who identify as women and meet the award qualifications.

Timeline and Key Dates

December 20th, 2024: Nominations close
Early February, 2025: WISE Award Winners will be notified and invited to attend Smart Energy Decisions’ Net Zero Forum Spring
April 23, 2025: The fourth annual WISE Awards will be presented during Net Zero Forum Spring at a special breakfast event

Congratulations 2024 WISE Awards Winners

Innovation:
- Renee Yarmy, Program Director, Maritime Sustainable Development (Port of San Diego)
Project/Initiative:
- Emily Freeman, Policy Advisor, Circular Economy for City of Boulder (City of Boulder)
- Patricia Laskowsky, Global Technical Specialist – Vehicle Energy Transfer/Charging Controls (General Motors)
Leadership:
- Gautami Palanki, Senior Vice President, ESG Strategy (Howard Hughes)
- Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer (Prologis)
Mentorship:
- Liz Lucente, Senior Sustainability Manager – Strategic Partnership, Corporate Responsibility (Target Corporation)
- Karen McGrath, Assistant Professor of Finance (Bucknell University)
- Kristin Cox, Senior Manager, Gas Engineering & Asset Performance (Baltimore Gas and Electric)
Rising Star:
- Kaylann Loraine, Sustainability Reporting Specialist (Medxcel)
- Eryn Beddoes, Project Manager, Facility Infrastructure and Engineering (Red Deer Polytechnic)
Industry Veteran:
- Leigh Pearson, Senior Director Facilities, Sustainability, Sourcing & Procurement (Staples Canada)
- Susanna Chiu, Senior Director of Operational Services (PSE&G)

Have Questions–Or Want to Get Involved?

Email our team today.

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The 2025 WISE Awards

Celebrating the work and accomplishments by Women in Smart Energy

Award Categories

Timeline and Key Dates

Congratulations 2024 WISE Awards Winners

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