ENERGIZE Retreat
Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about the foundations we build within ourselves and our organizations. At ENERGIZE 2026, we’ll explore what it means to lead Powerfully Human by grounding innovation in empathy, resilience, and authentic connection.
ENERGIZE goes beyond traditional utility events. Every element—from movement and wellness to courageous dialogue and bold experimentation—is designed to recharge your mind, body, and spirit while strengthening your capacity to lead.
ENERGIZE Retreat
Speaker Lineup
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Vanessa Edmonds
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Chris Hilborn
President, Advisory
Janisse Quinones
CEO & Chief Engineer, LADWP
Kendall Helm
Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, LADWP
Zoraya Oliver-Griffin
Chief Officer - Climate Resiliency, Emergency Management & ‘28 Olympics Program Mgmt. Office, LADWP
Bashir Bseirani
CEO, Avertra
Matt Chester
Member Success Principal, U2030
Christine Miles
Senior Director, National Sales, Paymentus
ENERGIZE Retreat Developing Agenda
April 21, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Welcome Dinner & Awards
April 22, 2026
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Powerfully Human in Motion: Charleston Walking & Running Tours
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Walking Tour (~2.5 miles)
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Running Tour (~4 miles)
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Continental Breakfast & Networking
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Welcome, Safety Moment, Customer Moment & Powerfully Human Introductions
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | LXD Activity: Turning Your Current Job into Your Dream Job
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Break
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM | Keynote Fireside Chat: Meet the JanisseBot – Phase 2 of the ChimaBot Experiment
Moderator: Bashir Bseirani, CEO, Avertra
Speakers:
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Janisse Quiñones, CEO & Chief Engineer, LADWP
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Kendall Helm, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, LADWP
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Zoraya Oliver-Griffin, Chief Officer - Climate Resiliency, Emergency Management & ‘28 Olympics Program Mgmt. Office, LADWP
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JanisseBot, AI Digital Twin Trained by Avertra
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM | LXD Session: The Comfort Zone Experiment – Turning Discomfort into Growth
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Charitable Giving Project
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Panel Session: Generations at Work – Leading for Impact
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM | Ignite Talks: Inform Me but Keep It Quick – Advocating for Yourself & Others
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | LXD Session: Clay Building Communications Challenge
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Break
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | LXD Session: Ignite the Why – Inspiring Purpose in a Clock-In Culture
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Panel: Crisis Management Big Reveal
Panelists:
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Bashir Bseirani, CEO, Avertra
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Vanessa Edmonds, CEO, U2030
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Chris Hilborn, President, Advisory, U2030
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Getting Things Done: Leveraging Retreat Learnings
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Closing Dinner: Recognition & Gratitude Toasts
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Francis Marion Hotel
Rising above Charleston’s Historic District, the Francis Marion Hotel blends Southern charm, historic elegance, and modern comfort—making it the perfect setting for the ENERGIZE Retreat.
Overlooking Marion Square and just steps from the city’s iconic gardens, boutiques, and restaurants, the hotel inspires both reflection and connection. Its timeless character and creative energy provide an ideal backdrop for meaningful dialogue and rejuvenated leadership..