A Lifetime of Leadership: Raquel Berg’s Journey of Service, Innovation, and Resilience

Over her 28-year career in the utility industry, Raquel Berg has built a reputation as both a visionary leader and a grounded servant, blending innovation with member-focused values while lifting others along the way. Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Raquel’s story is one of resilience, collaboration, and a relentless willingness to say “yes” to opportunities that pushed her to grow.

A Defining Lesson: Don’t Hold Back

Early in her career, a professor told Raquel something that would shape her approach to leadership: “I never got a job I was actually qualified for.” The message was simple—don’t underestimate yourself just because you don’t check every box.

That perspective was invaluable when Raquel joined Connexus Energy in a newly created market research role during the uncertain years of electric deregulation. With no blueprint to follow, she embraced every challenge handed to her. “I always said ‘yes,’” she recalls. “Even if I wasn’t sure I was ready.”

Her willingness to take on undefined projects quickly earned her the nickname “the junk drawer of Connexus Energy.” While she laughs at the title, she recognizes it as a compliment: it meant people trusted her to figure things out. In the process, she gained a holistic understanding of the business that would guide her throughout her career.

Innovation with Cooperative Values

Long recognized for its commitment to pairing innovation with cooperative principles, Connexus Energy and Raquel have been at the forefront of this balance. "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should," she explains. For Raquel, innovation is only valuable if it improves the lives of its members.

Years ago, she helped coin the concept "Good for You, Good for Us"—a framework that evolved also to include "Good for the Environment." This philosophy ensured that cutting-edge programs never lost sight of the co-op's core mission: serving members with integrity.

From behavioral demand response programs, such as Peak-Time Rebate, to launching innovative brands like PowerNap®, to integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), Raquel has consistently led projects that combine operational efficiency with customer value. Yet when asked what makes her proudest, she doesn't point to a single program.

“What drives my pride is teamwork—we rise together, solve together, and celebrate together. That’s when I feel the most joy.”

Learning the Power of “No”

Though known for her willingness to take on anything, Raquel’s transition into executive leadership taught her the importance of discernment. “I’ve had a hard time with the word ‘no’ my whole life,” she admits with a smile. “But as a leader, I learned that ‘no’ can mean ‘Next Opportunity.’”

That shift in perspective allowed her to focus her energy where it mattered most, shaping her leadership style around positivity, growth, and self-awareness.

Servant Leadership and Mentorship

Raquel doesn't describe herself as a traditional mentor. Instead, she calls herself a servant leader—someone who leads by example, never asking others to do something she hasn’t done herself.

Her philosophy is simple: build relationships, bring people together, and give them the chance to shine. This approach has not only shaped her teams at Connexus but also influenced peers across the industry through her service on advisory councils and committees nationwide.

Collaboration as the Future

Looking ahead, Raquel believes the utility industry's most significant opportunity lies in stronger collaboration. "Our network is truly our net worth," she says. Whether regulated or deregulated, big or small, she sees value in working together to address shared challenges.

“In this industry, there’s always an enemy at the gate—whether it’s policy, nature, or technology. The more we collaborate and share, the stronger we all become.”

Advice for Emerging Women Leaders

For the next generation of women in utilities, Raquel’s message is clear: embrace uncertainty with courage and lead with purpose. “You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to know it all,” she says. “Say yes to opportunities, trust yourself to figure it out, and never lose sight of the people you serve.”

A Legacy of Innovation and Heart

From her earliest days as the “junk drawer” of Connexus Energy to her role as an industry leader shaping the future of cooperative utilities, Raquel Berg has always embodied innovation grounded in service.

Her legacy is not just the programs she built or the awards she earned—it’s the countless people she’s mentored, supported, and inspired. With humor, humility, and an unwavering belief in collaboration, she has shown what it means to leave an industry better than you found it.