Call for Interviews: Women Holding the Line
- vanessa Edmonds
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Introduction
Modern life depends on systems most people rarely think about. Electricity flows across mountains and cities. Water moves through pipes beneath our streets. Hospitals, traffic systems, communications networks, and entire economies rely on infrastructure designed to remain invisible when it works.
But when storms hit, fires spread, infrastructure fails, or water becomes unsafe, these systems suddenly move to center stage.
And behind those moments are leaders holding the line.
Book Overview
For most of the twentieth century, leadership in the utility industry was almost entirely male. That is changing as women enter engineering, operations, and eventually executive leadership roles, bringing new perspectives to some of the most complex systems in modern society.
Women Holding the Line shares the stories of women leading utilities through crisis, transformation, and complex operational challenges.
Their experiences reveal the courage, judgment, and resilience required to guide the systems millions of people depend on every day.
How to Get Involved
1 — WHAT IS IT?
A collaborative book documenting the leadership experiences of women responsible for critical infrastructure. Each chapter explores moments when leaders were called upon to guide utilities through extraordinary circumstances.
2 — WRITING PROCESS
Throughout 2026, women utility leaders will participate in structured interviews exploring pivotal moments in their careers, the decisions they faced under pressure, and lessons for future leaders.
3 — WHY THIS BOOK
The leadership stories behind critical infrastructure are rarely told—especially those of women. When they do surface, these leaders often face disproportionate scrutiny. Yet their work is not simply about operating complex systems; it is about leading the people who keep electricity flowing, water safe, and communities functioning. By sharing these stories firsthand, the book will illuminate both the complexity of the systems and the human leadership behind them.
4 — HOW TO PARTICIPATE
If you have led through a major industry event, transformation, or crisis - or know someone who has - we want to hear from you.
Comments