RADIATE Women’s Leadership Program: Interview with Vanessa Edmonds

After a successful inaugural year, the Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030) will launch its second RADIATE Women’s Leadership Program class in October 2025. With lessons learned and new enhancements, the 2025–2026 class promises an even greater impact. Applications close September 3, 2025. Email U2030 at info@utility2030.org to request the prospectus or CLICK HERE to apply.

We sat down with Vanessa Edmonds, Founder and CEO of U2030, who co-created RADIATE with inputs from Jody Allison, VP of Customer Transformation at Xcel Energy, to reflect on year one and preview what’s ahead.

Q: What is the RADIATE Women’s Leadership Program?

Vanessa Edmonds: RADIATE is U2030’s flagship program for women in the utility sector. Over 12 months, participants build core leadership skills while gaining utility-specific knowledge through mentorship, site visits, experiential virtual sessions, community service projects, an in-person workshop, and a Capstone project.

It’s the only program in the industry designed specifically for women that blends personal development—confidence, authentic leadership, personal branding—with an understanding of utility operations, customer experience, and the forces driving transformation.

Q: What inspired you to start the program?

Vanessa Edmonds: Like many women, I’ve faced imposter syndrome, hesitation to self-advocate, and the challenge of balancing leadership with life. I wanted to create something to help women step into leadership with confidence.

But even more motivating are leaders like Jody Allison, Brandy Bolden, Katy Liddell, Nicole Haskins, and many others who helped design curriculum, lead sessions, and mentor participants. They are the real force behind RADIATE.

Q: What impact has RADIATE had so far?

Vanessa Edmonds: The results are tangible. Recently promoted by their companies are two women from the 2024-2025 inaugural class—Patricia Roberts to Key Account Manager at Georgia Power and Leah Tutnauer to Chief of Staff for BGE’s new CEO, Tamla Olivier. Others report stronger confidence, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and influence.

Participants also gain clarity on mentorship and sponsorship while building powerful peer and mentor networks and tackling real-world challenges through their Capstone projects.

Q: Why focus exclusively on women?

Vanessa Edmonds: Just as doctors specialize in women's health, we should tailor leadership programs because one size doesn't fit all. Women face unique challenges, and RADIATE provides a safe space to address them without judgment. RADIATE isn't an exclusionary program—it’s intentional support for women who work in the utility industry. It’s built specifically for this audience.

As a mother of two young men, I know men also need career development that reflects their realities, and my sons have male mentors who understand their journeys. RADIATE ensures women have access to equally relevant, targeted developmental resources and people.

Q: What are the guiding principles of RADIATE?

Vanessa Edmonds: Diversity of thought drives better outcomes, and women must be part of utility company decision-making—especially since so many utility bill payers are women. Mentorship and strong networks are critical to growth, and we encourage women to support one another by overcoming unconscious biases and acting as “balcony women.” We also embrace continuous, engaging, and fun learning, emphasizing reinvention to meet the evolving challenges facing today’s utility leaders.

Q: What’s the program format?

Vanessa Edmonds: RADIATE is 75% leadership development—emotional intelligence, confidence, and growth—and 25% utility-specific education. Participants commit 4–7 hours a month, with more intensive periods during in-person events like the site visit, RADIATE Workshop, ENERGIZE Retreat, and graduation at SPARK.

Each participant is paired with a mentor, takes part in community service projects, and collaborates on a Capstone project presented at SPARK.

Q: Can you highlight some of the curriculum?

Vanessa Edmonds: We start in October with a kickoff on personal branding using StrengthsFinder 2.0. Throughout the year, we cover leadership styles, unconscious bias, finance, regulatory frameworks, customer experience, and innovation.

Q: How are the virtual sessions structured?

Vanessa Edmonds: Each session combines prep work, guest speakers, Capstone team breakouts, and homework to ensure learning translates into real-world leadership actions.

Q: What will participants gain?

Vanessa Edmonds: Participants leave with stronger leadership skills, confidence, emotional intelligence, and a powerful peer and mentor network. They gain clarity on mentorship and sponsorship while solving real-world challenges through their Capstone project.

Q: Who should apply?

Vanessa Edmonds: Women from IOUs, municipal utilities, co-ops, and solution providers. Participants include emerging leaders eager to accelerate, seasoned leaders looking to refocus, and women who value mentorship and collaboration. Solution provider employees are considered for up to 25% of cohort seats each year because they are an essential contributor to leading utility transformation.

Q: Why should managers nominate employees?

Vanessa Edmonds: Nominating a woman for RADIATE is an investment in organizational strength. Participants return with sharper skills, stronger engagement, and the ability to elevate teams and culture.

Q: What happens after graduation?

Vanessa Edmonds: Graduation happens at SPARK, where participants present their Capstone. But it doesn't end there—alums stay engaged through RADIATE Alumni Leadership Circles, U2030 events, and ongoing mentorship. RADIATE is truly just the beginning of their leadership journey.

Conclusion

As U2030 prepares to launch the 2025–2026 RADIATE cohort this October, the program builds on a successful first year with proven results—career advancement, stronger leadership skills, and a supportive network that lasts well beyond graduation. What began as a bold idea to give women in utilities a dedicated path to leadership is now a proven, evolving program that continues to grow in impact. With applications closing September 3, 2025, the next class of leaders is about to begin their journey.

For more information or to request the prospectus, email info@utility2030.org.