Diversity in leadership isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic imperative. Research shows that diverse teams make better decisions, spark more impactful innovations, and are better prepared to solve complex challenges. For the utility sector, this is especially critical as organizations confront extreme weather events, decarbonization, sustainability, and shifting customer expectations. The rise of AI-powered solutions adds another layer of complexity, creating new opportunities for innovation—but only if companies embrace inclusive leadership that reflects the diverse needs of both customers and employees.
When AI and diversity intersect, human-centered solutions become more effective. AI can offer powerful tools to optimize operations, predict challenges, and personalize customer experiences, but these systems are only as good as the perspectives that shape them. Diverse leadership ensures AI is applied thoughtfully, minimizing bias and driving inclusive, sustainable, and equitable solutions.
WE3 Summit: Showcasing Leadership and Transformation
The WE3 Summit, happening November 12-14, 2024, in Huntington Beach, CA, spotlights the importance of inclusive leadership in today's evolving energy landscape. This year’s theme is "Embracing the Power of People + AI" and one of the summit's highly anticipated panel sessions is: "Voices of Change: Diverse Voices and Leadership Lessons for the Evolving Energy Landscape," It will occur on November 14th at 2:40 PM.
Meet the Panelists: Thought Leaders Driving Change
The "Voices of Change" panel brings together influential women in the utility industry to share personal experiences, leadership lessons, and strategies for leading transformational efforts through the power of diversity and collaboration.
Moderated by Erin Christy, President of SEW, it features a distinguished panel of utility leaders, including:
Linda Mattes – Executive Consultant and former VP, Alliant Energy
Nicole Denton – Senior Manager, Customer Modernization, Salt River Project
Vanessa Edmonds – Executive Director, Utility 2030 Collaborative (U2030)
Vanessa Edmonds: A Champion for Inclusion and AI-Driven Impact
Vanessa is a recognized leader in empowering underrepresented voices and fostering collaboration throughout the utility sector. As Executive Director of U2030, she spearheads initiatives that build leadership capabilities and diversity among leadership teams while simultaneously tacking pervasive market challenges.
Under her leadership, U2030 offers the Women Who SPARK Awards and RADIATE Women's Leadership Development Program. Nominations for the 2025 awards open on January 15, 2025. For RADIATE, U2030 is accepting nominations through November 29, 2024, and the first cohort of 20 participants start the program on January 13, 2025. These initiatives reflect U2030’s core value, that diversity of thought among leadership teams is essential to driving industry progress.
Vanessa's participation in the “Voices of Change” panel underscores her commitment to advocating for inclusive leadership as a critical tool for transformation and this includes using AI responsibly.
Join the Conversation and Schedule a Meeting with Vanessa Edmonds
The "Voices of Change" session promises to inspire leaders to embrace diversity and AI as complementary drivers of innovation. Attendees will gain insights on building inclusive, forward-thinking organizations that thrive in today’s dynamic energy landscape.
To learn more or register, visit WE3 Summit 2024: Embracing People + AI.
If you'd like to meet with Vanessa Edmonds during the event, email info@utility2030.org to express your interest.
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