Women Who SPARK Awards

Women Who SPARK Awards

Honoring women who lead with impact & heart

Soon going into its 5th year, the Women Who SPARK Awards recognize women across the utility sector who are leading with courage, authenticity, and impact.

Events & programs
Why it exists

Recognizing leadership that inspires

The Women Who SPARK Awards celebrate women who exemplify the qualities that define transformational leadership in our industry: courage to challenge the status quo, authenticity in how they lead, and measurable impact on their organizations and communities.

These aren’t awards for titles or tenure. They honor women at every level who demonstrate exceptional leadership, lift others as they rise, and embody the values that move our industry forward.

Nominations are submitted by peers, colleagues, and leaders who witness this impact firsthand – making these awards a true reflection of community recognition.

Award categories

What we recognize

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Courage

Leaders who take bold action, challenge assumptions, and drive change even when the path is uncertain.

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Authenticity

Women who lead with integrity, bring their whole selves to work, and inspire trust through genuine connection.

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Impact

Measurable contributions to their teams, organizations, and the communities they serve.

Who to nominate

Know someone who SPARKs?

  • check_circle A colleague who consistently goes above and beyond for her team
  • check_circle A leader who has driven meaningful change in your organization
  • check_circle A mentor who has invested in developing others
  • check_circle Someone who leads with heart while delivering results
  • check_circle A rising star who demonstrates exceptional potential
Congratulations to Our 2026 Winners
Anita Birmingham

Anita Birmingham

Business Application Manager
City of Minneapolis
Sonja Britland

Sonja Britland

Sustainability & Commercial Development Manager
Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant
Orie Cross

Orie Cross

Utility Billing Manager
City of Wylie, Texas
DeAnna Hardwick

DeAnna Hardwick

Chief Customer Strategy Officer
CPS Energy
Brooke Hays

Brooke Hays

Director of Customer Relations
American Water
Miranda Hendricks

Miranda Hendricks

Senior Manager, Workforce Manager
ContactPoint 360
DaVonna Johnson

DaVonna Johnson

Chief People and Cultural Officer
Seattle City Light
Itzel Morales

Itzel Morales

Staff Accountant
City of Waukegan
Michelle Uyen Nguyen

Michelle Uyen Nguyen

Management Data Analysis Senior Advisor
Southern California Edison
Valerie Spaugh

Valerie Spaugh

Customer Service Supervisor
Soquel Creek Water District
Insights

Honoring visionary leadership

Leadership Spotlights

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…

Apr 9, 2026 schedule 4 min read
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Leadership Spotlights

Building Bridges, Driving Change: Rebecca Houser’s Vision for Inclusive, Customer-Centered Transformation

As a 2025 Women Who SPARK Award winner, Rebecca Houser of ContactPoint 360 is being recognized for her transformative impact…

Apr 9, 2026 schedule 4 min read
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Leadership Spotlights

The Camino de Santiago: The Road That Followed Me Home

A Personal & Professional Reset The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral…

Apr 9, 2026 schedule 8 min read
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Know a woman who SPARKs?

Nominations for the 2026 Women Who SPARK Awards are now closed.

Events & programs