ALPHARETTA, GA – September 17, 2026 — Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030) will bring an often-unspoken workplace challenge into the open during its 2026 SPARK Annual Meeting, September 28–30 at Saint Kate Arts Hotel in Milwaukee.

“The Elephant in the Room: Why Good Men Hesitate to Champion Women — and How to Move Past It” will explore why some well-intentioned male leaders hold back from mentoring, sponsoring, and advocating for women — and the practical behaviors that can help them move forward with confidence, trust, and appropriate boundaries.

The utility industry’s future will not be shaped by technology alone. It will also depend on whether leaders create cultures where every capable person has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and lead. This candid conversation is designed to move beyond hesitation and toward meaningful action.

The session will feature Latasha James of Georgia Power, Chima Chijioke of Exelon, and Maurice Kimsey II of Omaha Public Power District. It will take place Tuesday, September 29, from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

“Many men genuinely want to support women in the workplace, but uncertainty about how to engage appropriately can sometimes lead to inaction,” said Kimsey. “We need to be willing to have honest conversations about that hesitation and give leaders practical ways to move beyond it. When men mentor, sponsor and advocate for women with consistency and respect, we strengthen our organizations and our entire industry.”

SPARK 2026 will bring utility leaders and industry partners together for three days of candid conversation, experiential learning and meaningful connection centered on the theme Our Hyper-Connected Futures. The gathering will explore how leaders can navigate transformation, emerging technology and increasing complexity without losing sight of the people at the center of the work.

To learn more about SPARK 2026 or register to attend, visit utility2030.org/events/spark-annual-meeting.

About Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative

Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative (U2030) is a leadership collaborative for the people carrying transformation inside utilities. Through leadership programs, peer workgroups, events and advisory services, U2030 helps utility professionals build the relationships, insight and capacity required to lead meaningful change. Learn more at utility2030.org.

Media Contact

Isaac Edmonds
Utility 2030 Leadership Collaborative
iedmonds@utility2030.org