ALBERTA – March 5 – Young Women in Energy (YWE) is proud to announce ten (10) inspirational young women of 2023 who are future leaders of Alberta’s energy industry.
Since 2014, YWE’s Awards Program has now shone a spotlight on 100+ women’s invaluable contributions and remarkable accomplishments within Alberta’s energy industry.
Award winners are selected based on their commitment to challenging the status quo through new and innovative initiatives, demonstrative leadership (with or without the title), top performance, and their impact in the local community and larger industry.
“In the midst of energy transformation, women are at the forefront, utilizing their talents, innovation, and passion to drive Alberta’s energy industry towards a decarbonized, diversified, and digitized future,” says Katie Smith-Parent, Executive Director, Young Women in Energy. “These ten women are key contributors to shaping a sustainable, diverse and prosperous future for the province, and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
The 2023 YWE award winners are (in alphabetical order by first name):
- Alma Hadzic, Economy Growth and Sustainability Director, Deloitte
- Danica Hicks, Steam Chief, Imperial Oil Resources Limited
- Eva Kiefer, Co-Founder & CFO, Akira Impact
- Heather Leahey, Vice President, Intelligence, Enverus
- Jana McDonald, Founder and CEO, Guardyan Conservation Corp.
- Janine Woo, Senior Innovation Engineer, Enbridge
- Julie Hawco, Specialist Development Engineer, Suncor
- Madison Savilow, Chief of Staff, Carbon Upcycling Technologies
- Sheliza Kassam, Project Engineer, Cenovus Energy
- Shoshi Soni, Director, Policy and Planning, Government of Alberta
In January, a robust review process was conducted, including a peer review and a final executive evaluation by the 2023 YWE Awards Executive Selection Committee. We extend our deepest appreciation to this year’s Executive Selection Committee for lending their time and expertise to help identify the top young women in Alberta’s energy industry to receive the recognition and benefits of a YWE Award Winner.
The 2023 YWE Awards Executive Selection Committee includes:
- Rhona DelFrari, Chief Sustainability Officer and EVP, Stakeholder Engagement, Cenovus Energy
- Dean Setoguchi, President & CEO, Keyera
- Kelly Newnham, SVP, New Markets, Worley
- Jason Sharpe, President, ATCO Gas & Pipelines
- Laura Buss Sayavedra, SVP, Safety, Projects and ERP, Enbridge
- Avik Dey, President & CEO, Capital Power
“The recipients of this year’s Awards showcase a blend of diverse experiences, innovative solutions, and unwavering dedication to both the energy sector and the community,” said Carmen Yu (ConocoPhillips), YWE Awards Manager. “Their leadership is not only shaping Alberta’s changing energy landscape but also serving as a beacon for future female leaders.”
The 2023 YWE Award Winners will be honoured at an Awards celebration event on Thursday, April 4, 2024. To commemorate a decade of recognizing women, YWE is proud to screen a mini-documentary of the history of the organization, the highlighted importance of recognition, and future of women’s roles in Alberta’s new energy future at the event. Further details to be communicated shortly.
Each award winner is paired with an industry executive mentor through the YWE Mentorship Program, honoured with a YWE Award keepsake, and welcomed into the YWE Awards Alumni network, amongst other benefits.
Stay connected with YWE for more information on the winners and the celebratory event, through YWE’s LinkedIn channel: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ywe. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available, please e-mail info@youngwomeninenergy.com
About YWE
Young Women in Energy (YWE) believes young women have the power to change the energy industry for the better. Our mission is to increase the female voice, presence, development and leadership in Alberta’s energy industry. We serve our 4,500+ members through events and programs aimed to support them as they work tirelessly to improve the industry in their chosen professions. The annual YWE Awards program recognizes and rewards Alberta’s top young women who are ‘changing the face of energy’.
For more information, please contact:
Katie Smith, Executive Director
Young Women in Energy (YWE)
E: katie@youngwomeninenergy.com
Carmen Yu, Awards Manager
Young Women in Energy (YWE)
E: awards@youngwomeninenergy.com
Media interviews available.