The solar industry is a fast-growing industry and full of opportunity for women who are interested in careers and job working in renewable energy. That according to a panel of women and a group of more than 60 who gathered in Seattle on February 23, 2015 as part of a 17 city simultaneous workshop to discuss leadership roles for women in solar and renewable energy. More than 700 people attended the forum nationwide, organized nationally by Women in Solar Energy.
Guests at the event heard from a panel of women with careers related to solar energy. Among the key takeaways from the Seattle event:
- There are many different jobs in the solar industry including construction worker, electrician, project manager, engineer and research scientist. Because the number of solar jobs is growing quickly (more than 20-percent from 2013- to 2015 according to the Solar Foundation) the barriers to entry are low for women willing to get education and training, or pivot from a more traditional industry.
- Women in mid-career face particular challenges in their careers as pressures from balancing family and opportunities for career advancement increase.
- Women at every level of their careers need to advocate for themselves and also find mentors who are willing to support them. Oftentimes have a male mentor and advocate can help break barriers and advance careers.
Please see links below for photos from the Seattle event. Click here for photos from other #NationWISE cities.
Women in Solar Panel (l-r) Louise Petruzella, Shoreline Community College; Wendy Wenrick, A-R Solar; Diana Brown, DLR Goup; Bobi Garrett, National Renewable Energy Lab; Dr. Christine Luscombe, University of Washington; Renee Gastineau, University of Washington (moderator)
Thanks to DLR Group for hosting and providing refreshments.
Graduate students from Diversity in Clean Energy helped organize and staff the event.
