Squadron Energy Senior Project Manager Laura Jeffrey delved into some important topics with which she resonates deeply at the Clean Energy Council’s Women in Renewables Lunch at All Energy 2024.
All Energy is a chance for the renewable industry to come together and celebrate different milestones, technology, and most importantly the people who make it.
One event of the two-day convention which does this is the Clean Energy Council’s Women in Renewables Lunch.
This year Squadron Energy’s Laura Jeffrey had the opportunity to be the chair of the lunch’s panel discussion, which was on a human-centered conversation about advocacy and disruption within the clean energy sector.
“We are shifting our focus from the typical discussions around policy reform, investment strategies, and technological innovations to the people behind these initiatives — their stories, vulnerabilities, and diverse perspectives,” Jeffrey said.
At the core of every policy shift or breakthrough lies the efforts of individuals and communities advocating for change. Advocacy serves as a powerful catalyst, whether at the grassroots level, within organisations, or throughout the industry, pushing for necessary reforms and innovations.
“Whether we are championing mental health initiatives in our workplaces, ensuring that First Nations voices are prioritised in energy projects, or securing tangible benefits for local communities, advocacy plays a critical role in shaping the energy transition for everyone involved,” Jeffrey added.
“The impact of a single person speaking out can be profound, but when individual advocacy coalesces into a collective movement, the potential for transformational change becomes extraordinary. This raises an important question: how do we encourage individuals to raise their voices, advocate for their causes, and disrupt the status quo? This is where the Women in Renewables program comes into play.”
Empowering voices through community
The Women in Renewables Lunches were established to empower women and amplify the diverse voices that are vital to the industry. However, this initiative is not solely about women — it encompasses allyship, advocacy, and the need for broader representation.
“True representation extends beyond merely having a seat at the table; it involves ensuring that every voice is heard, common ground is found, and individuals are inspired by each other’s experiences,” Jeffrey said.
“When people feel seen and understood, they are empowered to advocate for the changes they believe in. This collective empowerment fosters unity and encourages us to look after one another. As we move forward into the workforce required for a successful energy transition, considerations of diversity, equity, and inclusion become increasingly critical. At its heart, this is about cultivating a genuine sense of belonging.
“Everyone involved — whether as part of the workforce, behind the projects, or within the communities that host them — deserves to feel that they have a stake in this transition. People want to see their perspectives reflected in decision-making processes, feel valued, and understand that their mental health and diverse experiences matter. Communities aspire to be active participants in this journey, not mere spectators.”
Creating a culture of belonging
Fostering a true sense of belonging in the clean energy sector is a passion of Jeffrey’s.
Jeffrey said this effort transcends policy change; it aims to elevate those who have historically been overlooked, ensuring that every voice is included in the conversation. To achieve meaningful systemic change, we must be bold, speak up, and create space for everyone.
“Today, we have the privilege of hearing from three remarkable women who embody the principles of advocacy and disruption in their work. Each panellist brings a unique perspective on vital issues such as mental health, First Nations rights, and ensuring that the benefits of clean energy extend back to the communities that support these initiatives,” she said.
The panellists included Tammy Vos, Kate Osaze, and Bec Halliday, who shared their personal journeys and the significant work their organisations are doing to make the energy transition more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership
As part of the Women in Renewables Lunch, the CEC also announced the 10 recipients of the 2024 Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership. They will join the network of 36 women who have been awarded this scholarship since its first round in 2021.
This fourth round of the scholarship was hugely popular, with the CEC receiving over 130 applications from women across the clean energy, energy management and carbon abatement industries.
Each application was individually reviewed and assessed by a selection committee. The applicants who were invited to interview were selected based on their demonstrated excellence in their field, commitment to the clean energy industry, leadership potential and their desired developmental objectives in completing the leadership training.
Each of the recipients will receive a fully funded scholarship to undertake one of two courses offered by education provider Women & Leadership Australia in 2025.
Three recipients will undertake the Executive Ready course, a seven-month development program for middle to senior leaders, and seven recipients will undertake the Leading-Edge course, a four-month development program for early career leaders and managers.
The following women will undertake the Executive Ready course:
Megan Aspinall, Director, Infrastructure Advisory (Energy), KPMG
“The energy transition is a phenomenally complex and critically important task that will likely define our generation. The challenge ahead of us is multi-dimensional and will require diverse skills and perspectives to navigate the path forward. The Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership is such a fantastic opportunity, empowering women to lead the solution. I hope to show young women entering the clean energy industry that your voice is valued and that your career can be impactful and rewarding,” Aspinall said.
Uduak Ekpenyong, Associate, Aurecon
“Women are great leaders with the natural ability to network and share resources. The clean energy industry requires such transformational leadership to succeed and thrive. This program will provide us with the tools to coach, mentor and support young professionals which will help shape the future leaders in the industry,” Ekpenyong said.
Carla Evans, Senior Development Manager, OX2
“The clean energy transition is hugely complex and challenging. Diverse organisations and teams are best placed to succeed in this environment. We must strive for gender equality and women to be represented at every level of the industry,” Evans said.
In addition, the following seven recipients will undertake the Leading-Edge course:
- Bethany Du, Senior Legal Counsel, RES
- Tori Cannon, Project Development Manager, Aula Energy
- Kirsten Lee, Stakeholder, Compliance & Sustainability Manager, Beon Energy
- Cindy Ng, Mechanical Engineer, Alinta Energy
- Kavya Santhosh, Solar Plant Asset Manager, NovaSource Power
- Lucy Sinclair, Senior Community Engagement Manager (ANZ), Aquila Clean Energy
- Lucinda Walker, Senior Renewable Engineer, DNV Australia.
“Women representation in clean energy is vital to believing that we could be in a position of power to inspire change. Having opportunities, will empower women to lead charge towards a sustainable future and not only elevates individual voices but drives innovation and inclusivity,” Kavya Santhosh, Solar Plant Asset Manager, NovaSource Power said.
“I believe supporting women helps in a field that literally shapes our planet’s tomorrow, helps in not only bridging the gender gap but inspires future generations to break barriers and achieve their dreams women today paves the way for a more equitable tomorrow.”
This article featured in the December edition of ecogeneration.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.