APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

BLACK WOMEN IN ENERGY SUMMIT 2026


The energy sector is transforming — and Black women are leading the change.

The Black Women in Energy Summit brings together a community of leaders for a full day of strategic thinking, skill-building, and relationship-building that drives both personal and organizational impact.

  • When: February 22, 2026

  • Where: San Diego, CA — The Point

This Summit builds on the foundation of Encolor and Integrated Solutions' Celebrating Black Women event, creating a space where partnerships form, ideas take flight, and a vibrant community of leaders continues to grow. Now, we’re ready to take the next step and expand what we’ve built together.

Speakers include Paula Glover, President of Alliance to Save Energy;  Dr. E'Lois Thomas, President of Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL); Doseke Akporiaye, Executive Director of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE); Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President, Government, Regulatory and External Affairs at ComEd; and Constance Thompson, Founder and Principal, Transformational Equity.

Applications are now closed. Please sign up below to receive information about future events and convenings.

Learn More

Thanks to our summit sponsors:

WHY JOIN

The Black Women in Energy Summit is designed for impact — both for you and the organization you represent. It delivers professional development that translates directly into organizational value.

Attendees will:

  • Connect with peers across utilities, clean energy, policy, and innovation who are driving the sector's most critical transformations

  • Be challenged to tackle pressing industry issues with leaders who are solving these problems in real time

  • Build relationships that unlock new approaches to the challenges your organization faces and expand your capacity to lead change

  • Gain strategic perspective on where the energy transition is headed and how to position yourself and your team at the forefront

WHAT TO EXPECT

This full-day program is built around three pillars: technical excellence, strategic leadership, and collective power. You will leave with:

  • Actionable skills and frameworks you can implement immediately in your role — whether you're leading projects, shaping policy, or driving innovation

  • Strategic insight into emerging trends, technologies, and business models reshaping the energy industry — intelligence that keeps your organization competitive

  • A powerful professional network spanning the energy ecosystem — relationships that create opportunities and solve problems

  • Public recognition at the Celebrating Black Women celebration on February 23, honoring your contributions to the industry

Interested in attending, but need to request approval? Click here to download a justification letter.

SUMMIT AGENDA

  • 7:00 PM

    Kick off the Summit with an evening of great dining, an inspiring keynote, and meaningful connections in a welcoming atmosphere designed for conversation and networking.

  • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Breakfast & Arrival

    Connect with fellow participants and orient yourself to the transformative day ahead.

    Welcome & Opening Session

    Set the foundation for the day: Clarify the summit's objectives and explore how to connect your personal goals with your professional work while building relationships that support your success.

    Industry Insight: State of Energy

    Gain strategic perspective on emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges reshaping the energy sector landscape.  

    Interactive Roundtables

    Engage in facilitated small-group dialogues exploring policy, programs, and community impact. Identify your unique contributions, articulate your needs, and discover synergies to amplify collective assets and influence.

    Participant-Led Pecha Kucha

    Participate in rapid-fire presentations where fellow attendees share expertise to ignite ideas and foster connections.

    Lunch & Community Building

    Build deeper connections over lunch while crafting your personal commitment and identifying partners who will help you stay accountable.

    Afternoon Keynote

    An inspiring session focused on courage and boldness in leadership—motivating action, fostering personal growth, and driving professional development.

    Personal Development Sessions

    Engage in focused workshops to strengthen your storytelling, negotiation skills, and personal brand.

    Final Commitment Activity

    Confirm your personal or professional commitment, deepen key relationships, and establish accountability to sustain momentum beyond the summit.

    Closing

    Wrap up with actionable next steps and strategies to maintain your momentum.

  • 7:00 PM

    Join us for this signature event honoring Black women in energy. We will also spotlight the incredible contributions of our Summit participants.

Agenda subject to changes

SUMMIT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Paula Glover

President,
Alliance to Save Energy

Doseke Akporiaye

Executive Director,
WRISE

Melissa Washington

Senior Vice President, Government, Regulatory and External Affairs, ComEd

Dr. E'Lois Thomas

President,
Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL)

Constance Thompson

Founder and Principal, Transformational Equity

HOTEL INFORMATION: