APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

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); and Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd.

Apply to Participate

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

SUMMIT AGENDA

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

  • 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.

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

  • 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agenda subject to change

SUMMIT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Paula Glover

President,
Alliance to Save Energy

Doseke Akporiaye

Executive Director,
Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)

Dr. E'Lois Thomas

President,
Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL)

Melissa Washington

Senior Vice President of
Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives, ComEd

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Applications now open!

Apply