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; Constance Thompson, Founder and Principal, Transformational Equity; Tonya Hicks, President and CEO of Power Solutions; and Cathy Nedd, Author and Principal,Cathy Nedd, LLC.

Applications are now closed. Sign up to receive information about future events and convenings.


Thanks to our summit sponsors:

SUMMIT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Paula Glover

President,
Alliance to Save Energy

Doseke Akporiaye

Executive Director,
WRISE

Constance Thompson

Founder and Principal, Transformational Equity

Tonya Hicks

President and CEO,
Power Solutions

Melissa Washington

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

Dr. E'Lois Thomas

President,
Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL)

Keely Hughes

Director of Market Development and Strategic Partnerships,The JPI Group

Cathy Nedd

Author and Principal,
Cathy Nedd LLC

Meet our 2026 Black Women in Energy Summit participants


Andrenika Whisenton

Angel West

Auriel Banister

Bev Hague

Brandee Davis

Brandi Taylor

Carmen Awin-Ongya

Cassondra Lawson

Chandra Farley

ChaNell Marshall

Damali Harding

Dana Clare Redden

Daphany Rose Sanchez

Dena Jefferson

Denise Abdul-Rahman

Dr. Amelia Benn

Dr. Mia M. Naseth-Phillips

Ericka Simpson Conner

Gabrielle Henry

Jamie Ricks

Jamiya Barnett

Janell Hills-Thomas

Jennifer Brown

Jesann Gonzalez Cruz

Johnelle Brown

Jumobi Akeeb

Keely Hughes

Lenora Robinson

Leslie Thomas

Maggie Kelley Riggins 

Mari Johnson

Marnese Krishana Jackson

Marty J Black

Mary Palmer

Maya Wong

Natasha Herring

Nyrhe Royal

Paula McGuire-Rowe

Porsche Townsend

Sandra Henry

Shambricia Spencer

Shatina Jones

Sherelle A. Withers

Thelma Fleming

Tracy A Scott

Valarie J. Cofield

Valencia Roner

Nationwide reach of summit participants: