Black Women in Energy Summit
2026 AGENDA
Kickoff Dinner
Saturday, February 21
6:00 - 8:45 PM
Huntress
376 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
6:00 PM
Gather: Meet fellow participants for an evening of great dining and meaningful connections. Enjoy an experience designed to foster conversation, networking, and getting acquainted in a welcoming atmosphere.
6:15 PM
Welcome, Community Agreements, and Ground Rules for the Summit: Pam and Quinn share the initial vision of Celebrating Black Women, then set the community agreements and ground rules as an opportunity for us to agree in how we will show up for the summit.
6:35 PM
Keynote: E’Lois Thomas, PhD, “The Importance of Connection in Leadership and Growth”
6:50 PM – 8:45 PM
Dinner and Dessert: Enjoy delicious dinner and dessert while connecting with fellow attendees.
Summit
Sunday, February 22
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Point
1010 Santa Clara Place
San Diego, CA 92109
8:00 – 8:50 AM
Welcome: Summit opening, setting community agreements and ground rules
8:50 - 9:10 AM
Keynote: Paula Glover, “The State of Energy”
9:20 - 10:25 AM
Technical Roundtables: Technology/Decarbonization/Clean Energy Transition, Utility and Energy Business Models, Community Engagement, Inclusive Program Design, Workforce Development
10:25 - 10:35 AM
Break
10:35 - 11:45 AM
Professional Development: Pam Fann, “Knowing Who You Are to Know How You Lead”
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Speech: Constance Thompson and Doseke Akporiaye, “Community-Building and Leveraging Networks”
12:15 - 1:05 PM
Lunch
1:05 - 1:15 PM
Introducing the Personal Development Series
1:15 - 1:35 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Melissa Washington, “Leadership Moment: Why Courage and Boldness Matter”
1:35 - 2:35 PM
Personal Branding: Cathy Nedd
2:35 - 2:45 PM
Break
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Entrepreneurship Panel: Lenora Robinson, Dana Redden, Denise Abdul-Rahman, and Sherelle Withers
3:15 - 3:35 PM
Speech: Tonya Hicks, “Follow Your Passion, Think Expansively, And Take the Leap”
3:35 - 4:00 PM
Closing Reflections