The Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program is now accepting new applications for 2019-2020.

The initiative aims to help women in the hydropower industry to connect, generate new friendships, and share experiences in a supportive environment.

It is supported by the U.S. National Hydropower Association (NHA), Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA), Midwest Hydro Users Group (MHUG), WaterPower Canada, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and HydroVision International.    

First launched in 2017, the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program aims to create a meaningful connection where the mentor and mentee become collaborators in each other’s success.

The mentor brings her life experience and a willingness to listen, give counsel, and provide network connections that support the mentee. The mentee brings her growth and development goals, opportunities and challenges, with a willingness to openly discuss them.

A volunteer steering committee matches the applicants into traditional or reciprocal mentorship pairs. Each mentorship pair is unique and adapts to a relationship style and meeting format that works best for them, meeting once a month for eight months, October to May.

Applications are being accepted until 1 August, with pairs to be announced in early September.

If you would like to apply, complete the application form and send it to womeninhydropower@gmail.com.

Steering Committee Members:

Nora Rosemore – Minnesota Power, Dawn Presler – Snohomish PUD, Amanda Blank – Alliant Energy, Kelly Schaeffer – Kleinschmidt, Kelly Maloney – Brookfield Renewable, Kristina Newhouse – Avista Utilities, Rita Hayen – TRC, Jacqueline Mongrut – Hydro-Quebec, and Stephanie Hun – SNC Lavalin.  

IHA is commited to promoting the role and contribution of women in the energy sector, particularly in the transition to a low carbon future. In June 2018, the association signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET) aimed at promoting mentoring, networking and coaching opportunities to encourage the increased participation of women in decision-making positions.