27 April 2018

The Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program has announced that it will be accepting applications from May 2018.  

The initiative is supported by the National Hydropower Association (NHA), Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA), Midwest Hydro Users Group (MHUG) and PennWell’s HydroVision.    

It aims to provide an opportunity for women to “connect, generate new friendships, and share experiences in a supportive environment that highlights the powerful contributions women make in the hydropower industry,” according to the organisers.

Nora Rosemore, Hydro Operations Superintendent at Minnesota Power and Chair of the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program Steering Committee, said: “We knew there was interest within the industry, but we were so excited to receive over 80 applications in 2017.

“The participants are from all levels and from all types of organisations, including utilities, consulting firms, resource and regulatory agencies, contractors and suppliers.”

Following its launch in 2017, the initiative has successfully matched mentors and protégés from across the hydropower sector into 48 pairs.  

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

Applications for this year’s program are open from 1 May to 1 August and pairings will be announced in early September.

If you would like to apply to join the program, please visit HydroWorld.com or contact the organisers at 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