MISSION STATEMENT
The Women's International Network of Utility Professionals is an organization providing a link for developing and recognizing professionals involved with utility business trends, issues, products, and services.
OBJECTIVES
- Opportunities for professional development of members.
- Network and mentoring among members.
- Recognition and visibility for members and business partners.
VALUES
- Well-connected members
- Inclusion, equity and diversity
- Networking
- Uplifting
- Philanthropic
Message From The President
Howdy Members!
Wow, we are almost halfway into the calendar year and our members are rockin’ it! I am continually amazed by the hard work our chapters are doing! I have had the opportunity to visit several WiNUP chapters already this year virtually or in person, and I am impressed with all the planning, coordination, community involvement, and member development that is happening. Just incredible work!!!!
Next, I want to echo the hard work the 2024 Conference Planning Committee is doing to bring our membership an industry balanced and professional development program to this year’s conference. Registration is currently open for the 2024 International Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, September 22nd – 25th! This year’s conference theme is “Power, Strength and Resilience”! Continue to monitor the WiNUP website and communications on upcoming conference updates!
Our Executive Committee and International Board are continuing to work on strategic planning this year which will help us focus on our outreach, growth and retention efforts for this year and the years to come. I ask our membership to please continue to work with your International Board Reps on providing input to help our strategic planning session efforts at the summer board meeting in June. We have received overwhelming responses to our pre-work questions, so please keep the input coming in!
As I close for this quarter, I continue to reflect on the H.O.M.E. acronym I shared with you all at the 2023 conference and want to focus on the “O” (which stands for “Outreach”). As I have journeyed through the WiNUP chapter meetings this year, I have noticed a lot of outreach to help grow our chapters and sustain our membership. Thanks to all our members for your continued “OUTREACH” efforts and helping our membership grow from “acorns to oaks!" #takeithome
Laura Hatcher Havis, 2024 WiNUP President & CEO
“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” - Oprah Winfrey
Vice President's Professional Development Corner
The Power of Networking for Women: Building Bridges to Success
Networking is a powerful tool for professional growth, and for women, it can be the key to unlocking doors in their careers. Despite the challenges that women may face in the workplace, from unconscious bias to juggling multiple roles, networking offers a path to overcome barriers and achieve success.
Why Networking Matters for Women
For women, networking is not just about building a list of contacts; it’s about creating meaningful relationships that can lead to mentorship, sponsorship, and opportunities. A study by McKinsey found that 50% of a company’s intellectual capital is a “relational asset,” and 75% of individual capital is their relationships. Leaders with the right networks are more likely to be high performers, which underscores the importance of networking for women in business.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Many women may feel that networking is self-serving or insincere, but this is a myth. Networking is about forming genuine connections and offering mutual support. It’s about sharing knowledge, resources, and encouragement. Women can leverage their natural tendencies toward deeper, more personal connections to build networks that are not only wide but also deep and trusting.
Strategies for Effective Networking
Here are some strategies for women to build and strengthen their networks:
- Reject Common Myths: Understand that networking is not manipulative or merely political. It’s a strategic way to advance your career.
- Map Your Network: Visualize your network to identify gaps and strengths. This will help you focus on where to build new relationships.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of your connections rather than the number. Deep, trusting relationships are more beneficial than a long list of acquaintances.
- Diversify Your Network: Seek connections outside your immediate circle. Diverse networks can provide new perspectives and opportunities.
- Be Strategic: Attend events and participate in forums where you can meet potential mentors, sponsors, and collaborators.
Conclusion
Networking is a dynamic and essential part of professional development for women. By building strong, diverse, and supportive networks, women can gain access to vital information, earn promotions, and seize new opportunities. The power of networking lies in its ability to open doors and create pathways to success that might otherwise remain closed. As women continue to network and support each other, they not only advance their own careers but also pave the way for future generations of female leaders.
Written by Trishia Swayne and Microsoft Copilot
2024 CONFERENCE UPDATES
‘Out-of-this-world’ conference is just a summer away!
The WiNUP International Conference is just a summer away and registration is now open. The conference planning committee is pulling together a motivational, technical, and out-of-this-world program set for September 22-25 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Monday luncheon sponsored by the past presidents will teach you how to think on your toes and the Tuesday night recognition banquet will allow you to bloom with power, strength, and resilience.
The conference’s kick-off on September 23rd — aka “Motivational Monday” — will feature a “crowned” keynote speaker who will be revealed soon. Meanwhile, Amy Waninger, CEO of the Lead at Any Level consulting firm, will discuss how diversity can provide a competitive advantage in your career. The Monday luncheon sponsored by the past presidents will teach you how to think on your toes. In lieu of tours, Monday afternoon’s breakout sessions will entertain as well as educate. During these sessions participants can explore mindfulness and self-care opportunities, take part in hands-on STEM demonstrations, learn about building a strong professional network online, and discover tips and tricks to grow and retain membership in your chapters.
“Technical Tuesday” on September 24th will feature panel discussions and presentations about current hot topics of economic development, emergency preparedness, the current state and future of nuclear energy, and contaminants of emerging concern. Do you know how your companies work behind the scenes to attract new businesses to your communities? When storms approach or other emergencies happen what role do communications plans play in those disastrous situations? And we have all heard the letters SMR and PFAS in the news lately. Learn what these letters mean and how they impact your companies and communities.
The highlight of the conference’s final day, “Out-of-this-World Wednesday,” is WiNUP’s own Danette Scudder who share how the generation gap in today’s workplace can be bridged. Her presentation is titled, “Is it the Jetsons of Gen Z? Creating an Out-of-this-World Workplace for the Future.”
The Annual Conference will be held at the Charleston Marriott which overlooks the Ashley River on the Charleston Peninsula. It is just minutes from the historic district, world-renowned restaurants, and shopping. As long as the hotel has room availability, the WiNUP conference rate is available from Tuesday, September 17th, through Sunday, September 29th. Take advantage of this opportunity to arrive a few days early or stay a few extra days to further enjoy the Holy City. Please read the special instructions included on the WiNUP website for making your hotel reservation.
Please also visit the WiNUP website for available sponsorship opportunities.
We hope to see you in Charleston!
A personal note from Conference Chair Karen Gilmer:
“I didn’t fully realize the benefits of WiNUP until my first conference. If you have any question about what WiNUP can do for you or how to get the most out of WiNUP, please come to conference. You will not regret the investment in yourself!”
Sponsorships Crucial to Conference
How You Can Help Conference Reach its Financial Goals
As anyone who’s worked on a WiNUP conference can attest, putting on a successful event is like assembling a puzzle. So many pieces need to come together: a venue, of course; a “killer” program; hardworking, dedicated volunteers (who are SO appreciated!); a marketing plan; a reservations process; and ... we could go on and on.
But perhaps the most important conference “must do,” crucial to whether the event is a “hit” or a “miss,” is obtaining sponsorships. Having the necessary money in the bank will help ensure best laid plans can become reality.
That’s why the 2024 International Conference Committee needs YOUR help as we raise money for WiNUP’s 2024 celebration, to be held September 22nd-25th in Charleston, South Carolina. Putting on a monumental, once-in-a-lifetime conference – and ensuring registration costs will be as affordable as possible – will take support from our partners, employers and members. And though our sponsorship subcommittee, headed by Sarah Simpson, is hard at work contacting potential sponsors, it needs your help to reach our financial goals.
How can you help?
Ask your chapter to help sponsor the conference. Chapter donations play a key role in ensuring members will have the conference experience they expect.
Ask your supervisor, department head, or whoever is responsible for allocating sponsorship funds to consider supporting the 2024 Conference. There are seven sponsorship levels as well as an “In Kind” level (under $500). Each level of sponsorship includes a number of substantial benefits. For instance, presenting sponsors (those who donate $20,000 or above) will receive: a logo in the conference program and website, a full-size vendor table, distribution of provided promotional products, awards banquet sponsorship signage, six WiNUP one-year memberships and six complimentary conference registrations. As you can see, a company sponsorship is a WiNUP win/win/win: for your company, for the conference and for members hoping to attend the conference. Sponsorship forms are available at winup.org.
Next Steps
Expand your fundraising experience, revel in your money-raising success, and play a part in ensuring the 2024 conference meets it sponsorship goals by joining the sponsorship subcommittee! Contact Sarah Simpson (ssimpson@burnsmcd.com) or Karen Gilmer (kmgilmer@aep.com). Visit winup.org for a sponsorship form and to find the latest updates on the conference.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR CHAPTERS AND MEMBERS
(All application forms should be retrieved from the Members Section of the WiNUP website to ensure most current form is used.)
IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR CHAPTERS
POWER, OAK, Honorary Life Applications Due Date: July 1st
WiNUP International has three awards that recognize individual members’ achievements and contributions: the POWER Award, OAK Award and International Honorary Life Award.
• The POWER Award will honor a WiNUP member who has supported the objectives of the organization locally and internationally for at least two (2) years and no more than five (5) years.
• The OAK award will honor an established WiNUP member who has exhibited exceptional leadership and service within WiNUP/EWRT for at least ten (10) years.
• The Honorary Life Member Award will honor an established WiNUP member who has exhibited exceptional leadership and service within WiNUP/EWRT for at least fifteen (15) years.
International Board Rep Chapter Report Due Date: May 31st
IB Rep submits a report on the chapter prior to summer meeting.
Chapter Professional Development Grant Due Date: August 15th
WiNUP supports the professional development of its members and has created a Professional Development Program Grant to assist in providing programs or services that meet this part of the organization’s mission. The funds must be used to enhance or provide a professional development program, event or opportunity for your chapter and all WiNUP members.
Chapter Event Grant Due Date: August 15th
The program must meet one or more of the WiNUP objectives to support networking and mentoring among members, recognition and visibility for members and business partners.
Chapter Achievement Award Due Date: August 15th
The Chapter Achievement Award will be given each year in recognition for outstanding chapter participation.
Linda Johnson Newsletter Award Due Date: August 15th
The Linda Johnson Newsletter Award will be given each year in recognition for outstanding Chapter Newsletter communications. This may include paper and electronic newsletters.
Chapter Officer Election Results Due Date: September 10th
Officers shall be elected annually, except for the international board member, by the chapter membership. Chapter officer elections should take place prior to the fall International Conference. The new officers shall take office January 1st. This election should take place on or before the 10th of September, prior to the annual conference, to allow new officers to attend the designated meetings.
Chapter Year End Report Due Date: December 15th
Chapter chair (in conjunction with IB Rep) submit a report on chapter.
Chapter Year End Financial Reports Due Date: January 31st
Complete and submit a Chapter financial report for the prior calendar year to the executive office annually by January 31 to reflect cash and account balances at the beginning of the year, all revenues received during the year, all expenses made by the chapter during the year, and all cash and account balances on hand at year end.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
WiNUP Member Professional Development Scholarship Due Date: August 15th
The scholarships are designed for degree or non-degree study. Non-degree study would include professional development programs and workshops that have associated participation costs such as public speaking, PMP, graphic design, accounting/excel courses. Applicants must be actively taking classes when making application or enrolled in an upcoming session to be considered for the award.
Chapter Updates
ArkLaTex
As a result of our 50/50 raffle, ArkLaTex WiNUP donated $500 to Eden Gardens robotics club (8 girls, 7 boys, 9-10 yrs old) on February 21, 2024. Ms. Collins intends to use the money to purchase additional dash & dot robots. Cindy Brix attended their club meeting on February 28 and their end of the year party on March 6. The school/teacher were very appreciative of the donation. We took a picture together displaying the donation check and a very nice 'thank you' poster with all the signatures.
On March 20, 2024 Cindy Brix, Vivian Andrews, and Carrie Walton met with Sci-Port, Heather Kleiner and six of her team members to discuss STEM opportunities for ArkLaTex WiNUP including websites for local and national Girls Collaborative Project. They identified multiple areas where they could be involved from donations, to logistical assistance at events, to providing speakers (SME) for specific events/workshops. Sci-Port will provide us with a listing of events/workshops/opportunities. ArkLaTex WiNUP provided Sci-Port with information about WiNUP, ArkLaTex WiNUP, and WiNUP STEM along with the 'one sheeter' form to offer partnership with Sci-Port.
On February 10, 2024 we had our Q1 Social Luncheon with our Chapter. Since ArkLaTex is so spread out, our meetings are mostly done virtually so we set a date every quarter to get together, have lunch and network. In attendance this quarter was (in order from left to right) Cindy Brix, Nicole Morral , Vivian Andrews, Allison Sawyer, Kathy Davis, Becky Whitenack, and Alice Cogburn. We had a fantastic lunch at Frank’s Louisiana Kitchen in Shreveport, LA.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Chapter Tour of AEP TOC
On March 20th, 10 members from WiNUP's Corpus Christi Chapter took a tour of AEP’s Transmission Operations Center (TOC)
Chapter Meeting with Special Guest Speaker
On April 15th, WiNUP Corpus Christi Chapter held their monthly meeting, 16 members joined in person. AEP Texas President and Chief Operating Officer Judith Talavera was invited as the speaker.
Indiana
May has been a busy month for the Indiana Chapter. On May 9, the chapter paired its second quarter business meeting with a tour of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Control Room in Carmel, Indiana, led by Carmen Clark, senior manager of client services and readiness. Vanessa Brown, executive director of human resources, welcomed everyone, and MISO’s director of security GRC, Kristina Pacovsky, shared information on how to navigate uncertainty in cybersecurity. WiNUP International President Laura Havis appeared virtually to update the group on International WiNUP’s activities including this summer’s strategic planning session.
Highlights of the meeting included the announcement of this year’s STEM scholarship winners and discussion on fundraising initiatives to ensure we will be able to finance future scholarships. The chapter’s Ways and Means Committee, headed by Sara Toepper, spearheaded a “Dine and Donate” event at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Carmel, Indiana, on June 17. Members also discussed its fundraising strategies for this September’s International Conference.
On May 10, members from the Indiana Chapter joined those from the Metro Chicago Chapter on a tour of the Dresden Nuclear Power Station in Morris, Illinois.
The chapter, along with the Northern Indiana Chapter, will be hosting the 2026 International Conference. The chapters have begun preliminary planning discussions and will meet again in June. Stay tuned for details in the months ahead.
Metro Chicago
“Walk and Talk” Metro Chicago Networking Event Recap – A Breath of Fresh Air
WiNUP Metro Chicago organized a delightful "Walk and Talk" networking event at the scenic Lake County Fairgrounds [in Indiana] on Friday, April 12. Members and leadership came together for an enriching afternoon of mingling and networking while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful view. The event provided a perfect opportunity for passionate individuals in the utilities sector to connect with like-minded peers and build meaningful relationships. With every step, conversations flowed, connections were made and fun was had by all. It was indeed a refreshing way to combine exercise with networking, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among WiNUP members.
Mid-Atlantic
WiNUP Mid-Atlantic recently hosted a networking event featuring the opportunity for members to have professional headshot photos taken. Chapter members and guests met at a local community center to have dinner and spend time together – for many, this was the first time to meet in person! The chapter engaged the services of BRM Media photographers, who worked with each attendee to take and professionally edit a series of headshot photos.
The Mid-Atlantic chapter also hosts a monthly virtual book club. Selections for 2024 have included the memoir “Farewell to Manzanar,” fiction selections “A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” as well as the popular Bring Your Own Book format, which allows readers of all genres to connect and share what they’re reading.
Nashville
Nashville Chapter Meeting on April 25th
The Nashville WiNUP Chapter met in Chattanooga at the TVA office and Monika Beckner was our speaker. She serves as TVA’s vice president of energy services & programs, where she leads energy efficiency, demand response and electric vehicle initiatives. Collaborating closely with local power companies, her team implements transformative programs that improve the lives of individuals and families as well as businesses and communities. She spoke about her career and how that transitioned her to her leadership role today. She believes in women supporting women which leads to empowering and mentoring others. As women face barriers at work, she talked about overcoming struggles in a male dominated environment and how she advanced in her career.
We also held a Book Exchange, which was a fun experience with everyone taking a book and receiving lots of book recommendations.
Our WiNUP Book Exchange was a blast!!
Retirement Party for Dianne Nunez
Dianne Nunez retired from TVA on March 22, 2024.
We held a retirement party to celebrate her new adventure at our last WiNUP meeting. Please join us in congratulating and celebrating her as she begins the next chapter of her life.
North Texas
HOSTESS WITH THE MOST... GRACE, TALENT & LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
(If we listed them all, we could read ourselves to sleep!)
WiNUP North Texas held our second quarter meeting at Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Janet Rheberg, Tri-County's Chief Strategy Officer & Vice President of Engineering hosted. Adding a double bonus to the meeting, WiNUP International President Laura Havis joined us to share news and planning from the EC! Rumor has it Janet's hosting went beyond the meeting as she offered Laura a comfy respite in her beautiful home.
Following the business meeting and general discussion, we toured the offices and learned more about how a co-op operates in what was once a small Texas town but is now a welcoming city and one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Metroplex.
Ohio
WiNUP Ohio attends Authenica: Being Exceptional – Your Destination Beyond Excellence Event Experience
The Ohio Chapter attended an amazing event, Authenica: Being Exceptional – Your Destination Beyond Excellence Event Experience, presented by the Founder and President Craig Lucas. A special thank you to both Craig Lucas and our own Ohio Chapter member, Ava Lucas, who made this amazing experience possible!
Texhoma
The Texhoma Chapter held their February 2024 meeting at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. The chapter hosted several speakers, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, Representative Melody Blancett, Senator Jo Anna Dossett, Adria Berry, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and Bud Ground, President of the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma. The variety of speakers offered much insight into the state’s current political climate. We were also honored to include the WiNUP International President, Laura Havis.
The following week, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell posted on his Facebook account that he had spoken to the Texhoma WiNUP chapter, He included a photo and a great message about the organizations focus on STEM education.
In March the chapter presented a donation to the Fredrick, Oklahoma “Bomber Robotics” team. Fredrick is a small town in southwestern Oklahoma and the students personally pay for all the expenses. The team participated in the FTC First Robotics World Championship in Houston, TX. The team went on win an award as a finalist for the “Connects Award”. Such exciting news for a small-town team! Go Bombers!
“The Tawanda Effect”
On April 3, 2024 several Texhoma members attended AEP’s First annual Women’s Leadership Conference. A familiar face, Tonya Tiggett, was the speaker. Tonya spoke at the 2022 WiNUP Conference in Little Rock, AR.
VERY EARLY in the morning ….3:00am!! May 17 a few brave members helped launch the annual PSO United Way Fishing Tournament at the Anadarko Lake at the Southwest Power Plant. This team worked together to make the event a great success!
Currently the chapter is hosting a Donation Drive for Safenet Services. Safenet’s mission is to create a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for individuals and families healing from the consequences of domestic violence and sexual assault. Pictured is Cheyanne Jordan with a few of the donated items.
Texhoma is excited to announce our three newest members, Paola Herrera Real, an electrical engineer for PSO Distribution, Ashley Cox, an accountant working in the Payroll Domain and Alex Mantz, who serves at the Community Affairs Manager for Oklahoma Gas & Electric.
Look for the Texhoma table at the 2024 Annual Conference. We will be selling short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts as well as the state charm to add to your WiNUP bracelet!
Virginia
During the Virginia Chapter’s first quarter meeting we collected items for Sabrina’s Place, a program of Total Action for Progress (TAP). We supported WiNUP members Amanda Hurst, Tiffany Reynolds and Women @ Work (an employee resource group at AEP.) Sabrina’s Place offers a safe place for custody exchanges and visitations. TAP offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs, domestic violence services, housing, and employment training. The photos are of all the items they collected during the month of March.
SW Virginia / NE Tennessee
Showing girls that STEM ROCKS!
SW VA/NE TN Chapter members Tracy Hertig, Emily Ball, Karen Gilmer, and Carol Ford had the opportunity to participate in a STEM event sponsored by Emory & Henry University on March 19.
A group of 20 middle school girls from the Bristol YWCA after school program spent one day of their Spring Break exploring the campus and participating in various STEM activities.
Member Carol Ford, Operation Manager-Environmental with S&ME, discussed the different fields that utilize a geology degree and also discussed some of her project experiences. She also went over groundwater sampling techniques.
The girls got to put their hands on fossils and various rock core samples and different minerals. They had a great time, and so did we!
West Virginia
WV WiNUP Chapter 25th Anniversary Celebration
WiNUP’s West Virginia Chapter met on March 20 at DaVinci’s Restaurant in Williamstown, West Virginia, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Fourteen members (including two supervisors of members) and one non-member supervisor were in attendance. Along with good food and networking, the chapter creation story was shared; activities and awards from 2023 were recapped; a congratulatory video from International President Laura Havis, was played; and 2024 activities and events were discussed. Everyone was encouraged to sign up for a committee or committee chair role, both at the local and international levels.
The 2025 Conference Theme contest winner was announced. Sara Davis won with her entry of “Bridging Women Together — 2025 WiNUP International Conference”. Sara won a $25 gift card. Sara is also the chair of the 2025 Conference Fundraising Committee, and she encouraged members in attendance to join the conference fundraising committee. The 2024 officer installation was performed by Trena Riffle, West Virginia Chapter parliamentarian.
This event was partially sponsored by the International Chapter Event Grant.
Misty Heldreth was the winner of the raffle prize, Trena Riffle was the winner of the first door prize, and Roseanne Hopkins was the winner of the second door prize (WiNUP 100th Anniversary picture frame). All members in attendance received a WV WiNUP 25th Anniversary ornament.
WV WiNUP Volunteers at Local Non-Profit Organizations during First Quarter of 2024
WV WiNUP positively impacted the community during 2024 Q1 by volunteering with two local non-profit organizations – Huntington City Mission and Heart and Hand Outreach Ministries. Huntington City Mission is located in Huntington, West Virginia, and its mission is to provide the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, education, and case management programs to homeless men and women. WV WiNUP member Judy Hurd delivered scarves, hats, and gloves that were donated by WV WiNUP members to the organization at its 2024 Q1 business meeting.
Heart and Hand Outreach Ministries is located in South Charleston, West Virginia, and its mission is to serve and support neighbors with emergency basic needs. WV WiNUP chapter members assembled weekend food bags for kids and sorted and hung donated clothing. Volunteers for this effort were Janet Hewitt, Erikka Storch, Judy Hurd, Misty Heldreth, Ellen Baker, Erica Young, and Brenda Fisher.
Member Spotlight - Past Presidents
Hail to the Chiefs, Part II
Editor’s Note: As part of International President Laura Havis’ commitment to recognizing and honoring the contributions of EWRT/WiNUP’s past national/international presidents, this year’s newsletters will feature a look back at the 59 women who have led the organization since 1948, when EWRT formally became a national organization.
In the spring issue, we spotlighted presidents from 1948-75. In this issue, we will focus on presidents from 1975-94. Presidents in the years 1994-2009 will be highlighted in the third issue. Finally, we’ll talk about those who served from 2010-23 in the final issue of the year.
Fifteen women with diverse backgrounds in the electric industry led EWRT through two decades of growth and change from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s.
During Reidun Crowley’s presidential term, from 1975-78, four chapters — Inland Empire, Utah, Indiana, and Red River — were chartered. Crowley was manager of corporate relations at Puget Sound Energy (headquartered in Bellevue, Washington) from 1975-94.
EWRT’s 17th president, Wanda O. Bohan Pinta was director of home economics at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. During her term in office from 1978-80, the bylaws were amended to admit Canadian chapters into the organization and to offer student memberships. Pinta was a charter member of EWRT’s Los Angeles Chapter.
Janet Felmeth, who was EWRT president from 1980-82, was well-versed in communicating the latest advances in electrical appliances in her roles as director of the Westinghouse-Kelvinator Home Economics Institute and the Hoover Home Institute, and as home economics director of Robershaw Controls Company.
Jean Hopwood, who was manager of consumer affairs for the General Electric Company in Louisville, was EWRT’s 19th president. A one-year tenure for national officers was instituted during her term; she served from 1982-83. While she was president, the Lyle Mamer Memorial Fund was established. The fund continues to be used for a fellowship which is awarded annually to graduate students in a utility-related field.
EWRT’s 20th president, Dr. Suzanne Badenhop, was a charter member of the Indiana Chapter back in 1976 when she was an assistant professor at Purdue University’s Consumer Sciences and Retailing Department. She was an Oregon State University professor during her presidential term from 1983-84. Badenhop has been published in numerous family resource management and Extension publications during her long career which also included faculty positions at the University of Georgia and the University of Kentucky.
Romanza Johnson was not only EWRT’s 21st president. The former Bowling Green Municipal Utilities home economist is well-known and well-loved in her local community for giving back and helping others. She’s volunteered for organizations including the Salvation Army, the Bowling Green-Warren County Welfare Board and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. She also helped found the Hospice of Southern Kentucky. There’s a community park named after her in Alvaton, Kentucky.
Cynthia Salinas Snyder served as EWRT president from 1985-86 and was a charter member of the South Texas Chapter. An active member of the Laredo, Texas, community, Snyder worked for American Electric Power for several decades. She remained a WiNUP member until her death in 2021.
Anne Howard of the New York Chapter was EWRT’s 23rd president. She served from 1986-87. During her 25-plus year career at Sharp Electronics Corporation’s Appliance Division, Howard originated the concept of the world’s first microwave drawer and pioneered microwave features including the turntable distribution system, convection microwave ovens and sensor technology.
Elizabeth “Liz” Kilkenny, who was EWRT president from 1987-88, had a 32-year-long career as a corporate public relations executive at Westinghouse. She retired in 1993. One of her favorite job responsibilities was overseeing Westinghouse’s Science Talent Search, a contest for high school seniors. Kilkenny authored EWRT’s history, “From Acorns to Oaks,” in 1983. (That history was updated in 1994 and again in 2015.)
Lynn White, PhD, EWRT’s 25th president, remains an active WiNUP member to this day. White, a charter member of the former Greater Houston Chapter and later a member of the South Texas Chapter, served from 1988-89. She was family science program leader for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and would later become chief financial officer and marketing manager of Industrial Fire World Magazine.
When Linda Johnson was EWRT president from 1989-90, she led the organization’s first board strategic planning session. During her presidential term, Johnson, who passed away in 2014, created the financial review committee, the Energy Update newsletter and the POWER Award. WiNUP’s chapter newsletter award is named the Linda Johnson Newsletter Award in her honor.
Gloria Berry, EWRT’s 27th president, held office from 1990-91. She worked at Walton EMC in northeast Georgia for 34 years and retired as district manager and director of community and government relations. During her career, she lobbied Congress for gas deregulation and served as shepherd of the Walton Electric Trust Foundation.
Sharon Haramic of the Pittsburgh Chapter was the organization’s president from 1991-92. During her term she worked as a consumer education representative at West Penn Power Company. She shared her home service knowledge in a weekly column in the Latrobe (Pennsylvania) Bulletin newspaper.
Dr. Judith Wessel of the Ohio Chapter began her one-year term as EWRT president in 1992. Wessel was an extension specialist at the Ohio State University. She retired from OSU in 1995 after a 24-year career. In 1987, she received a Fabric Care Education Award for Extension Home Economists which included a $1,500 prize. She was recognized for her consumer communications programs about household textile purchase and care.
Lynn Grant (now Thieneman) was a training specialist at Louisville Gas and Electric Company when she was EWRT president from 1993-94. She retired from LG&E in 1996 and remains an active WiNUP member, serving on the international board and most recently serving on the planning committees of the 2022 and 2023 international conferences.
Committee Corner
Meet the International Member Publication Committee
My name is Staci Spencer and I have been the co-chair of the International Publications Committee for two years and a WiNUP member for three. I am a buyer at Oncor Electric Delivery LLC in Fort Worth, Texas, and am a proud Texas Aggie. Being a member of this amazing committee has definitely sharpened my communication, organization and leadership skills, which have served me well in the corporate world. I strongly encourage all WiNUP members to get involved at some level. Not only will you gain experience, you will also gain friends across the country.
Have you ever read Leo the Late Bloomer? I’m Melenda Meazle, co-chair of the Member Publication Committee, and I often feel like Leo when it comes to my career. I spent over 20 years in the medical field, focusing mostly on customer service, but I thrived while ushering in technological advances that rival the impact of Big Data and AI today. I enjoyed it so much that I opted to go back to college when the last of my five children began school. In 2012, I relaunched into the technology space! Fun fact: I now have a role which allows me to serve a unique customer segment while also working closely with our technology teams. WiNUP is a vital resource in all aspects of my career and personal growth, and I am grateful to work toward common goals with such an incredible organization. If you haven’t yet volunteered on an international committee, I recommend you do so ASAP. This opportunity helps me feel connected and contributing ('remember that you get out of it what you put into it')!
Hey y’all! My name is Amber Apodaca and this is my second year as member of the International Publications Committee and my third year as a WiNUP member. I am a REP account manager at Oncor Electric Delivery LLC in Dallas, Texas, and am a proud member of the North Texas WiNUP Chapter. Joining this amazing committee has definitely helped me with project management, sharpened my writing and editorial skills and lets me tap into my creativity which all directly contribute to my personal and career growth. My overall love and knowledge of WiNUP continues to grow as we strive to keep all members informed with every newsletter and remain close even when we are hundreds of miles apart in our home states. Although I am slightly biased to this committee, I encourage those not a member of any, to seek one that speaks to you! It’s fun and fulfilling to contribute and you get to make some really cool friends along the way.
Greetings! I’m Emily Schilling, and for 37 years I served as editor of Electric Consumer/Indiana Connection, the statewide magazine for Indiana’s electric cooperative members. Now that I’m retired, I’m happy I’m able to keep my writing and editing skills fresh by helping on WiNUP’s Member Publications Committee this year. I was WiNUP’s first international president back in 1999 and have been an active WiNUP member since 1990. I was a former EWRT national newsletter editor back in the 1990s and have served on numerous committees both locally and internationally over the years. I’m the current vice chair of the Indiana Chapter. I believe in order to keep members engaged in WiNUP, communication must be a priority. The Member Publications Committee’ focus is squarely on WiNUP and its members.
I’m Misty Heldreth and I’ve worked Appalachian Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, for 27 years. I plan to retire this October.
I’ve been an active member of the WiNUP West Virginia Chapter since 2009 and have held several leadership roles locally. I am currently chairing my chapter’s mentoring and STEM committees. I have chaired the International Fellowship Committee and co-chaired the International STEM/Utility Affairs Committee, and have been a member of several other committees including this year’s Member Publications Committee.
I’ve enjoyed exploring different committees at the International level and the Member Publication Committee allows me to help generate an enjoyable and educational publication for the membership. I have appreciated being a part of tweaking the content to satisfy the membership and fulfilling the goal of sharing events and information between committees, be they large or small.
My name is Yidan Lu, I work as an engineering process lead in EDOPS advanced application department of AEP. I joined WiNUP in 2019 and joined the Member Publication Committee this year.
I enjoy my work on the member publication committee as it provides an opportunity for me to contribute to the organization with the writing skill, which I polished via producing various kinds of documents for AEP. On top of that, working as a content contributor for the WiNUP international newsletters allow me chances to build relationships with chapter leaders and stay on top of newest trends and tech developments of the power industry, both of which enhance my involvement in this field and benefit my career advancement.
With 6 years’ experience in academy and 7 years of absolute focus on developing and implementing advanced power applications, I would like to share my knowledge of current challenges and perspective of the future concerning the power industry with my fellow international committee members. I am also happy to communicate my ideas across the WiNUP organization and hope such communication would lead to innovations in different organizations.
Hey! Dianne Nuñez, here, and as you've already seen above, a newly retired member. I've been an active WiNUP member of the Nashville area chapter since 2000, and I've served locally and internationally in various leadership positions and on multiple committees as a chair or member. WiNUP has been an integral part of my personal and professional growth along my journey, and I highly recommend getting involved as much as possible - you'll definitely reap benefits in networking and growth in your life. Carpe diem, ladies - it's now or never!
Get active and cool down with swimming safety
Swimming is great exercise, as well as a fun way to spend time together as a family. There's nothing like spending an afternoon splashing around in the water and enjoying being together.
Unfortunately, many people don't realize how dangerous swimming can be without careful preparation.
In the United States, someone dies from drowning every 10 minutes. One out of every five drowning victims is a child, and, for every child who drowns, another five children get treated with injuries related to being submerged in water. Overall, drowning is the No. 2 leading cause of death for kids aged 5 to 14.
Follow these safety tips to maximize fun and water safety this summer season:
Top 10 Water Safety Tips for Families
Water safety encompasses a person's behavior in and around the water. Before taking your kids to the pool, beach or lakeshore, teach them these 10 basic water safety tips to ensure a safe and pleasant water experience. Follow these safety tips, which come from the Gateway Region YMCA to maximize fun and water safety this summer season:
1. Never Swim Alone
Swimming should only happen when a lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards don't just watch the people in the pool, lake or ocean. Their job is also to watch the water and advise swimmers on any safety concerns and questionable conditions that might arise. They are also trained to respond quickly when something happens.
In addition to swimming with a lifeguard nearby, a good rule of thumb — for children and adults — is to use the buddy system while swimming. Instruct your child to always swim with a friend or sibling so they can look out for one another if their parents aren't physically in the pool with them. Besides being more fun to swim with a friend, this also ensures there is someone who can go for help if something goes wrong.
2. Supervise Children When They’re in the Water
We understand that parents need to relax too. But when your children are in the water, it's time to be alert. As a general rule of thumb, a parent should be within arm's reach of a young child at all times. This rule is true whether they're swimming in a pool, lake, ocean or bathtub. Parents of older children should stay close and keep eyes on their children at all times. Even ones who are strong swimmers need supervision because they're prone to trying tricks, flips and dives — all things that can be dangerous in the water.
The best way to remain vigilant when your children are swimming is to put your phone away, and simply enjoy hanging out with each other! If other adults are present, you can take turns watching the pool, so everyone gets an equal chance to relax. Working together to protect your children is the best way to prevent an accident.
3. Don’t Play Breath-Holding Games
While swimming, children shouldn’t hold their breath for a long time, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe risks. Make sure children understand competing to see who can hold their breath underwater, and other similar games, can be dangerous and should not be part of any water-related activities.
If a swimmer holds their breath too long or hyperventilates before going underwater — meaning they are breathing deeper or faster — they are at a higher risk of passing out underwater. Children who swim competitively should learn proper breathing techniques to avoid problems during practices or meets.
4. Always Wear a Life Vest
Young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-certified life jacket around water. There are plenty of products on the market claiming to help children stay afloat, such as water wings, floaties, pool noodles, etc., but these are not a substitute for life preservers or lifesaving devices in a genuine emergency. Use these products only when a parent or trustworthy adult is within arm's length of the child using them.
Also, remember a life jacket or other flotation device should never be an excuse to ignore other water safety guidelines. Life jackets alone are not enough when it comes to staying safe around water.
5. Don’t Jump in the Water to Save a Friend
If a child sees their friend struggling to keep their head above water, their first instinct may be to jump in to help. However, doing so could lead to both people drowning. The Y’s Safety Around Water program recommends the “reach, throw, don’t go” technique, which involves using a long object to pull a struggling swimmer to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without putting themselves at risk.
6. Enter the Water Feet First
Severe injuries can occur when kids jump or dive headfirst into shallow water. Make sure your child understands the proper way to enter and exit the pool. If they're interested in jumping and diving, make sure to teach them the correct way to do it, as well as point out the areas where it is safe to do so. If your pool does not have an area designated for diving, do not allow it, no matter how deep the water.
7. Stay Away From Pool Drains
It is a good idea to show your child what the pool drain looks like and explain to them the importance of staying clear before they even begin playing. Children's hair, bathing suits and even limbs have become stuck in broken or faulty drains, which can lead to drowning or serious injury. Teach children to stay away from these areas in pools, especially if a drain is missing a cover or appears otherwise broken. If you notice one that seems to be operating incorrectly, report it immediately.
8. Stay Within Designated Swim Areas
Whether you're swimming in a pool, ocean or lake, staying within the designated swim areas is vital to staying safe. Teach children about ropes and why people use them to divide a pool. Never encourage a child to swim in water deeper than their abilities will allow, and, especially if you're swimming in a lake or ocean, always follow guidelines local lifeguards have established. They are familiar with the water and, in the case of lakes and oceans, know enough about how it changes from day to day to make wise and up-to-date safety recommendations.
9. Avoid Using Alcohol
This advice applies mainly to older children and parents. As children become teens, talking with them about alcohol becomes more and more essential. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and balance. It affects a person's ability to swim well, and it can even lower body temperature. Images of teens and young adults enjoying alcohol poolside are common on television and in movies, leaving your real-life teens a dangerous picture to copy, so make sure your teens understand the truth behind mixing water play with alcohol.
Parents should also use caution. Never consume alcohol while you're supervising your children in the water. Not only can it cause you to become distracted, but it could leave you unable to function appropriately if an emergency should happen.
10. Learn CPR
While we hope your family will follow all these guidelines and stay safe in the water, the unfortunate truth is that accidents happen. If a drowning incident or pool-related accident occurs, bystanders are typically the first available to react and respond. As a parent supervising children, it's critical for you to be familiar with lifesaving techniques, including CPR for children and adults. Knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. Get your CPR certification — and keep it up to date — through the American Red Cross, your local hospital or other community organizations.
Teach Your Kids to Be Safe in the Water
Sometimes parents listen to these rules and guidelines, internalize them and act on them without ever telling their children what we're doing and why. Be honest with your child about why they must wear a life vest. Explain why they should never swim when you aren't with them. Talk to them about the importance of avoiding deep or murky water. By being honest and upfront with your children, you'll help them apply more of what they've learned as they grow.
Just like you teach your children to look both ways before they cross the street, it's essential to teach your children how to be safe around water. You can accomplish this by sharing the water safety tips outlined above, but putting them into practice will cement these concepts and ensure you have prepared your child to swim safely.
For more information, visit: https://gwrymca.org/blog/water-safety-tips
Summertime SAD: 11 Ways to Chase Away the Warm-Weather Blues
Seasonal depression most often kicks in on gloomy winter days. But there is another, less common type of seasonal depression that arrives on sunny spring and summer days — and, according to experts, it’s just as serious.
“It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and while most seasonal episodes of depression occur in the winter, up to 30 percent of people [with seasonal depression] will experience summer depression,” says Samar McCutcheon, MD, who is a psychiatrist specializing in depressive, bipolar, and anxiety disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
People with summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — aka “reverse SAD” — typically experience common symptoms of depression for about four to five months each year when the weather is warmer, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Summertime SAD: Know the Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of SAD include feeling depressed most of the day almost every day, having low energy levels, losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, or feeling hopeless or worthless, the NIMH notes. In addition, people with summer-pattern SAD may experience:
- Agitation and restlessness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite, resulting in weight loss
According to the NIMH, a doctor or a mental health professional may diagnose and treat you for summer-pattern SAD if you:
- Have symptoms of major depression
- Have depressive episodes that happen in the summer months for at least two years in a row
- Tend to have depressive episodes more frequently during the summer than at any other point of the year
What Causes Summertime SAD to Strike?
Although experts don’t know exactly what causes summer-pattern SAD, like all mental disorders, it’s likely related to a variety of factors, including biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
“Summertime can be a time for fun, relaxation, and freedom from school, work, and other obligations. But for those people vulnerable to depression, summertime can feel like too big and too sudden of a change,” explains Karen Lim, MD, who is a psychiatrist with Prairie Health in American Canyon, California, specializing in both general and child and adolescent psychiatry.
On a biological level, some research suggests — like other forms of major depressive disorder — it may be partially linked to the brain chemical serotonin, per the NIMH.
Other research indicates that some people with SAD produce too much melatonin — a hormone that affects your sleep cycle — which may leave you fatigued, the NIMH explains. And in people with SAD, these changes to serotonin and melatonin levels can make it difficult to adjust to longer or shorter days, disrupting your daily routine as well as your sleep, behavior, and mood.
What’s more, the risk of developing SAD is higher if you’re a woman, you have a relative with a mental illness, or you have major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or another mental illness, according to the NIMH
How Do I Know if It’s SAD or the Summertime Blues?
Even if someone doesn’t have depression, they can still go through a less severe version of warm-weather mood changes often referred to as the “summertime blues.” It’s not an official diagnosis because symptoms by definition aren’t severe enough to be categorized as depression, and experts say it’s difficult to estimate how many people are affected.
“It’s certainly something that we see in clinical practice,” says Melissa Shepard, MD, a psychiatrist in private practice in Maryland.
Symptoms are similar to that of SAD (low mood and a lack of energy), but less debilitating, says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a New York City–based neuropsychologist who is on faculty with Columbia University’s PhD program in clinical psychology in New York City.
Summertime blues, like SAD, can have a range of causes, Dr. Shepard says. The glumness may stem from schedule changes, including having fewer or more disrupted routines in the summer: “We know that having a routine is really important in preventing depression,” she adds.
Parents of young children may suddenly find themselves having to keep their kids entertained during the work day instead of being able to send them to school or day care, Dr. Hafeez adds. Or for students on summer vacation, they no longer have classes or activities to fill their day.
For some, those disruptions can be stressful, Hafeez explains.
The weather can be another contributor to summertime blues. Many people find the heat and humidity to be intolerable, leading them to hole up in their homes and avoid exercising or cooking because of the weather, Hafeez says. “Isolation, inactivity, and eating unhealthy takeout can all contribute to low moods and low energy levels,” she explains.
And as is the case for SAD, longer days and shorter nights can interrupt sleep patterns, causing people to have less energy during the day.
How to Cope With Summertime SAD
Whether you’re struggling with summertime blues or clinically diagnosed summer-pattern depression, these strategies (along with expert treatment in some cases) can help you manage your symptoms.
- Identify Your Summertime Triggers
- Make Sleep a Priority
- Establish a Routine and Stick With It
- Make Space for Your Emotions
- Create a Values and Actions List
- Avoid ‘Depression Traps'
- Keep It Cool
- Take a Social Media Break
- For Parents With SAD, Share Responsibilities With Other Parents
- Build Self-Care Into Your Schedule
- Practice Body-Positive Self-Talk
When to Get Help
“Have a very low threshold to get professional help,” Shepard recommends. It’s not uncommon for people to mistakenly believe their depressive symptoms are minor when they’re actually significant, she adds.
Whether you think you have summertime blues or summer-pattern SAD, seeing a mental health professional can help prevent your symptoms from snowballing into a more severe mental health issue.
Report: Girls' Aptitude Far Exceeds Interest in STEM
A review of data from more than 225,000 female middle and high school students has revealed a major gap between the aptitude of girls for STEM and their interest in pursuing STEM careers. It also found their interest exceeds aptitude in some non-STEM disciplines.
Technology provider YouScience analyzed data from its Aptitude & Career Discovery assessment, comparing aptitude with self-reported interest. It found that in may STEM-related areas, girls' aptitude was high, while their interest was low.
Among those findings:
- Girls' aptitude for careers in computers and technology was eight times their self-reported interest
- Aptitude for advanced manufacturing exceeded interest by 11.3 times
- Girls' interest in arts and media exceeded aptitude by 1.4 times
- Interest in teaching exceeded aptitude by 2.3 times
- Interest in law and public safety exceeded aptitude by 3.8 times
- Interest in human services careers exceeded aptitude by 5.5 times
According to the report: "These insights confirm that a career exposure gap exists for female students, especially in STEM — an area in which jobs are expected to increase by almost 11 percent by 2031. Historically, however, women have held less than one-third of those jobs. According to the United States Census Bureau, there were approximately 10 million workers in STEM occupations as of 2019, but only 27 percent of those were women."
"There is no question that more and more of our nation's jobs over the course of the next several years will be in STEM. However, there is a very important question we must ask about who will fill those jobs given that the career exposure gap remains among female students today," said Jeri Larsen, chief operating officer at YouScience, in a prepared statement. "To address this gap, ensure the pipeline of STEM jobs can be filled in the coming years, and provide female students with the same opportunities as their male counterparts, we must first show them that they have extraordinary potential. We need to do so as early as middle school, and then help guide them to pursue the pathways to the careers they are best suited for, in STEM or elsewhere."
Additional findings can be accessed in the complete report.
About the Author: David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEDavidNagel (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).
IN THE NEWS
G7 nations agree 2035 coal exit
Following talks in Turin, the statement from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and US pledged to “phase out existing unabated coal power generation in our energy systems during the first half of 2030s”. More details to be found at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/05/energy-news-g7-coal-phaseout-renewables-batteries/
Global renewable electricity passes 30% landmark
In 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for more than 30% of global electricity use for the first time, driven by a continued increase in solar and wind power, according to Ember’s annual Global Electricity Review.
Since 2000, renewables have gone from accounting for 19% of global electricity to more than 30%. This has coincided with the contribution of solar and wind increasing from 0.2% to 13.4% in that same timeframe. More details to be found at: https://apnews.com/article/renewable-energy-climate-solar-wind-fossil-fuels-2718fce0ed37232dc25dbf46fff87955
FERC shakes up power industry with landmark grid rule
On May 13, federal energy regulators directed U.S. electricity grid operators to plan new transmission infrastructure that can deliver more renewable energy and defend against extreme weather.
A divided Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said grid planners and transmission owners must look 20 years ahead to expected shifts in how electricity is produced and consider a range of long-term benefits to building and upgrading power lines. The vote for the rule, Order 1920, was 2-1.
FERC established new requirements for how the costs of building high-voltage power lines should be allocated among customers, pulling states deeper into issues around regional infrastructure. More details to be found at: https://www.eenews.net/articles/ferc-shakes-up-power-industry-with-landmark-grid-rule/