The Women's International Network of Utility Professionals 2024 Spring Connection spring - a lovely reminder that change is beautiful

WiNUP 2024 Annual Conference - Add to Your Calendar NOW!

Celebrate our Power and Strength in Charleston

The 2024 Annual Conference Planning Committee invites you to Charleston, South Carolina for this year’s Annual Conference.

As many of you may know, this year’s conference was actually supposed to take place in 2021. When conference planning first started in 2020, we were all home with the pandemic affecting our daily lives. Back then, our planning committee felt it only natural that the theme of the 2021 conference incorporate some aspect of this unprecedented time we were living in. “Power, Strength and Resilience” was chosen as the theme for the 2021 conference. Because of the pandemic, in-person conferences were put on hold in 2020 AND 2021, which necessitated moving what was supposed to be the 2020 conference to 2022 and the 2021 conference to 2024.

We feel the theme we selected in 2021 is still relevant today as we finalize our planning for the 2024 conference. As a WiNUP organization, we got through that time by relying on our “Power and Strength” because we are a “Resilient” group of professionals!

The Annual Conference will be held overlooking the Ashley River at the Charleston Marriott on the Charleston Peninsula from Sept. 23-25. Your planning committee is working hard to bring in some of the best local speakers to present on important present-day topics. Stay tuned for the agenda and registration details!

Charleston's history is rich and diverse, dating back to its founding in 1670. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and Civil War, leaving behind a tapestry of historic sites and stories that continue to captivate visitors from around the world. From the cobblestone streets of the historic district to the majestic plantations that dot the surrounding landscape, Charleston is a living museum of our nation's past.

But Charleston is not just about its past; it's a city that embraces the present and looks to the future with a vibrant spirit. The city's renowned cuisine is a testament to its culinary innovation, offering a delightful blend of Southern flavors and modern gastronomy. The people of Charleston are known for their friendliness and charm, making every visitor feel like a part of the community.

And let's not forget about the natural beauty that surrounds Charleston. The city's lush parks and gardens, such as Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, offer a serene escape into nature's embrace.

Charleston seamlessly weaves together its historical significance, culinary delights, warm hospitality, and natural beauty. It's a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, and where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

We need your help with the planning efforts! We cannot have a successful conference without the support of our internal and external partners. Sponsorship information is available on the WiNUP website. Please reach out to your employers, contractors, consultants, and friends with our sponsorship opportunities.

See you all in Charleston!

ANOTHER HISTORICAL MILESTONE

WiNUP celebrates a quarter of a century after its 100th anniversary!

Feeling some post-celebratory letdown now that WiNUP’s 100th anniversary is over? No need for the celebration to end. There’s another significant event to acknowledge.

In January 1999, 25 years ago, the Electric Women’s Round Table, Inc. (EWRT) officially became the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals. With the new name, the organization’s membership base could expand beyond the electrical industry to all facets of the utility industry and its allied fields. The word “International” in the name represented the group’s intention to continually grow the organization beyond our country’s borders.

The new name, along with a revised mission statement and objectives, was conceived in a two-day strategic planning session in February 1998 facilitated by Bluegrass Chapter member Margaret Jeffiers. The changes discussed, debated and formulated during the two days set the stage for a new era in the organization.

Part of that discussion and debate focused on whether “women” should be part of the new name. So, when the board brought the name change issue to the members for a vote, members were asked for their opinion. Seventy-four voted to include “women,” 63 voted against, and 19 voted “neither.” The results of the vote were announced at the 1998 EWRT National Conference.

Below are a few other fun facts you may not know about how EWRT became WiNUP.

• It wasn’t always going to be WiNUP. The original name selected at the planning session was International Women’s Network of Utility Professionals. But the board eventually realized by transposing “International” and “Women’s” an acronym was created: “WIN.”

• The organization’s first logo, designed by Indiana Chapter member Jill Bunning Amstutz, included just the letters “WiN.” The “i” in the logo was lowercase with a drawing of a globe dotting that “i.” Because of that logo, we originally referred to the organization as “WIN,” not “WiNUP.” However, since the “Utility Professionals” portion of our name was key to who we were, we clarified how we would refer to ourselves at an early board meeting in 1999: we would be known as WiNUP — with a lowercase “i” to mimic the “i” in the logo.

• Along with the new name, the organization’s fiscal year changed from mid-year to mid-year to January-December. That also meant that the officer installation, which was previously held at the summer board meeting would be held at the annual conference. With this change in our fiscal year, 1998 EWRT National President served an 18-month term — from the June 1997 summer board meeting to December 1998. (Local officer terms also transitioned to January-December.) WiNUP’s first president, Emily Schilling, was installed at the 1998 EWRT National Conference. That conference included a celebration of EWRT’s 75th anniversary.

• EWRT legally became WiNUP on Feb. 21, 1999, when New York Chapter and International Board Member Seema Goldstein filed documents with New York’s secretary of state to amend EWRT’s certificate of incorporation to reflect the organization’s new name.

100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY QUILT

Have you been wondering what happened with the anniversary quilt? The blessed (and lucky) Trena Riffle won the raffle! How appropriate this is as she did a great deal of the research for WiNUP's 100 Year Anniversary Conference, as well as the fact that she serves as our sole dedicated historian. Trena, never stopping, was also responsible for arranging to get our time capsule buried at Association Island. Below is a picture of the ecstatic Trena with the incredible quilt, followed by some words from the winner.

I have to say, conference week was a top ten for me. After five years in the making, the WiNUP 2023 conference was held in Niagara Falls. As conference co-chair, I'm thrilled it was so well received. The Facebook posts for 100 days 100 years kept me busy and was a conference countdown. I made seven poster boards, one for each of our founders to display at the conference and people seemed to learn from them. I created my first Spotify playlist for the reception and breaks which was songs featuring the states WiNUP has a presence and it received compliments and requests for it. I sponsored one of the seven red oak trees that was planted at Niagara Falls State Park and dedicated to our founders before the conference. The Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino was the perfect venue. The women's restroom has 35 stalls (I counted!), which is greatly needed for a conference with 180 women.

Public speaking is not for me so I did have a few "goofs" but nothing serious. The speakers received good reviews. I enjoyed Western New York fare: Buffalo wings and pizza logs at the Anchor Bar. Not to mention that I ate dinner three times at Savor, a prix fixe fine dining restaurant run by students of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The best by far was the surf-n-turf meal during our Roarin' '20s themed awards banquet. It was divine! With 95% of the attendees dressed in 20s attire, you never saw so much fringe and sequins in your life!

I was pleasantly surprised to receive the organization's highest award, the Honorary Life Award, and also the first-place newsletter award, as editor for West Virginia Chapter. Also winning the anniversary quilt raffle was a shock and many people feel that it's appropriate that it went to the WiNUP historian. I'll treasure it. Among the silent auctions was a necklace that I had wanted for years but could never find in stores. I swear it spoke to me! I made sure to be the highest bidder and proceeds went to the Girl's Circle Program at Community Missions of Niagara Frontier.

After the conference, when most people drove home or did some sight-seeing, I took a time capsule to the place our founders met in 1923, Association Island. After the capsule was buried, to be opened in 50 years, I donated our organization's history book, "From Acorns to Oaks" to the island's manager and also to the local historical society. On the way home, I spotted a bald eagle at the Ohio River and when I arrived home, I saw a Monarch butterfly just from its chrysalis. Eight others joined it during the weekend, which I enjoyed sharing with Jared, Warren and Valerie. It was the first time the boys and I had been all together since Christmas and longer than that for the four of us. With the fine weather, I don't know how it could have been better.

Past Presidents Frame Sale

The Past Presidents Council typically provides a grant for one WiNUP member (sometimes two) to cover costs to attend the annual conference. To raise funds to do so, the Council is selling picture frames with the 100th anniversary logo. The frames are $10 each and can be purchased through your chapter chair or by contacting Janet Hewitt (jlhewitt@aep.com), Teri Berliner (ttberliner@gmail.com), or Lila Munsey (lpmunsey@aep.com). To pay by credit card, please use this link . (There is a $0.50 processing fee for credit card payments.)

This is a must keepsake for all members to commemorate our 100th anniversary. Chapters should consider purchasing these for speaker gifts.

The frames are 6” x 6” with the picture area being 4” x 6”.

International Fundraisers

Bangle Bracelets and WiNUP Charms

The WiNUP International Ways and Means Committee is selling bangle bracelets with a WiNUP charm for $20 (includes shipping). The bangles are made of stainless steel and include a nickel-plated charm. If you already purchased a bracelet or necklace and want to purchase just the charms, the charms can be purchased for $10 (includes shipping). To purchase the bracelet with charm or just the charm, click here.

Chapter Fundraisers

Purchase Gift Cards through the WiNUP Indiana Chapter

Purchase e-gift or physical gift cards for your family, friends, and even yourself! If you have any questions or need assistance, email Shelby Leisz at shelby.leisz@aes.com.

For all fundraiser details and ordering, visit the WiNUP website here: FUNDRAISER!

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

(deadlines in parentheses)

Power, Oak, Honorary Life Applications (May 1)

WiNUP international has three awards that recognize individual members’ achievements and contributions: the OAK Award, POWER 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 (May 31)

IB Rep submits a report on the chapter prior to summer meeting

Chapter Professional Development Grant (August 15)

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 (August 15)

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 (August 15)

The Chapter Achievement Award will be given each year in recognition for outstanding chapter participation.

Linda Johnson Newsletter Award (August 15)

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 (September 10)

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 1. 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 (December 15)

Chapter chair (in conjunction with IB Rep) submit a report on chapter.

Chapter Year End Financial Reports (January 31)

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 DEADLINE FOR INDIVIDUALS

(deadlines in parentheses)

Individual Membership Renewal (February 1)

Any member not paying the annual dues on or before February 1 shall be considered delinquent, and a $10 reinstatement fee will be assessed.

Julia Kiene, Lyle Mamer, and Louisan Mamer Scholarship (May 1)

Application (through ScholarsApp)

WiNUP currently has three scholarships available annually to women pursuing advanced degrees (beyond a bachelor’s degree), which will lead to careers in the utility industry or allied fields.

Conference Grant Sponsored by the Past Presidents (TBD)

The WiNUP Past Presidents Council (PPC) sponsors the Conference Grant program to provide reimbursement funding for up to $600 of travel expenses to qualified and deserving members who otherwise would not have the financial means to attend the conference. Travel expenses include hotel and travel costs, but do not include conference fees, meals and drinks.

WiNUP Member Professional Development Scholarship (August 15)

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.

HAIL TO THE CHIEFS

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 this issue, we’ll spotlight presidents from 1948-75. Our next issue 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.

Out of the thousands of women who have been members of Electrical Women’s Round Table Inc./Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals through the years, only 60 have experienced the organization from the president’s chair. Each of those leaders has left her own mark on the organization and played a significant role in its growth and success.

Though EWRT was formed in 1923, it didn’t become a national organization until September 1948. (Previously, it was a New York-only group.) Home economics consultant Ruth Gaffney, chair of the parent chapter in New York at the time, automatically became EWRT’s first national president. But Frances Armin, also of the New York Chapter, was the first elected president and she served for two years, from 1949-51. Armin worked for the National Adequate Wiring Bureau, an information agency for the nation’s electrical industry. Gaffney and Armin — along with New York-based attorney John Lang — were responsible for drafting EWRT’s bylaws.

Julia Kiene (pronounced Key-Nee), who is perhaps most recognized now for the fellowship WiNUP awards to a graduate student each year, was EWRT’S third president, serving from 1951-52. Kiene, also from the New York Chapter, was a home editor for “Capper’s Farmer” and later director of the Westinghouse Home Economics Institute.

EWRT’s fourth president, Adelaide Fellows, was the first to come from outside of New York. She was from the Philadelphia Chapter, the first group to be chartered when EWRT’s bylaws were revised. Fellows, who served from 1952-54, was a former home economics instructor whose career also included giving cooking demonstrations for Malleable Iron Range Company; working as assistant director of the consumers institute of General Electric in Bridgeport, Connecticut; and serving as director of home economics for Philco Corporation in Philadelphia.

The sixth president, Judith O’Flaherty, was also from the Philadelphia Chapter. She served from 1956-58. O’Flaherty was home service director at the Philadelphia Electric Company and also chairman of the home service committee for the Edison Electric Institute.

Between those two terms, Edith Ramsay Merrill from the New York Chapter headed the organization. Merrill was equipment editor at American Home Magazine and in the early 1960s worked on a microwave oven cookbook.

EWRT’s seventh national president (1958-60), Marion Ryan, was assistant director of home service for Detroit Edison’s Home Service Bureau. She was known throughout the Detroit area for hosting a weekly cooking show, “Kitchen Carnival,” on WWJ-TV.

Anne Lyng, who served as president from 1960-62, hailed from the Cincinnati-Dayton chapter. She worked for Procter & Gamble Company as associate director of home economics.

The ninth president, Ethel Lord (1962-64), was director of home service for Jersey Central Power and Light and New Jersey Power and Light. During World War II, she served in the American Red Cross for 30 months in the South Pacific and Europe. She was the first woman appointed field director of camp services in the Pacific Theater and she made four trips to the European Theaters to help return war brides of American servicemen.

EWRT’s 10th president, Margaret DeAtley — who served from 1964-66 — had been chair of the Members-at-Large Chapter upon its founding in 1956. She later joined the Chicago Chapter. Her career included positions including appliance testing supervisor for Avco Manufacturing Corporation’s Crosley division and manager of the home economics department of the Whirlpool Corporation Research Laboratories. She also worked at Dayton Power and Light.

Helen Kirtland was the second EWRT president to come from the Cincinnati-Dayton Chapter. A Buffalo, New York, native, she was a demonstrator for Buffalo General Electric and manager of the Hotpoint Institute. She retired as director of the Consumer’s Institute of General Electric Company.

EWRT’s 12th president, Winnie Berry, whose term followed Kirtland’s, was another Chicago Chapter member. She had a successful career as the home services director for the Sunbeam Appliance Company. In her later years, she was an Indiana Chapter member.

Wathena Shine of the Pittsburgh Chapter served as EWRT’s 13th president from 1970-72. Shine was a Westinghouse employee during her term but later worked at the Home Economics Institute’s Research and Development Center in Pittsburgh.

New York’s Rita Marie Schneider served from 1972-74. She was editorial director of “What’s New in Home Economics,” a national trade magazine, and also served as a General Electric home economist.

Judith Moore of the National Capital Chapter was EWRT’s 15th president. She served from 1974-75. A former home management teacher at the University of Rhode Island, Moore was manager of consumer services at the Porcelain Enamel Institute Inc. during her term in office. (Thank you to WiNUP International Historian Trena Riffle for her research assistance.)

Committee Corner

WiNUP INTERNATIONAL STEM COMMITTEE

The STEM Committee will continue to provide direction to local chapters for opportunities to develop STEM activities and volunteer opportunities with local area organizations. The development of these opportunities not only uplifts the young ladies participating but allows them to see greater possibilities for careers in the future. The WINUP members are also inspired by the participants. The committee will continue to meet quarterly with the chapter leaders and local STEM chairs to share ideas and success stories.

STEM COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• International Chair, Teresa Turner, ONCOR
• Secretary, Maureen Carroll, NISOURCE
• Co- Outreach Chair, Megan Keen, TVA
• Vice International Chair, April Julkes, NISOURCE
• Co-Outreach Chair, Amanda Martin, PJM
• Communication Chair, Jaylon Walker, ONCOR
• Conference Chair, Kelsey McKinney, DHEC
• Jasmine Gilbert, AEP
• Alice Y Cogburn, AEP
• Crystal D Billings, AEP

MENTORING PROGRAM

The Mentoring Program is ramping up for another successful program year! Are you interested in being a mentee? Someone who wants to receive input, advise and feedback from experienced leaders? Or, are you someone interested in developing others and want to offer some insight from your experience? Maybe being a mentor is right for you! Be on the lookout for upcoming emails on how to apply. We are planning an exciting year and cannot wait for you to join us!

THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Professional Development Committee had its first meeting Jan 26. We reviewed guidelines and goals and discussed possible events for 2024. Committee members are reaching out to various industry leaders to obtain commitments for this year’s events. Some of the topics we discussed were rural broadband, coaching, a panel of experts from different utilities, offshore wind, and others.

The Professional Development WiNUP Book Club kicked off the year on Jan. 10. The club is reading Valerie Burton’s "Successful Women Think Differently – 9 Habits to Make You, Happier, Healthier, & More Resilient." The club plans to meet once a month for nine months. Hopefully, the club members will all be able to attend the conference this year and meet up in person.

Professional Development Committee notes and resources can be found on the WiNUP website under the Professional Development Committee folder.

THE INTERNATIONAL HISTORIAN COMMITTEE

The international historian committee is a committee of one, Trena Riffle. Her current focus as historian is to scan the printed records that have been stored in several boxes and totes so that they are in digital format. Trena tells us that "these totes contain a variety of items. There are minutes from annual business meetings, executive committee meetings and board of directors’ meetings. There are programs from past conferences. There are financial reports and various versions of our bylaws, guidelines and resources such as membership drive materials. There are some photos with names written on the back. What a treasure! This is because a membership directory used to be printed and distributed and some photos did not get returned to the owners. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen very many newsletters but maybe they are waiting in a tote I haven’t opened yet.

Scanned documents are given a file name that begins with a year-first format followed by the subject. A review of the scanned image verifies that all pages are there and as legible as possible. Both of these processes are very time-consuming but I am chipping away and hope to make significant progress this year. Many items are stapled together so I need to carefully remove the staples, scan the pages and staple them back together. Some items were typed on a typewriter using very thin paper that resembles tissue paper (thin, limp and see-through!) with sheets of carbon paper in between in order to make copies. These “flimsies” need to be placed in the scanner one at a time rather than using the feeder. Back in the day, our organizational leaders used letterhead that listed the officers and their contact information across the top and the board of directors down the left-hand side. Sometimes there are copies of letters both as sent and received so it can be interesting to read the whole conversation and to see how many days passed before the sender received a response. I’ve seen references to air mail and telegrams, too. Printing and postage were significant expenses with letterhead, newsletters, minutes and ballots all being sent to members via the postal system. We communicate very differently today!"

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

ATLANTA

Atlanta Chapter on the Rise!

In 2023 the Atlanta Chapter met our chapter growth goal by doubling our membership to 14. Existing members were able to recruit others from within our own organizations and we also obtained new members from other organizations, enabling us to diversify.