A Conversation with Catherine Finneran
How did you first get engaged with NEWIEE?
I was first introduced to New England Women in Energy and the Environment a decade or more ago at one of the Annual Awards Galas and was so excited and inspired to be with this powerful network of women. I remember when I joined Eversource and attended the Fall Fête, I approached the President at the time (Beth Barton) and asked, “How can I get more involved and help?” From there, I got engaged in the selection of awardees for the Gala, became a (multiple time) mentor, started going to more and more events…and the rest is history!
How has NEWIEE impacted your life personally and professionally?
As I’ve grown in my career and leadership with NEWIEE, so many people I have met have become close friends, mentors, advisors, and allies. This has really enriched my career journey as we’ve worked together to elevate the voices of underrepresented members of our community and drive greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry.
What’s something you’ve experienced in your career that you’re working to help the women coming up behind you more easily navigate?
I have received so much support and mentorship throughout my career and I want to give back. NEWIEE creates a space where women can come together and network, be with women at all career stages and be inspired by their experience. I recently took on the role of Executive Co-Sponsor of Eversource’s Women’s Business Resource Group (BRG) with Nikki Bruno. It’s a great way for me to share NEWIEE offerings and to see how we can further support women internally. At our first two coffee introductions, we had triple the number of attendees we expected. There is such great interest in taking part of NEWIEE offerings under our Eversource membership, and in building on our own network for women as they advance their careers within the company.
What is your favorite NEWIEE program and why?
My favorite NEWIEE offering is the Mentor Program. I have participated for many years in a row and have matched with women I never would have otherwise met. Not only is it great to give back through the program, but it also expands my network as well. I’ve had such amazing, inspirational mentees, many of whom are still in my life today as we keep in touch on our career journeys.
Over the past 15 years, NEWIEE has evolved into a gender-diverse and inclusive community of more than 1,200 active members. As you reflect on the organization’s journey, what’s your vision for the future?
I couldn’t be more excited and honored to build on our tremendous success to date and lead the next phase of NEWIEE’s continued growth and impact.
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, the Board has hired a strategic consultant to help us develop a formal Strategic Business Plan to advise on our business model as we continue to grow over the next 15 years and beyond.
We know that NEWIEE’s mission is critical because representation matters. When we celebrate and amplify the achievements of diverse women in energy and environmental fields, empower career advancement with our mentorship programs, enable career entry with networking opportunities and support career opportunity exploration among rising leaders, we’re empowering the next generation workforce to combat climate change and lead with confidence. And through this work, the NEWIEE community is having a positive impact on the environmental and energy fields in New England.
Catherine Finneran
President, NEWIEE
VP of Transmission Project Development, Siting and Project Services, Eversource Energy