Mentorship Check-In with Shauna and Michelle
Shauna and Michelle met, and continue to meet, over video-calls once a month. They hope to get the chance to meet in-person at one of the many NEWIEE events! Their meetings typically last half an hour, and they cover a range of topics including catching up on any NEWIEE events that have occurred since last month, discussing what professional projects they are currently working on, and talking about any hurdles working through, challenges in the past and giving each other guidance when suitable.
This relationship has helped Michelle become more aware of the essential role women have in the energy field and has encouraged her to continue to learn and contribute to the field on her own.
Through Michelle, Shauna has been able to catch up on some Massachusetts-specific energy topics that are in the news as well as forming a deep appreciation for the work that goes into becoming a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). Michelle helped her learn just how much goes into becoming a CEM and how valuable that skill set is now and will continue to be into the future.
“The NEWIEE mentorship program has connected me to women in energy careers that I would not know about otherwise. I continue to be in awe of all of the amazing work women continue to do in the realms of energy and environment. So much work needs to be done to combat climate change and each of us are doing that hard work every day and making an impact. I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with the younger generation who will see more of the effects of climate change but also the work being done every day to make a difference.”
Shauna Beland, Administrator, Renewable Energy Programs, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
Shauna works on a range of initiatives at the Energy Office related to renewable energy programs and policy. These include implementing solar PV, energy storage and community solar programs, ensuring renewable energy quality assurance, designing new programs to improve solar access on previously disturbed land such as brownfields and carports, and increasing solar access among low-moderate income customers. In addition, she leads OER’s workforce development efforts related to renewable energy and manages Rhode Island’s annual Clean Energy Industry Report and the Clean Energy Internship program. In July 2022, legislation requiring RI to procure another 1000 MWs of offshore wind was passed and Shauna, along with other agencies and Rhode Island Energy, is working to move this effort forward. Previously, she worked for the Renewable Energy Fund at Commerce Rhode Island and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Shauna has BAs in History and International Studies from Elon University and is Chair of the Rhode Island Chapter of New England Women in Energy and Environment.
“I’ve enjoyed the NEWIEE mentorship program immensely and have learned a great deal from Shauna. She has years of experience in the field and has shared valuable knowledge with me that. I will carry with me throughout my career. There are so many incredible women in energy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have got to know one!”
Michelle Gardner, PowerOptions, Inc.
© 2024 New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE). NEWIEE is a non-profit, tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
