The Value of NEWIEE Membership
Through Job Changes and Career Shifts, NEWIEE Has Been My Mainstay
Throughout my career in energy and environment, I have changed jobs, shifted my career from environmental law to energy policy, and faced down challenges in this ever-evolving industry. If someone were to ask me – what has been a mainstay in your professional life through all these twists and turns? I would say – New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE).
I was first introduced to NEWIEE as a young attorney working for Dominion Energy. NEWIEE Board Member Beth Barton invited me to one of the organization’s very first events – a “Meet and Greet” at Foley Hoag on Seaport Boulevard featuring Cheryl LaFleur, who was, at the time, one of the newest commissioners at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I was in awe of the women in that room and the leaders who were surrounding me. I knew I had to stay plugged in and continue building my network. So, what did I do? I joined NEWIEE.
I joined NEWIEE and continued attending its events and activities, slowly growing my network and connecting with women who were eager to help me advance in my career. After making the move from Dominion Energy to ISO New England, I began volunteering for NEWIEE, helping to organize events in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut to expand NEWIEE’s programming. I was then invited to join NEWIEE’s Board of Directors and asked to chair NEWIEE’s membership committee. I got right to work. I knew how much NEWIEE membership meant to me and I wanted to maximize NEWIEE’s value to individuals and organizations across the region. After refreshing NEWIEE’s membership structure and bolstering its membership benefits, NEWIEE saw significant growth.
Today, NEWIEE has grown to more than 1,000 members with backing from close to 60 different organizations around New England. They know and understand NEWIEE’s value too. It’s more than just a professional organization with webinars and Meet and Greets. It’s a support system offering mentoring and professional development opportunities to those new to the industry. It’s a network of trailblazers in energy and environment dedicated to helping the next generation of women thrive in their careers. It’s a family of familiar faces, trusted colleagues, and dear friends. For me, it’s a mainstay.
About a year ago, amidst a global pandemic, I made the move back to Dominion Energy to be the company’s state policy director for New England. It was a hard decision and a challenging time to change jobs. I am thankful I had NEWIEE through it all.
Weezie Nuara
President, Director – NEWIEE
Dominion Energy
Testimonials
“NEWIEE is an incredible asset in New England, bringing together talented, diverse thought leaders and facilitating critical dialogue. I’ve been privileged to be part of NEWIEE’s growth over the years, growth driven by the recognition that this organization serves a valuable need in the energy and environmental community to raise the voices of women in the industry. My consistent recommendation to companies in the region is that they join NEWIEE for the opportunity to be part of great networking events and important discussions. I’m proud to say that Equinor is a strong supporter of NEWIEE and the incredible work they do to support the advancement of women!”
Elisabeth Treseder
New England Market Lead
Equinor Wind US
“NEWIEE is such a great way to meet other women in the industry and get opportunities to hear and learn from top women in the energy and environmental fields on important topics like sustainability, clean energy, and energy justice and equity. Attending events and getting involved with event planning, membership, and the Board has helped me make connections with a more wide-ranging network than I might otherwise, and the exposure to a wide variety of disciplines helps me connect seemingly unrelated dots, expand my career options, and think outside of my “environmental permitting” box!”
Vivian Kimball (she/her)
Project Manager
VHB
“As a member of the NEWIEE community I am fortunate to be associated with other women who are committed to energy and environmental stewardship and dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our fields. Actively supporting and contributing to programming committee efforts has been personally rewarding because it enables me to make meaningful contributions while connecting with other professionals and learners who are committed to encouraging, empowering, and recognizing each other as we unite in pursuit of common goals.”
Rockie Solomon
Manager – Intelligent Automation
Eversource
“At my first NEWIEE event, I was blown away by the positive energy and the inspiration that came from being in a room with so many like-minded, successful women. Since getting more involved, I am continually impressed by the dedication and creativity of the leadership team and the NEWIEE community. NEWIEE has been a great place for me to connect with other women with similar interests and goals and has supported my efforts to bring programing to Maine.”
Carrie Gilbert
Managing Consultant
Daymark Energy Advisors
© 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.
