About Us

OUR PROGRAM GOAL

To mentor and participate in the advancement of women in the hydropower industry from across the globe.

The Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program provides an opportunity for women to connect, generate new friendships and networks, and share experiences in a supportive environment that highlights the powerful contributions women from around the world make in the hydropower industry.

This program is open to all women from around the world involved in the hydro industry, including agency, stakeholders, and tribal representatives.

"The opportunity to mentor and participate in the advancement of women in the hydropower industry from across the globe is a highlight of my career."

The Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program is grateful to our supporting organizations that provide us opportunities during their annual/regionals meetings and conferences to let other women in the hydropower industry know about what we are doing!

OUR PARTNERS IN SUCCESS

THE MENTOR

The mentor brings her life experience and a willingness to listen, give counsel, and provide network connections that support the mentee.

THE MENTEE

The mentee brings her growth and development goals, opportunities, and challenges with a willingness to openly discuss them.

ALL WOMEN

This program is open to all women from around the world involved in the hydro industry, including agency, stakeholders, and tribal representatives.

A volunteer Steering Committee, passionate about mentorship and supporting women in the hydro industry, matches applicants into mentorship pairs/groups. Each mentorship pair/group is unique and adapts to a relationship style and meeting format that works best for them, typically meeting once a month for eight months, October to May.

This initiative is supported by the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the National Hydropower Association (NHA), Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA), and Midwest Hydro Users Group (MHUG).

MEET THE
STEERING COMMITTEE

The Women In Hydropower Mentorship Program is a volunteer led effort through the energy and talent of the Steering Committee. Steering Committee members serve a term of two years (October – September); the person serving as the Steering Committee Chair will serve a total of three years.

"Our goal is to have 6-8 Steering Committee members with staggering terms to maintain a history of the program and continuity but at the same time, be recruiting new Steering Committee members to allow others to participate and share their wisdom, energy, and ideas."

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

Recruit mentors and mentees

Evaluate the effectiveness of the program through periodic surveys

Propose improvements to the program, as necessary

Serve as mentors in the program and may also request a mentor

Share potential discussion topics and valuable resources with program participants as needed

Discuss and address any issues or concerns raised by program participants during the program cycle

Meet on periodic basis (3~4 times annually) to discuss program issues and/or ideas

Initiate the application and pairing process for the next program cycle at the end of their term; and

Select members for the next Steering Committee

If you are interested in serving on the Steering Committee, contact the committee at womeninhydropower@gmail.com or indicate your interest on the program application.

OUR TEAM

KLEINSCHMIDT ASSOCIATES

Kelly Schaeffer
Steering Committee Chair

“Many women—both in North America and around the world—are participating in this program, providing a unique opportunity to learn from each other, establish relationships, and contribute to each other’s success in the hydroelectric workforce. This past year dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 presented an opportunity for our mentorship pairs and triad groups to reach out and check in on how other women were addressing these work and life challenges.”

MINNESOTA POWER

Nora Rosemore

"The best part about the mentorship program is the new friends I have made and all that we have discovered together about ourselves through our conversations."

AVISTA CORP

Kristina Newhouse

"As a mentor and a Steering Committee member, I am thankful for all the connections I have been able to make with amazing women in hydropower across the world thanks to the Women in Hydropower Mentorship program."

INTERNATIONAL HYDROPOWER ASSOCIATION

Debbie Gray

"I am starting on my third year as mentor, and I have really enjoyed sharing my experience and anecdotes from my long career in the hydro sector. I feel that I have helped my mentees get another point of view on some of the issues they encounter."

GREAT LAKES BIOENERGY RESEARCH CENTER

Yiying Xiong

"Being a mentor and Steering Committee member for the "Women in Hydropower" mentorship program for the past several years has been an incredible experience. I got to know so many bright women in our field. Their positive energy and desire for success inspire me to be a better mentor and better person each and every day."

Ellen Faulkner

"Being a mentor in the Women in Hydropower program has given me the opportunity to learn from other inspiring, energetic women while reflecting on where my own path has taken me. I’ve been awed by the resilience and creativity of other women in the industry, and I’ve gained understanding on topics ranging from how to bounce back from a job loss to what’s in seal scat. We have much to offer each other, and I am excited to support the continued success and evolution of the program."

AYRES ASSOCIATES INC

FAQs

THE WOMEN IN HYDROPOWER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Provides an Opportunity for Women

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