Welcome to the Chicago Chapter of Women’s Energy Network!

We are thrilled to be enjoying our ninth year as a chapter of this global industry organization. The Chicago Chapter continues to grow and flourish, and we remain committed to delivering the most value to our members.

The Chicago Chapter of Women’s Energy Network is part of a network of 24 chapters across the United States and Mexico that has just celebrated its 30th year of operations. We are very proud of how we have grown the Chicago Chapter, which is now comprised of 16 sponsor companies, nearly 300 members, and a strong Board of more than 30 directors, chairs and committee members. Our Chapter is proud of the diversity of our members, representing a broad range of companies across the energy industry with women at all stages of their career. We believe that our organization can be a powerful vehicle to drive transformative change across the energy industry and we are committed to fostering change through our partnerships, programming, and initiatives.

Our passionate Board is committed to offering innovative, year-round programming that enriches the lives and careers of our members. Some highlights from the last year include:

• Our Mentoring Program connects members at all levels of their careers with women in our industry and community. Mentors and mentees benefit from our mentorship circles, free coaching opportunities, workshops, networking events and, new this year, the Working Genius Assessment. Through this assessment, members discover areas of their work providing the most energy and learn how to leverage those strengths as they move through their career paths.
• Our Membership team hosted our annual WENformation session, which provided an opportunity for members and non-members to learn more about our Chapter, meet our Board of Directors, and ask questions and provide feedback. This annual event has been successful in helping our membership grow and adapt.
• Our Professional Programming team has brought in powerful and informative speakers including Shayla-Atkins who showed us how to elevate our executive presence and author, Megy Karydes, who shared 50 ways to find calm and rid stress.

We know there is value in networking to build and expand our professional networks, so we took time to socialize and have some fun with in-person happy hours, a spring floral arranging class, our Yoga Wine-Down event, and our virtual holiday mixer, which included a DIY wreath-making workshop.

Our Chapter remains committed to the Chicagoland communities we serve. This past year, our Chapter members participated in another successful Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, constructing a home for a woman-led family in Chicago and groups of us gather to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children facilities in our area.

Lastly, we held our annual EmPOWERment Forum in the fall to celebrate our 2023 accomplishments and preview the exciting year to come. We heard from a dynamic speaker and introduced our new Board of Directors while networking with our industry peers. It was an unforgettable evening!

In 2024 we strive to create exceptional opportunities for our members by pursuing these goals:

• Enhance member experiences through quality programming and engagements that uplift members and women in the industry;

• Grow and foster valuable partnerships by creating a mutually beneficial community to drive opportunity for women in the industry; and,

• Expand our inclusive and inspiring community by nurturing a welcoming and supportive environment to promote growth for all members throughout their career.

In all that we do, we remain committed to our mission, of being the leading organization that fosters women’s personal and professional development to transform the energy industry. We create value in and for our members through networking, education, mentorship, and community engagement. Thank you for your commitment and support of the Chicago Chapter of Women’s Energy Network. Cheers to 2024!

Jean Gibson

WEN Chicago President