Over 200 women from diverse backgrounds and professions convened at Sempra headquarters for the "Women Drive the EV Revolution" leadership summit, hosted by Veloz and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
The event united women leaders from various organizations including college STEM students from regional universities, and provided the opportunity for networking, insightful discussions, and making valuable connections. SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn helped kick start the event with an inspiring keynote, in which she emphasized the pivotal role of women in the EV industry.
"We're proud to contribute to a platform that amplifies the voices of women in the electric vehicle space," said Winn. "It is inspiring to see talented women, from students to seasoned professionals, engaging in discussions that will shape the future of sustainable transportation. Women drive the EV revolution!"
She highlighted women's achievements in the EV industry and stressed the importance of diversity and inclusivity in steering the EV movement. The day featured a panel discussion and moderated Q&A where women shared experiences, insights, and visions for the future of EVs.
A Powerful Panel Discussion.
The moderated panel also facilitated an open dialogue, allowing attendees to discuss challenges and opportunities within the EV landscape, covering topics from technological advancements to sustainability initiatives.
Among the panelists were Shinjini Menon, Asset Management and Wildfire Safety, Southern California Edison; Alexandria Moffat, Director of Clean Transportation, SDG&E; Gia Brazil Vacin, Deputy Director of Zero Emission Vehicle Market Development, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development; Natasha Contreras, Clean Transportation Customer Engagement Manager, SDG&E; Shin-Pei Tsay, Global Head of Cities and Transportation Policy, Uber; Zenia El-Azzi, Chief Executive Officer, Gage Zero; and Jacquelyn Birdsall, Senior Engineering Manager, Toyota.
Cultivating the Future: SDG&E's Role in Empowering Youth.
SDG&E's role as a crucial driver of the EV movement focuses on advancing clean and sustainable transportation in Southern California but the company is also actively involved in preparing the next generation of women to lead the EV movement into the future. The commitment to empowering youth solidifies SDG&E's leadership in shaping clean mobility and fostering the development of sustainable job professionals.
Left to right: Shanna Dee, Substation Engineering & Design at SDG&E; Yesenia Garcia, Mathematics major at CSUSM; Melissa Loza, Electrical Engineering student at CSUSM; Esteban Gomez, Electrical Engineering student at SDSU; and Judith Settle, excelling in Electrical Engineering at SDSU.
A Gateway to Innovation, Diversity, and Sustainable Energy Careers
For young STEM professionals and students, SDG&E offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization that values innovation, embraces diversity, and is dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
"I think it's important for us as students to network and even more for myself as a woman to see these women in these roles and positions it's very inspirational and gives me hope to see the path on how they got there," said Judith Settle, electrical engineering student at San Diego State University. "It was inspiring to listen to Caroline Winn and learn about her journey and how she started as an electrical engineer. That is what I am studying."
The success of the "Women Drive the EV Revolution" Veloz Leadership Summit was a testament to the collaboration between SDG&E's Clean Transportation team and Veloz. The event celebrated the diverse contributions of women to the EV industry, reflecting a commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future.
