A Year of Impact with WEN: Celebrating Community, Leadership & Growth

This past year has been a powerful reminder of why community matters — especially in the energy industry. Serving and supporting Women’s Energy Network (WEN) events has been more than event planning. It has been about creating spaces where women connect, grow, lead, and thrive.

I had the honor and privilege as serving as the WEN Wellness Chair for the past three years. From professional development workshops to outdoor adventures and elegant celebrations, each WEN gathering strengthened relationships and reinforced the importance of leadership, resilience, and authentic connection in our industry.

Below is a look back at the incredible WEN moments that made this year unforgettable.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Rebecca (Corvin) Ashby kicked off the year with inspiration and meaningful dialogue around leadership, influence, and professional growth. Hearing Rebecca’s journey and insights sparked powerful conversations about navigating the energy industry with confidence and authenticity.
  
• Financial literacy workshop with Devin Kelley of Merrill Lynch. This workshop equipped attendees with practical strategies for building wealth, planning for the future, and making empowered financial decisions. The room was filled with ambition, curiosity, and a shared commitment to long-term success.
• And we ended the wellness series for the year in November with a webinar with Christina Sims. Innovation continues to shape the future of energy. This forward-thinking webinar explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace and how women leaders can stay ahead of the curve. It was insightful, energizing, and incredibly relevant to where our industry is headed.

Wellness, Confidence & Personal Growth

• In the Self-Defense Class we learned that confidence begins with capability. This empowering session provided practical tools for personal safety while strengthening both physical presence and mental resilience.
• We hosted a Mid-Year Reset at CNX with Ellie Curry halfway through a fast-paced year. This event created space to pause, reflect, and refocus. Through intentional conversation and guided exercises, attendees realigned their goals and renewed their energy.
  
• Participating in the second annual WEN in the Wild & Wellness Retreat in Deep Creek, MD. There is something powerful about stepping outside the boardroom and into nature. This retreat blended leadership development with intentional wellness practices, fostering deep connection and restoration.

Connection Through Experience

• The Galentine's Day Soiree at Franklin on Penn was our largest gathering! Celebrating friendship and professional sisterhood, Galentine's was a joyful reminder that strong networks are built on genuine relationships.
  
• Supporting our MEN of WEN group with a Fishing Event sponsored by Octane Environmental gave chance for us to gain a new perspective. This unique gathering brought us together in a relaxed, hands-on environment that encouraged learning, laughter, and shared experience.
  
• The Cooking Class allowed for collaboration in the kitchen, mirroring collaboration in leadership. This interactive event blended creativity, teamwork, and community.

Celebrating Excellence & Impact

• We had several members participate in the Pittsburgh Marathon with a Relay Team. This event showcased endurance, collaboration, and the strength of women supporting one another toward a common goal.
  
• And of course, my favorite event of the year - The Annual Gala! An elegant celebration of leadership and achievement, the Gala honored the remarkable women shaping the future of energy. It was a night of recognition, reflection, and inspiration.
  
• Lastly the WEN Fashion Show allowed confidence to take center stage. The Fashion Show celebrated individuality, style, and the power of showing up boldly — both personally and professionally - while contributing to the wonderful efforts of Dress for Success.

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Three Years of Service, Countless Moments of Impact. Though the year flew by, the impact of these events will last far beyond a calendar cycle. Over the past three years, serving WEN has been an honor — not simply because of the events themselves, but because of the women behind them.

Each workshop strengthened leadership.

Each retreat deepened resilience.

Each celebration reinforced community.

Women in energy are not just building careers — they are building networks, industries, and futures.
And being part of that journey has been one of the greatest privileges of all. I love being a part of this amazing industry and the WEN organization in particular for providing so many opportunities for personal growth, interpersonal connections, and overall wellbeing.