Women In Energy Fieldtrip
On September 16, 2015 a group of 25 current Aggie women students had the opportunity to interact and hear firsthand from 20 Women Executives in the Electric Power and Energy Industry at Constellation Field in Sugarland, Texas.
This program, put together by Professor Steve Puller from the Texas A&M Department of Economics, was designed to assist women to see the realities of working in the energy field as well as network with these highly successful ladies.
The trip started with four panelists (Marcie Zlotnik, Co-founder, Chairman, COO of StarTex Power; Ali Wall, Chief Operating Officer of Spark Energy; Renee Pirrong, Senior Analyst of Cheniere; and Debbie Korenek, Division VP Marketing and Sales from Centerpoint Energy) answering questions from the students and speaking to them about their experiences in this rapidly-growing industry.
After the panel was complete, the students had the opportunity to mingle with these executives and enjoy dinner and the baseball game. This unique event left quite an impression on the students. Some of their comments (below) reflect the positive overall experience this trip provided.
- I really enjoyed being able to sit down with the ladies during the baseball game and getting to know them in a one-on-one setting. Also, the panel was very helpful and addressed some topics that I had never considered asking before.
- I enjoyed hearing from the panel on both industry questions and more personal questions. The panelists were engaging and had great insights. I also liked the all-female, professional atmosphere. I gained a lot from the event, and am very glad I had the opportunity to attend!
- I really enjoyed the panel speakers. The questions and answers were honest questions I know a lot of us young women needed to hear.
- The panel discussion was extremely helpful and enlightening.
- It was awesome! Keep it up. This has been one of my all-time favorite events
The event helped build lasting relationships between the Aggies and the executives that were in attendance. Dialogue between the two groups continues to this day with several of the successful women offering career advice, resume tips and future career guidance for those looking to get into this particular field after graduation.
“Renee Pirrong, an economics major from the Class of 2010, shares her experiences as a women entering the energy industry”