VINLEC represented at inuaugural Women in Energy Conference

St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) was represented at the inaugural Women in Energy Conference, hosted by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) from March 10 to 11, in Jamaica. VINLEC was represented at the historic gathering by dispatch engineer Inga Jackson and communications officer Tamara Job-Sprott.{{more}}

The conference brought together women in the energy sector from the Caribbean, Africa, North America and Europe to build capacity for gender enhancement for women and to address numerous challenges facing the women in this male dominated industry.

Close to 400 participants engaged in discussions on matters relating to the environment, renewable energy, developments in the energy and economic sectors and professional development.

The conference, which was hosted under the theme, “Doing Power Differently,” addressed specific topics such as Leadership: Being Your Authentic Self as a Female Leader; Power and Energy Starts with You; and Identifying and Removing Barriers to Your Success – Unleashing Your True Potential.

The presenters at the conference represented a wide cross-section of accomplished women from within and outside of the energy sector. Among them, Vincentian scholar River Providence; president and CEO of JPS Kelly Tomblin and 2016 Rhodes Scholar Sherona Forrester.

According to Job-Sprott, the conference was an ideal forum to network and exchange valuable ideas and experiences. She said that by building networks, women have more support and greater opportunities to effect change in their environment. Job-Sprott noted that there was meaningful discussion on all aspects of responsible stewardship, ranging from energy security to personal career development.

Meanwhile, dispatch engineer Inga Jackson said that Women in Energy was a phenomenal experience, noting that it was well organized and executed. She said she particularly enjoyed the session dubbed “Actioning the Journey,” which gave the participants a chance to reflect on what was presented and come up with practical ways to apply the knowledge imparted. Jackson said that the most impacting presentation for her was titled “Let’s face it – Women lead differently,” a session that encouraged women to be their authentic selves as leaders.

According to information from JPS, plans are already being made to host the conference from March 9 to 10, 2017.