At a March 2025 event, a panel of Duke University alumnae exchanged perspectives on their energy career journeys and provided advice to more than 50 students and young professionals about advancing in the industry.
Duke University Climate Leader in Residence Alison Taylor, A.B.’83, moderated the hour-long “Women in Energy” discussion, joined by panelists Regan Fink, M.E.M./M.B.A.’20, (Pine Gate Renewables), Scarlett Harrod, M.B.A.’18, (NET Power), Candise Henry, Ph.D.’18, (National Grid), and Anastasia Solovaniuk, M.B.A.’18, (National Grid). A networking reception followed.
The event was sponsored by Duke’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability and the Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment at the Fuqua School of Business.
Here are a few photos and gems of wisdom that capture the spirit of the event:
Women in Energy speakers from left to right: Anastasia Solovaniuk, Lead Product Manager, National Grid; Candise Henry, Senior Energy Specialist, RTI International; Alison Taylor, Climate Leader in Residence, Duke University; Regan Fink, Transmission & Interconnection Policy Manager, Pine Gate Renewables; and Scarlett Harrod, Head of Strategic Deployment, NET Power.
On opportunities in the energy sector: "There are so many complex problems to solve, learning different technologies—the ones that exist and the ones that are emerging. What problems can they solve in which markets, who benefits, how do you create value? We need engineers and commercial people, and we also need attorneys and finance folks.”
On seeing the big picture: “I decided to concentrate in energy, not knowing much about energy... As I took classes and talked to folks and did programs like this, then I saw, ‘Oh, how interesting it is that the resource mix is changing. The rules are changing. There's a lot of opportunities in this space. And instead of helping one company try to reduce its impact, I can help the whole grid reduce its impact.’ Which spoke to me.”
On studying energy at Duke: “I love the fact that, especially here at Duke, so many of the students, so many of you, are being exposed to the way in which these topics really interface—energy, environment, economics, business, science—and you really have a head start by having that kind of background and education.”
On future-proofing your skills: "A transferable skill across industries that's very applicable in energy is project management. With all this uncertainty, how do you think through a project plan? How do you manage risk? How do you bring in stakeholders? How much time do you allocate? That's a whole discipline that's not going out of fashion anytime soon."
On learning the culture of your workplace: "No one is going to advocate for you more than yourself. You just have to put yourself out there and try to meet as many people as possible."
On networking and identifying mentors: “Be authentic, be yourself, because that's when you're going to be the most relaxed. That's also when you're probably going to find like-minded people... Don't be afraid to talk about something that you're jazzed about in your personal life, because you're a person, the same one who goes to work every day and comes home every day.”
On career moves: “I’ve switched roles several times, and each time I kind of say, ‘OK, is there one more role for me here? Is there one more thing? Is there something else where I can grow and learn and expand my skills?’ And if there's not, that's OK too. It means that at some point I'll need to look outside... Companies aren't going to lose sleep at night over any of us as individuals, so you need to do what you need to do for yourself.”
A student’s perspective: “[This kind of event] makes people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, aware of what the opportunities are in their field and also allows women to envision themselves in important leadership roles... I draw a lot of inspiration from these events and the women who lead them as it proves that I can and will be able to achieve my goals.”
