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Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Our 10th Anniversary Gala Drinks Reception on 6th March, sponsored by Genesis Energy, celebrated Women at the Heart of Economic Development.

With International Women's Day on 8th March, what could be more fitting? We were delighted to welcome brilliant women speakers and delegates to PAS25, and to feature some of their thoughts and words, to inspire and encourage others.

#AccelerateAction  #IWD2025  

Kimberly Harrington

Kimberly Harrington image

Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State 

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development 

Lauren Stowe

Lauren Stowe image

Director of International Market Development, Office of International Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy 

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development 

H.E. Honourable Bogolo Kenewendo

H.E. Honourable Bogolo Kenewendo image

Minister of Minerals & Energy, Botswana

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development 

Amina Benkhadra

Amina Benkhadra

Director General, Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco

"Sustainable growth requires meaningful female inclusion. Bridging the gender gap and empowering women is essential to unlocking their full potential."

Elsa Strydom

Elsa Strydom

Head of Infrastructure Finance, IPP Office, South Africa

"Collaboration is key to achieving success in the energy sector. If you want to go far, go together."

Felister Makumbinde

Felister Makumbinde

Acting CEO, Rural Electrification Agency, Zimbabwe

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development 

Rosemary Oduor

Rosemary Oduor

General Manager Commercial Services & Sales, Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC), Kenya

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Rekhiat Momoh

Rekhiat Momoh

CEO, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Nigeria

"Energy steers action, light accelerates accomplishment. Master both, and let’s drive towards a more inclusive future."

#AccelerateAction #IWD 2025  

Sandrine Mubenga

Sandrine Mubenga

CEO, Autorite de Regulation du secteur de l'Electricite (ARE),  Democratic Republic of the Congo

"Do not expect people to say good things about you. Your works will force them to do so."

 

Seharla Abdulahi

Seharla Abdulahi

Director General, Petroleum & Energy Authority (PEA), Ethiopia 

 Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development 

Catherine Pattillo

Catherine Pattillo

Deputy Director, African Department,  International Monetary Fund (IMF)

"I'm privileged to work alongside African leaders to help them grow their countries' economies with the goal of improving people’s lives."

Kendra Gaither

Kendra Gaither

President, U.S.-Africa Business Center,  U.S. Chamber of Commerce

"It’s important to celebrate those women, known and unknown, who are at the heart of every aspect of societal progress and development."

 

Rachel Moré-Oshodi

Rachel Moré-Oshodi

 CEO, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment

"Empowerment ignites change, and as women, our resilience and vision are not just assets but catalysts for transformative economic growth."

 

Valerie Levkov

Valerie Levkov

 Global Industry Director for Energy & Mining, International Finance Corporation (IFC) 

"Women leaders drive the future of energy with vision and action. Empowering them enables progress and sustainability for all."

 

Sarah Malm

Sarah Malm

 Executive Director, GOGLA

“A woman's energy is powerful – and a woman with access to energy knows no limits."

 

Nicole Poindexter

Nicole Poindexter

 CEO & Founder, Energicity

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Katie Auth

Katie Auth

Policy Director, Energy for Growth Hub

"Reliable, affordable electricity transforms women’s lives – from economic opportunity to health care to communication. And women’s leadership has never been more crucial.”

Mai Abdelhalim

Mai Abdelhalim

President, Africa, GE Vernova

"Africa's electrification and economic growth depend on bold leadership, innovation, and resilience, and women must be at the forefront of this journey."

Anna Coby

Anna Coby

 Access to Energy Manager, Schneider Electric

 "At Schneider Electric, we prioritize inclusion and empowerment, rooted in our IMPACT Values and integral to our Inclusion and Care strategy." 

 

Linda Habgood

Linda Habgood

 Chief Financial Officer, Wright Energy Storage Technologies (WEST)

“Never forget the power of your voice, your might…
your achievement to inspire generations of women
who are watching.”

Kate Steel

Kate Steel

CEO, Nithio

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Kimberly Heimert

Kimberly Heimert

CEO, Energy Transition Advisory Group

"When women lead, we don’t just create change – we power it. Our energy fuels progress, innovation, and a better future."

 

Nthato Minyuku

Nthato Minyuku

 Vice President, Government Affairs, Middle East & Africa, Siemens Energy

“Women innovate in transforming energy systems. Our insights drive resilient energy solutions which power economies and a future for all."   

Melissa Fadzai Siwila

Melissa Fadzai Siwila

 Executive Vice President, Project Development & Investments, Genesis Energy 

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Rachel Stephen

Rachel Stephen

Country Director, Africa Institute of Public Administration

"Empowering women fuels economic growth and innovation. Let's continue to break barriers and lead with courage, compassion and collaboration. Together, we rise!"

Katia Dongo

Katia Dongo

Business Administration Manager, Sun Africa

"To all amazing women of PAS25, this day celebrates us – our challenges, dreams, and support. May we always uplift and inspire one another."

Daisy Antwi 

Daisy Antwi

Founder and Curator, Goldcoast Literacy Program

“As we celebrate International Women's Day, we honor the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of women around the world."

Mary Kirui

Mary Kirui

Regional Manager, North Rift, Kenya Power

"Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We are strong, intelligent, talented and simply wonderful. Happy International Women’s Day!”

Tatenda Mushoriwa 

Tatenda Mushoriwa

 Professional Assistant to the Minister, Ministry of Energy & Power Development, Zimbabwe

"Women are exquisite vases, sculpted by life; every crack and hue tells a story of beauty, resilience, strength, and grace."

Vera Gaddi

Vera Gaddi

Associate Project Manager, Energy Storage Engineering, DNV

"Allow yourself to be guided by kindness. It is when I have done so, that I have been the most proud of my work."

Benedetta Giugliano

Benedetta Giugliano

Business Development Manager, Studio Santi

"Progress isn’t about waiting for a seat – it’s about building a new table and putting women at the heart of economic transformation."

Joyce Kabui

Joyce Kabui

Adviser - Energy & Climate, Climate Envoy's Office: Kenya

"Renewable energy and green industrialization can drive an inclusive green economy, unlocking tremendous opportunities for women."

Emmanuella Biney

Emmanuella Biney

Programmes & Research Manager, International Perspective for Policy & Governance (IPPG)

"I firmly believe that empowering women is essential to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future."

Gemma Gosling

Gemma Gosling

Public Sector Engagement Manager, EnergyNet

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

 

Sarah McNeilly

Sarah McNeilly

Managing Director, Allied Talent Partners

"Empowered women drive business and protect our planet. Investing in talented women isn’t just good business; it’s key to a sustainable future."

Samiksha Nair

Samiksha Nair

Chief Strategy Officer  Clean Cooking Alliance, United Nations Foundation

"I am proud to celebrate the women at PAS25 who are leading the charge in energy transformation and global progress.”    

Fatima Ibrahim Maikore

Fatima Ibrahim Maikore

Assistant Chief Geologist, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria

"Achieving the vision of inclusive democracy and sustainable development for all depends on how effectively we represent and empower women."

Dehkontee Liles Wymon

Dehkontee Liles Wymon

Deputy Executive Director for Finance and Administration, Rural and Renewable Energy Agency, Liberia 

“When seated at a table to represent the interest of a group don't compromise for the comfort of others. Ensure decisions are accelerated into actions.”

Candy Stromvig

Melissa Persaud

Principal Energy Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy, Eswatini

"When women are empowered in energy – through leadership, clean cooking, and entrepreneurship – economies grow, homes thrive, and innovation drives a sustainable future."  

Maria Da Cruz

Maria Da Cruz

Advisor to the CEO, Sun Africa

"Women are the backbone of economic transformation - when we thrive, nations prosper."

Zandile Hlatywayo

Zandile Hlatywayo

Chief of Staff, Head of Strategy, Allied Talent Partners

"By championing fairness and empowering women to lead, every community gains a fair chance to unlock lasting progress, prosperity, and innovation."

Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith

Student, Howard University

" Often women feel immense doubt, not seeing themselves represented in the rooms they wish to enter, and to that I say, be the first."  

Michelle Okoyomo

Michelle Okoyomo

Vice President, Client Coverage, Genesis Energy

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development

Ruba Amarin

Ruba Amarin

Director, Clean Energy and ESG, KMPG

“Empowerment is not just a word; it’s a movement towards equality and opportunity for every woman around the world.”

 

 

 

Celebrating Women at the Heart of Economic Development