Join us for a virtual roundtable with Cathy Schreiber, founder and principal of Cathy Schreiber & Associates, a firm that supports climate and clean energy advocacy organizations, foundations, and climate tech startups with strategy, human capacity, and executive searches.

Cathy will discuss strategies for getting recruited into energy and share tips on what organizations are looking for and how to stand out. She will share best practices based on her experience in her consulting firm and more than 20 years of supporting leaders and teams in achieving ambitious goals.

Only people currently job seeking will be permitted to attend, and attendance will be very limited. Please bring specific questions regarding job searches and career shifts.

Biography

Cathy Schreiber founded her consulting firm in 2017 after more than 20 years of success in the social sector – developing and executing plans that follow a clear North Star of justice and equity; raising money to power those plans; and supporting leaders and teams working to achieve ambitious goals. Her firm helps clients elevate their approaches and operations to be more impactful and leave this world better than we found it. The goal of their work is transformation – of strategies, structures, and systems.

Cathy has overseen every functional area of nonprofit businesses – governance, development, communications, programs, finance, and administration/operations. During her 15+ years with the Women’s Foundation of California, she led strategic planning, budgeting, evaluation and learning, business model analyses, and team restructures for this statewide public foundation, while serving as a primary liaison for high-profile strategic partnerships. She played a key role in raising more than $100 million and drove the evolution of donor-driven giving circles to become global models of inclusive feminist philanthropy.

Today, as a multi-faceted consultant with expertise in equity-centered approaches, Cathy’s work focuses on business strategy and human capacity, including executive search and coaching. Her clients include climate and clean energy advocacy organizations, foundations, and climate tech startups.

The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia SIPA is hosting a series of energy and climate-focused events during Climate Week NYC from September 22-29, 2024. These events will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, scholars, and students to discuss innovative solutions, share research, and promote policies for a sustainable and equitable energy future. Topics include global renewable energy, geopolitical dynamics, critical minerals supply chains, financing, trade, and energy access. Be sure to see all our activities during the week.

Climate Week NYC is one of the largest annual climate events of its kind. It brings together leaders and stakeholders from throughout the international community to discuss the most pressing issues related to climate change and accelerating the energy transition. On the heels of the first-ever Global Renewables Summit, please join the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia SIPA’s Women in Energy (WIE) initiative and the Global Renewables Alliance for a Careers in Renewable Energy Networking Reception to facilitate connections between organizations working at the nexus of these issues who are looking to connect with talented individuals that are passionate about pursuing or advancing their careers in renewable energy.

The event program includes both informal and structured networking sessions, as well as a fireside chat with a renewable energy-industry human resources expert discussing the renewable energy hiring landscape globally and best practices for early and mid career professionals interested in pursuing opportunities or building a career in the sector.

The fireside chat will feature a conversation between Michelle Sim, Director of Corporate Sustainability at Sempra and Patrick McAlpine, Chief Administrative Officer of MN8 Energy. The conversation will be moderated by Columbia University MBA candidate, Chhavi Maggu. Their bios are included below. 

Michelle Sim is the Director of Corporate Sustainability at Sempra. Prior to joining Sempra, Michelle worked at a global A&E firm, primarily on global department of defense contracts related to facility and energy management, renewable technologies, and net-zero energy strategies.  She has served as an expert in various industry/government agency partnerships such as the California Fuel Cell Partnership and the Department of Energy’s Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee, appointed by the then-U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. She is actively engaged with various industry leading committees and dialogues to advance sustainable business practices. Based in San Diego, California, she is at the forefront of leading Sempra’s commitment to the global energy transition with the organization’s mission to be North America’s premier energy infrastructure company, Sempra serves more than 40 million consumers daily across California, Texas, and Mexico.

Patrick McAlpine joined Goldman Sachs in 2006 as an analyst in the legal department. After serving as a product implementation specialist focused on Alternative Investments at Goldman for several years, he joined the Goldman Sachs Renewable Power Group in 2018, where he served as the team’s Business Unit Manager. In this role, Patrick was responsible for ensuring that Goldman Sachs Renewable Power’s (GSRP) business operations were integrated into the broader Goldman Sachs organization (policies, procedures, etc.). In 2022, Patrick led the effort to spin out GSRP from Goldman and form MN8, ensuring continuity in the functional areas that Goldman Sachs corporate had previously supported, namely HR, IT, Real Estate and Communications. As MN8’s Chief Administrative Officer, Patrick continues to have oversight responsibility for these areas, as well as management of MN8’s board of directors.

Chhavi Maggu is an MBA candidate at Columbia Business School specializing in climate and sustainability, and a Women in Energy Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia. She is currently serving as President of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, a leading global sustainability non-profit. Chhavi holds 8+ years of sustainability strategy experience, having worked with private sector and international organizations across various industries globally during her recent tenure as Sustainability Strategy Manager at consultancy firm Accenture. In 2023 she was seconded to the Climate Champions team supporting the UN Climate Change High Level Champions for COP28, where she led engagement on critical minerals for the energy transition. Chhavi is a Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credential-holder and an MEng Chemical Engineering graduate of University College London including a masters year at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The WIE initiative envisions a world with equal gender representation at every level within the energy sector. Our mission is to elevate women and enhance inclusion within the energy workforce by developing and sharing research, expanding entry into the sector, and supporting professionals.

To expand entry into the sector, WIE hosts events to provide opportunities to connect energy organizations recruiting new talent with those interested in pursuing a career. Our events also feature women who have thrived in specific energy sub-sectors sharing their experiences and career journeys. Join us to learn more about our work or contact us at womeninenergy@columbia.edu.

The Center on Global Energy Policy’s Women in Energy initiative hosted an event entitled “Global Careers in Renewable Energy” on September 19, 2023. The event featured a panel discussion on how renewable energy varies by region. Panelists also discussed their career journeys in the clean energy space and the skill sets needed to thrive in the sector. Takeaways from the event include: 

• The energy industry is often looking more for skills than specific experiences. Panelists came from a variety of backgrounds and all ended up in the energy field through different paths. There are opportunities available across engineering, law, finance, and public policy and research.
• The energy industry is very male-dominated, which can lead women to underestimate their abilities. However, the panelists encouraged the audience to be confident and ask questions of those around them.
• Panelists stressed the importance of being bold when applying to roles. For example, they discussed a well-known study that shows women only apply to jobs when they meet all of the criteria, while men apply to jobs when they meet only some. 
• Regional differences and personal preferences guide job-seekers to where and what they want to do:
  • Latin American countries have high renewable adoption, at around 60 percent, and are meeting nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets. Energy storage will be an important aspect of providing more grid stability in the region.
  • North America’s energy is generated and transmitted regionally. As a result, clean energy development varies greatly from region to region and is often private. 
  • Many African countries are experiencing energy shortages, but Africa has untapped potential for some of the world’s best solar and wind power. Renewable energy can bolster sustainable development by creating jobs and supporting economic growth without producing substantial emissions.
  • In India, there are opportunities for green finance to support renewable energy development on a variety of scales. For example, green finance could fund large renewable projects or small-scale projects that support rural workers.

The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs Women in Energy initiative in collaboration with the Global Wind Energy Council and Global Renewables Alliance invites you to join us for a discussion and networking reception on global careers in renewable energy. 

The event will feature a panel discussion on how renewable energy varies by region. Panelists will also discuss their career journeys in the clean energy space and the skill sets needed to thrive in the sector. The event will conclude with a networking reception.

As a part of New York City Climate Week, this event is designed for people already working or interested in connecting with renewable energy professionals from around the world. Companies seeking new talent are also welcome to attend.

Panelists 

• Debbie Gray, Senior Climate Policy Manager, International Hydropower Association (Europe)
• Natacha C. Marzolf, Principal Energy Specialist, Energy Division, Inter-American Development Bank (Latin America)
• Wangari Muchiri, Head of Africa WindPower, Global Wind Energy Council (Africa)
• Namita Vikas, Founder, and Managing Director, auctusESG (Asia)

Biographies

Debbie Gray is the Climate Policy Manager at IHA where she leads the IHA’s work in positioning hydropower as a solution to climate change. She is also heading the study on women’s representation in the hydropower sector and follows hydropower developments in the Americas. 

Debbie is a professional engineer who has worked for over 25 years in the fields of energy and sustainable development, including a lengthy career at Hydro-Québec. Her extensive experience related to hydropower generation includes pollution control, environmental management, energy efficiency, plant modernization, and the recognition of the benefits of hydropower. She has also worked for international non-profit organizations such as the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership, the IUCN – World Conservation Union, and the International Network on Small Hydro Power in China.

Natacha C. Marzolf is a Principal Energy Specialist in the Energy Division of the Infrastructure and Energy Department and is based in Washington DC. She joined the Bank in 1996, selected by the Young Professional Program and has over 20 years of experience originating, structuring and disbursing sovereign and non-sovereign project finance and corporate finance transactions, in particular in the energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ms. Marzolf is a graduate of Harvard Law School and holds a post-graduate degree in Development and Economics Law from the University of Paris V and a Master’s in International and European Law from Paris II – Assas. She also completed executive education programs at Harvard Kennedy School of Government and was the first woman nominated by IDB for the Women’s Global Leadership Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Wangari Muchiri is the Director of Africa at the Global Wind Energy Council. She is a Renewable Energy Engineer and Energy Planning expert leading GWEC’s initiative to increase the development and deployment of wind power across the continent.

 Wangari holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Renewable Energy) from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and a Masters of Engineering (Energy Planning and Policy) from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Wangari also sits on various boards including the Kenya Green Building Society, ESI Africa Clarion Energy Advisory Board, and the Buildings and Cities Journal Practitioners panel.

Namita Vikas is currently the Founder and Managing Director of auctusESG, a global firm providing strategic advisory and enablement on sustainable finance, climate transition, ESG, and climate risk management. An award-winning senior business leader with over 32 years of diverse global experience in sustainable finance, ESG, and climate strategy across banking and technology. Previously held a CXO with a large Indian private bank, issued the maiden green bond and launched several innovative first-of-its-kind sustainable finance products. Was instrumental in raising over USD 1 billion in green capital from marquee global DFIs.

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This event will be hosted in person in New York City. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with access details. 

This event is open to the press, and registration is required to attend. For media inquiries or requests for interviews, please contact Natalie Volk (nv2388@columbia.edu).

For more information about the event, please contact energypolicyevents@columbia.edu.

LOCATION: The New School 66 West 12th Street, room 510 New York, NY Please join The New School’s Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy and SIPA’s Center on Global Energy Policy for a Women in Energy dinner and roundtable discussion with Catherine Griffin, Project Manager for Con Edison’s REV Demonstration Team. Ms. Griffin will discuss her academic and job histories, career paths, and perspectives on what it means to be a female leader in the energy industry. Biography Catherine is a Project Manager on the REV Demonstration Team at Con Edison. Her focus is on developing new business models that inform the Company’s long term strategy for mitigating peak day natural gas demand and increasing customer access to renewable thermal solutions. Catherine previously worked at EnerNOC procuring power and natural gas resources for large customers as well as performing market and tariff analyses. Prior to her time at EnerNOC, Catherine worked at DNV GL focusing on retail energy markets and energy efficiency. Catherine has a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Union College and an MBA from Columbia University.  This event is open to current female students.  Space is limited therefore please register only if you can commit to attending the roundtable. Dinner will be provided.  If you have any questions, please contact: jem2245@sipa.columbia.edu

LOCATION: Princeton Club of NY 15 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 The Center on Global Energy Policy’s Women in Energy program is hosting a public panel discussion on how shifting energy and environmental policies are impacting the financial sector. Our panel of experts will explore issue related to both conventional and renewable energy including tariffs on solar panels, what policies have the greatest effects on financial markets, short-term and long-term effects of the current administration’s plan to open more drilling areas, and the short-term and long-term views of investments in renewables. The panel will include the following speakers: – Maria Jelescu, CEO, Ardinall Investment Management – Dawn Pasquin, Chief Risk Officer, GE Energy Financial Services – Sarah Valdovinos, Co-Founder, Walden Green Energy – Iany Ianachkova, Director, Cohn Reznick Capital Registration is required. This event is open to press. Please direct media inquiries to Jamie Shellenberger-Bessmann. It will also be livestreamed at: energypolicy.columbia.edu/livestream A podcast of this event (in addition to other past Center events) will be available ~12 days after the date of the event through iTunes or via our website. For more information contact: energypolicy@columbia.edu

Please join the Center on Global Energy Policy for a Women in Energy dinner and roundtable discussion with Caroline Angoorly, Chief Operating Officer, and Sarah Davidson, External Affairs, NY Green Bank. Ms. Angoorly and Ms. Davidson will discuss their job history, career paths, and perspectives on what it means to be a female leader in the energy industry.   This event is only open to current female grad students. Since space is limited, RSVPs will be accepted on a first-come basis until capacity is reached. Please only RSVP if you can commit to attending. Lunch will be provided.   For more information contact: jem2245@sipa.columbia.edu *** Biography Caroline Angoorly is a senior energy and environmental industry executive with more than 20 years of domestic and international experience in business building, strategy, operations, project and asset management, investment, project finance, and mergers and acquisitions. She knows the energy, resources and environmental sectors, especially power and fuels markets and projects across generating technologies and clean tech, as well as environmental instruments, markets, regulation, and policy, with particular expertise in project development and finance. As COO, Ms. Angoorly is responsible for all aspects of strategy, finance and operations, and supports investment activities. Before joining NY Green Bank, Ms. Angoorly led GreenTao LLC, a specialized business growth, project development, financing, strategy and execution firm. She was also previously head of environmental markets for North America at J.P. Morgan, held several senior executive roles at NRG Energy including SVP & Head of Development, Northeast, was vice president and general counsel at EnelGreenPower, and a partner in the Global Project Finance Group at Milbank, Tweed. Through all these roles, Ms. Angoorly has been involved in originating, structuring, negotiating, closing and managing billions of dollars of energy and infrastructure projects across the globe. Ms. Angoorly holds geology and law honors degrees from Monash University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Melbourne Business School in Australia (partly undertaken at Columbia University in New York). She has lived and worked in the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. She has also done business in various countries in Central and South America, Asia, and Western Europe. Sarah Davidson manages External Affairs for NY Green Bank, where she provides investment, portfolio management, and operations support while leading the organization’s communications, stakeholder engagement, partnership development and public relations efforts. Prior to NY Green Bank, Ms. Davidson was a special assistant to Richard Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance for the State of New York. She supported the Chairman in developing and implementing a strategic plan to scale up clean energy, enhance New York’s competitiveness for clean energy business, and make the State’s energy systems more resilient and reliable. Ms. Davidson was previously the sales and business development coordinator for AGRION, a global network for energy and sustainability professionals. She was also a development associate for the Carbon War Room, an international nonprofit organization working to accelerate the adoption of business solutions that reduce emissions at gigaton scale and advance a low-carbon economy. She also served as a vice president at the Coalition for Green Capital, an advocacy group in Washington, DC, supporting tax and finance policies to expand investment opportunities in clean energy generation and energy efficiency. Ms. Davidson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado College. She serves on the Board of Directors of Sense & Sustainability, the Adirondack North Country Association, and the S.S. Columbia Project, and the advisory board of the Environmental Film Festival.

Please join the Center on Global Energy Policy for a Women in Energy dinner and roundtable discussion with Kate Burson, Northeast U.S. Market Development Lead, Tesla. Ms. Burson will discuss her job history, career paths, and perspectives on what it means to be a female leader in the energy industry.   This event is only open to current female grad students. Since space is limited, RSVPs will be accepted on a first-come basis until capacity is reached. Please only RSVP if you can commit to attending. Dinner will be provided. *** Biography Kate Burson has devoted her career to working at the intersection of business, policy and law – as a catalyst to expand and encourage sustainable development. Recognizing that energy storage is an essential element in the global transition to clean energy, Burson joined Tesla in 2016 to help develop the market and business for their energy storage products, the Powerwall and the Powerpack.  Prior to joining Tesla, Burson co-led energy policy for New York state.  Working with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York Chairman of Energy and Finance Richard Kauffman, Burson developed and deployed a new strategy for an electric grid power by clean energy. This initiative grew into the State’s Reforming the Energy Vision, REV, which Burson co-developed and managed.  Between the years 2013 and 2015, Burson served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Energy & Finance for New York State, and was responsible for overseeing the state utility regulatory agency, two public power companies, and the state’s energy research and development institution. Under Burson’s direction, New York became a leader in clean energy: restructuring New York State Energy Research and Development authority (NYSERDA), creating a $5 billion clean energy fund, and establishing the nation’s largest public financial institution dedicated to clean energy finance. Previously, Burson served as an Assistant Attorney General for New York state, where she prosecuted securities fraud.  She has also held positions at the World Wildlife Fund, the World Trade Organization, and the National Women’s Law Center. Burson attended Vanderbilt University where she graduated magna cum laude and was awarded All-American and Academic All-American honors for her achievements as a Division I tennis player.  She received her law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Please join the Center on Global Energy Policy’s Women in Energy program for a public panel discussion on the world of energy consulting. Whether you are a student looking to get into the field or an energy professional, come out to hear from experts in the field on the diverse range of energy consulting clients and projects, ranging from sustainability consulting for local governments to political risk consulting for corporations.? The panel will include the following consultants: Anita Demkiv, CEO, ADIN Energy Kim Dragoo, Principal, ICF Hilary Novik, Associate – Global Energy and Natural Resources, Eurasia Group Sigal Shemesh,Computational Analyst, BuroHappold Engineering Registration is required. This event is open to press. Please direct media inquiries to Jamie Shellenberger-Bessmann. It will also be livestreamed at: energypolicy.columbia.edu/watch? A podcast of this event (in addition to other past Center events) will be available ~12 days after the date of the event through iTunes or via our website.

Please join the Center on Global Energy Policy for a Women in Energy dinner with Kristen Graf, Executive Director, Women of Wind Energy (WoWE). Ms. Graf will discuss her current job, career paths, and perspectives on what it means to be a female leader in the energy industry. This event is only open to current female grad students. Since space is limited, RSVPs will be accepted on a first-come basis until capacity is reached. Please only RSVP if you can commit to attending. Dinnerwill be provided. LOCATION: Center on Global Energy Policy 1255 Amsterdam Ave (Entrance is on the corner of 122nd Street and Amsterdam) NY, NY 10027 For more information contact: jem2245@sipa.columbia.edu