WoWE Comes of Age, Announces Honors and Changes
Every year at its annual WINDPOWER luncheon, the Women of Wind Energy traditionally honors those women who are past, present and future movers and shakers in the industry. But this year, WoWE also announced some important moving and shaking of its own. If you were not one of the 400+ people in attendance on May 5, read all about it here.
Keynote Speaker
WoWE's annual luncheon is always a big event, but this year's gathering was more eventful than ever. Before an unprecedented audience of over 400 women and men, WoWE announced its 2009 picks for Woman of the Year and Rising Star honorees and Rudd Mayer Memorial Fellows, and heard a keynote address by 2008 Woman of the Year Rachel Shimshak.
But WoWE also made significant announcements about its organizational health and future. The group, which began five years ago with a handful of volunteers and donors, was pleased to announce and celebrate corporate sponsorships from 27 leading wind energy businesses and organizations. (See the full list of 2009 sponsors.)
WoWE also announced three notable milestones in its organizational development. The group, which was incubated as part of Minnesota-based wind advocacy organization Windustry, has now incorporated as an independent 501(c)3, based in Washington, DC. A new Board of Directors is being assembled to take over much of the work of the longtime Steering Committee, and began a search for a fulltime Executive Director. (See the job description for the ED position.)
As a sign of all the changes, WoWE debuted a new look and logo, to go with its newly adopted mission statement: Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) promotes the engagement, professional development, and advancement of women in the wind industry. The new logo and graphic identity combine symbolize the movement toward a wind energy industry in which women take a vital and expanding role. The new look will be carried forward in a revamp of WoWE's website and print materials.
To learn more about the 2009 luncheon, please click below for the WoWE press release. And, be sure to attend next year's event, scheduled for late May 2010, when WINDPOWER is held in Dallas. See you there!
