In order to reflect its expansion of programs beyond wind power, Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) is now Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE), pronounced “rise.”
Founded in 2005, the group promotes the education, professional development and advancement of women to achieve a strong diversified workforce and support a renewable energy economy. WRISE is now an organization with local chapters in the U.S. and Canada; national programming that includes an annual luncheon, leadership forum and webinar series; and a growing grassroots network of more 4,000 women and men.
WRISE says it will continue to work with the wind industry but will broaden its scope to include solar, energy storage, energy efficiency, energy management and power marketers. This includes renewables, transmission, distributed generation and smart grid technologies.
“It is an exciting time as the renewable energy sector grows and women enter the workforce in increasing numbers,” says Kristen Graf, WRISE’s executive director. “We look forward to working with a broader community of industry professionals to advance, connect and empower women across various fields who are engaged in moving the world toward a renewable energy future.”
“This is a pivotal time for the energy sector and an exciting time for our organization,” adds Jennifer Martin, president of WRISE and co-chair of the Stoel Rives LLP energy practice. “Working with women and men from the different technologies will allow us to fully embrace our mission to achieve a strong diversified workforce and support a renewable energy economy.”
