About WEN

The Women’s Energy Network (WEN) is an international organization of professionals who work across the energy value chain. Our mission is to provide networking opportunities and foster the career and leadership development of women who work in the energy industries.

WEN’s vision is to be the premier global organization that educates, attracts, retains, and develops professionals working across the energy value chain. WEN offers educational, networking and leadership opportunities to more than 6,000 professionals nationwide through networking events, conferences, community initiatives, social outings, and mentoring programs.

WEN was founded in 1994 by Karyl White with the purpose of fostering the development and advancement of women in energy by developing a strong network. After years of being the sole woman on energy transactions, Karyl believed that many women energy professionals were in the same position, but unable to connect with each other. More than 25 years later, WEN remains committed to providing high-caliber events and networking to its diverse membership from across the energy value chain.

Each month, WEN chapters hosts luncheon events for members and guests, with content featuring exceptional leaders in energy or other relevant businesses. Over the years WEN has added happy hours, leadership seminars, webinars and mentoring groups. WEN also offers growth opportunities to members through participation on chapter and national Boards of Directors. WEN is based on the model of the premier Texas women’s leadership development program, Leadership Texas, which focuses on networking, education, and community.

WEN chapter volunteers are very active in their communities. Chapters frequently provide members with opportunities to give back to others through volunteering and charity oriented events. We especially have focused on young women through programs such as Young Women Energized and events focused on promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

WEN is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business organization. WEN does not engage in any political campaign activity, supporting or opposing any candidate for public office. WEN believes that we play an important role in helping to educate our members regarding the issues that affect the energy industry and WEN may from time to time invite elected officials to speak at WEN events for educational purposes only. Membership dues are used to support the activities of WEN. Dues or any of the association assets are not used as campaign contributions.