Join us in this important conversation! There is always a way to get involved and advance the conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion at WEN through a variety of programming, initiatives, presentations, social events, and other happenings. In addition, WEN members are encouraged to share resources and send information about upcoming events. Click “Contact Us” to make your recommendation to our task force.  #OneWENforAll

About the Task Force

In June 2020, WEN formed and engaged group of WEN members championing actions to address disparity in the treatment of and opportunities for women of color in the energy industry and in WEN itself. The focus includes developing opportunities for open, honest dialogue within the WEN community to build a deeper understanding of issues around social justice and equity. In addition, the task force recommended, and the WEN Board of Directors adopted, the WEN statement on diversity, equity and inclusion reflected on this page and throughout the WEN organization.

Co-chaired by Dione Carter of TechnipFMC (Houston Chapter) and Lakshmi Srinivasan of Lockheed Martin (Boston Chapter), the task force worked under a Board-authorized charter to define the action steps WEN can take to include more women of color in WEN membership and leadership positions. One of the first initiatives was evaluating WEN’s governance structure, bylaws, policies and data points. The resulting recommendations included proposed modifications to the global bylaws, including the purpose statement; board and advisory council composition requirements; and the addition of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director as a new voting position on the WEN Board of Directors.

WEN is grateful for the leadership of the following members  who served on the WEN Task Force on Racial Equality in the Workplace:

• Dione Carter, TechnipFMC (WEN Houston) - co-chair
• Lakshmi Srinivasan, Lockheed Martin (WEN Boston)  - co-chair
• Dannetta English Bland, Deloitte (WEN Houston)
• Jeannie Gardner, Shell Oil (WEN Houston)
• Jessie Hagger, National Grid (WEN Boston)
• JeNae Johnson, Content That Matters (WEN Houston)
• Kristi Obafunwa, Kean Miller (WEN South Louisiana)
• Crystal Passley, Enlink (WEN North Texas)
• Brittany Ramos, Orion Strategies (WEN Greater Pittsburgh)

In January 2021, the WEN Board of Directors welcomed Dannetta English Bland as the new DEI Director for the Women's Energy Network. English Bland brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the national board and will continue to expand WEN's #OneWENforAll initiatives.