In honor of Women’s History Month 2023 hear from women leaders at MCE about working in the renewable energy industry.
Women are leading the way to a cleaner future across the renewable energy industry. This Women’s History Month we are celebrating the amazing women who make up 58% of MCE’s staff and make our mission possible. We asked three women at MCE to share their perspectives on working in renewable energy and offer advice to the next generation of women entering the field. Thank you to the following women for participating:
Tyla Brown, Community Development Manager
Tyla’s work as Community Development Manager focuses on supporting underserved communities across our service area, which supports MCE’s mission to ensure equitable community benefits while confronting the climate crisis. Her efforts help to elevate MCE’s presence in these communities and support low-income and vulnerable populations to increase energy equity.
Lindsay Saxby, Director of Power Resources
As Director of Power Resources Lindsay oversees all of MCE’s activities related to wholesale energy procurement. Her work is focused on meeting MCE’s ambitious renewable and carbon-free energy targets through strategic procurement that maximizes benefits to MCE’s customers while keeping energy costs low.
Alexandra McGee, Manager of Strategic Initiatives
As MCE’s Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Alexandra works to coordinate our multi-departmental community benefits efforts. This includes supporting green-collar workforce development initiatives, battery storage development for local resiliency, and advancing MCE’s commitment to equity through supplier diversity programs.
What inspires you about working in renewable energy?
Tyla Brown
Every day I get to reimagine what kind of world we live in. As a Black woman working in renewable energy, I feel a responsibility and am honored to engage with communities like the one I grew up and live in. I’m inspired daily to collaborate and build on the existing resources and assets in our communities to elevate and advance economic, social, racial, and environmental justice.
Lindsay Saxby
My values are aligned with the work I do. I can truly feel pride in what I do and see the impact. Even after a decade in this business I learn something new each day. I love having new challenges to tackle on a regular basis as the industry continues to evolve.
Alexandra McGee
Being hopeful is a survival mechanism. We’re already living in the midst of climate change; it’s not an unsubstantiated boogeyman. The science has been there for decades, and the consequences of inaction are showing up at our doorstep now. Diving into renewables is a sort of stubborn resistance. Refusing to give in to the narrative of doom is a life raft among the chaos. Working in renewables gives me the hope that not all is lost, that there are good people rowing together in the right direction and if we can keep a disciplined pace moving forward, we have a chance at mitigating some of what is to come.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering the field?
Tyla Brown
You do not have to be an expert in energy, renewable energy, or environmental science to be impactful in this field. I came into this role in a mid-career transition after being in social services and education for 16 years. Because of that experience, I understand our customer needs and can be a bridge to the multitude of services and resources that we offer to improve their personal health and well-being, and the larger environment.
Lindsay Saxby
You can work your way into the field through internships and work your way up and into an area of the energy sector that suits you best. Build connections and knowledge and there will be plenty of opportunities!
Alexandra McGee
Don’t take for granted that you’re at the table. It seems normal to us today, but it was not always the case that women were in the workplace, able to influence the business outcome, or make decisions that have wide implications for our communities. Don’t let imposter syndrome keep your voice quiet. Generations of women before you never got the chance to sit where you now sit. So speak up, speak from the heart, and work hard. We’re proud of you.
