Kelly Veney Darnell
Chief Operating Officer, 911±¬ÁÏÍø
President, Clean Power Institute
Thank you for joining us in Charlotte!
Highlights from 2026
2026 Featured Speakers
Frank Macchiarola
Chief Advocacy Officer
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Elizabeth Kaiga
Chief Commercial Officer
Energy Systems, North America, DNV
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Vice President, Procurement
Clearway Energy Group
Deesha Dyer
Founder; Former Special Assistant to President and Social Secretary, Obama Administration
Hook & Fasten
Princess Fuller, JD
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Erin Greeson
Founder & Principal Consultant
Climate Line LLC
LaTricia H. Woods, APR
Founder & CEO
Mahogany Xan Communications
James Nixon
Senior Vice President, Digital Strategy Execution Lead
Truist
Kelly Speakes-Backman
Director
Maryland Department of Energy
Tania St-Laurent
Founder
Movement Specialist & Longevity Strategist 
Pete Tunkey
Client Partner
The Maker Group
Dr. Denise Turley
Vice President, Corporate Systems
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
2026 Advisory Committee
Gilbert Campbell
Founder & CEO
Volt Energy
Ali Christophe
VP, Head of People Operations
Apex Clean Energy
Frances Cook
VP, Procurement
Clearway
Princess Fuller
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Brittainny Jones
Business Process Optimization Senior Associate
Leeward
Jessica Lawrence-Vaca
Chief Commercial Officer
Array Technologies
Catherine Smirnow
Founder & CEO
Dylan Green
Stephanie Smith
Former COO
Eolian
New: EmpowHER Leadership Award
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 12:45 PM | Ballroom B
The EmpowHER Leadership Award recognizes a woman leader who is actively expanding access to networks, opportunities, and resources for others while championing inclusive practices and helping shape the future of the clean energy sector. Her leadership plays a vital role in fostering a more equitable and dynamic industry.
Finalists were recognized during the EmpowHER Luncheon at CLEANPOWER 2026. The EmpowHER Leadership Award recipient will be announced during the Closing Session at this year’s EmpowHER Women’s Leadership Summit.
Opening Reception
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Dunbar Social Club
The Opening Reception kicked off EmpowHER by bringing together clean energy professionals to build connections, exchange ideas, and set the stage for three days of focused programming and meaningful conversations.
Mindful Yoga and Meditation
Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Event Lawn
The morning yoga and meditation session offered attendees an opportunity to begin the day with movement, mindfulness, and reflection.
Sponsored by:
Dinner Social
Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Atrium Foyer
The Dinner Social brought attendees together for an evening of food, networking, and community building. Small group gatherings created opportunities for relationship building with fellow industry leaders.
Self-Led Walk/Run
Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Ballantyne Lobby
Attendees kicked off the morning with a self-led walk or run along the Charlotte Greenway Trail, enjoying an opportunity to connect with fellow participants for an energizing start to the day. Participants of all experience levels and paces were encouraged to take part.
Sponsored by:
A Focus on Building Relationships
With receptions, daily networking activities, and an intimate setting, EmpowHER 2026 brought attendees together to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships with leaders across the industry.
What is EmpowHER?
EmpowHER brings together leaders from across the clean energy industry to connect, share experiences, and support one another in shaping the future of the sector.
Through networking events, candid leadership conversations, and programming throughout the week, EmpowHER creates space for those across clean power to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and grow within a rapidly evolving industry.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned industry leader, EmpowHER offers opportunities to expand your network, gain new insights, and strengthen the community driving the clean energy transition forward.
Who Attends?
This event is designed for executive and senior leaders, as well as mid-level managers ready to elevate their leadership potential.
Built for women in clean energy. Open to all.
