The WiSE 2025 event, held on October 17 2025 at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver, was a powerful gathering of women in the sustainable energy sector. Under the banner of empowerment, networking and industry insight, the evening celebrated women’s leadership, featured a keynote by Karla Mills of Teck Resources, touched on career-path stories from a diverse group of mentors, included hosting and moderating by Irena Bauman, with a special contribution from Diana Sollner, and was strongly supported by volunteers from the Vancouver chapter of BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA).

Karla Mills’ address set the tone with her extensive project-development experience and advocacy for inclusion in the energy sector. Mentors from across disciplines shared candid insights into their career journeys, offered guidance, answered questions, and created space for connection. Irena Bauman moved the conversation forward as MC and moderator, guiding the panel and connecting audience and speakers. At the same time, Diana Sollner brought her depth of experience to facilitate discussion and engagement. Meanwhile the dedicated Vancouver volunteers from BCSEA ensured the event ran smoothly, helped attendees network, and reinforced the message that women are central to the sustainable-energy transition in British Columbia.

Overall, WiSE 2025 was more than a networking evening—it was a strong statement about community, leadership and the future of women in sustainable energy.

Our sincere thankyou to Karla Mills, Teck Resources, Irena Bauman, Crosscut Consultants and Diana Sollner, BCSEA.  

To our generous mentors who give their time to make this evening a success, thankyou to:

Cherie Lee –  Shift

Dominica Una – La Salle College, Vancouver

Hamutal Ben Bassat – SFU Partnership Hub

Julianne Pickerell-Barr – Prism Engineering

Karin Garandza – Hyfluence

Mary Fry – HTEC

Melisa McKinnon – HTEC

Nicole Cook – SES Consulting

AND

 To our wonderful sponsors who, without their support, this event would not take place!

Barkley Project  Group

Starwest Petroleum

Bauer Foundations Canada

HTEC

Innoflow Solutions Inc.

Kiewit Corporation

Prism Engineering Limited

Watch for information next year about WiSE 2026!

Become a BCSEA Member!

If you are interested in sponsorship of WiSE 2026 or perhaps attending as a mentor, please contact Cyndi Jarvis at bcsea.admin@bcsea.org