In the Virtual Realm, but thinking of Chicago.
Utilzing an event platform that integretes with TEAMS.
Preya Nixon
National Utilities Diversity Council
(323) 982-7223 Ext. 2
preya.nixon@nudc.com
Plenary Speakers
The Honorable Sherina Edwards
CEO
INTREN
The Honorable Paul Kjellander
President, Idaho Public Utilities Commission
President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
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Convening Schedule
All times are Central Daylight Time
9:00 - 9:30 am CDT
Welcome & Sponsor Recognition
The Honorable Carrie Zalewski, Illinois Commerce Commission
Rob MacLean, SouthWest Water Company
Sponsor Recognition
Harry Sideris, Duke Energy
Convening 411, The Rule, Vote on Flash Convo Topic
Valoria Armstrong, American Water
9:30 – 9:50 am CDT
Plenary Talk
The Honorable Paul Kjellander, President Idaho Public Utilities Commission,
President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
The Honorable Willie Phillips, Chairman, Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia
9:50- 10:00
Roundtable Instructions
The Honorable Odogwu Obi Linton, Maryland Public Service Commission
10:00 – 12:30 CDT
Roundtable Session #1
Track A – The Heavy Burden Women Bear
Women have left and are leaving the workforce by the millions (nearly 3 million) in the past 12 months – in great part due to need for childcare. Is this having an impact on our industry? Has COVID reframed our thinking about flexibility and access in a way that can help support working mothers? What role do employers play in solving this? What role does government play? How can and should we help? The fallout of the “she- session” is unclear and concerning. What are additional options for childcare, either on-site for larger employers or within a reasonable distance from the job site? What about flexible schedules? Can we give people more grace in needing time to shuttle kids to activities or having a kiddo briefly interrupt a meeting and more freely acknowledge that we are all juggling multiple roles?
Track B – Proactive Work with Minority Serving Institutions
Relationships with HBCUs, HSIs, Trade Schools, Community Organizations and other groups, we need a campaign that opens up Companies by having the company voluntarily commit to recruit and hire from minority serving institutions, just as there is a diverse spend goal, there should be a measurable goal around this. The utility space is undergoing a sea change as long-term employees in the sector retire. This has created a need for a new generation of utility employees – from frontline workers to executive teams. This presents the sector with a profound opportunity to welcome a new, more diverse field of candidates into the space.
12:30 – 12:50 pm CDT
Diversity Flash Convo and Dance Break
1:00– 1:20pm CDT
Plenary Talk
Introduced by The Honorable Ronald Brisé, Gunster
The Honorable Sherina Edwards, CEO INTREN
1:20 – 3:45 pm CDT
Roundtable Session #2
Track A – The Impact of Work from Home
How can we move to new models of work that would widen opportunities for increased diversity and those who may need/benefit from them? Is this a lever for attracting more diverse talent? The Out-of-site, out-of-mind employee – will they be at a deficit when it comes to merit, promos, special projects? The employees that are asked to come back to the office may struggle to re-assimilate. -How do we level the playing field for employees working from home, meaning internet speed, smaller homes, lacking quiet space, lacking a desk, etc.?- How do we ensure fair workplace policies with some staff working from home and not always in the office? -Our regulators want our employees to live in the state. Will this ever change?
Track B – Diversifying the C-Suite
What actionable steps can be taken to include and encourage the promotion or hiring of more women and diverse individuals? To be successful searching for and finding diverse talent at this level, we need engagement, support/buy-in at the highest levels of an organization.
3:50 – 4:30 pm CDT
Roundtable Reports, Select Projects for First Action and Wrap Up
The Honorable Odogwu Obi Linton, Maryland Public Service Commission
Closing Thoughts
The Honorable Kimberly O’Guinn, Arkansas Public Service Commission
4:30 Conference is Adjourned
With Thanks to Our Sponsors (as of 4/17/2021)