Please give us an insight into your experience and expertise in the industry.
I have worked in the hydropower industry for nearly 36 years and have spent the last 30 with Kleinschmidt Associates. My background includes regulatory and environmental compliance, stakeholder engagement, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing and relicensing, project management, and facilitating collaboration among utilities, agencies, tribes, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
Before joining Kleinschmidt, I worked for a state natural resources agency in a law enforcement capacity, which gave me a strong foundation in communication, conflict resolution, and navigating complex public interactions. Those skills have proven invaluable throughout my career in hydropower, where technical excellence must often be paired with relationship-building and effective communication. I also spent five and a half years with the FERC, where I learnt about hydropower, and fell in love with this renewable energy source!
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects across the US and collaborate with incredibly talented engineers, scientists, regulatory specialists, and clients.
What attracted you to the profession?
What initially attracted me was the combination of environmental stewardship, problem solving, and people. Hydropower projects are technically complex, but they also require balancing environmental, operational, regulatory, and community interests.
I’ve always enjoyed work that is both intellectually challenging and meaningful. No two projects are exactly alike, and I still enjoy the fact that every project presents unique issues to solve and opportunities to learn.
I also appreciate that hydropower plays such an important role in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
Do you feel that as a woman in this industry, it is harder for you than your male counterparts?
There were certainly times early in my career when being a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry presented challenges. In many meetings, I was one of very few women at the table. At times, I felt I had to work harder to establish credibility or ensure my voice was heard.
That said, I’ve also been fortunate to work with many supportive colleagues, mentors, and clients who valued expertise, professionalism, and collaboration. Over time, I learnt that confidence, preparation, communication, and relationship-building are incredibly important leadership skills. I was also very fortunate to have both male and female mentors while working at the FERC and then at Kleinschmidt.
The industry has improved significantly, but there is still important work to do to ensure women feel supported, included, and empowered to grow into leadership roles.
When and why did you become involved in Women in Hydropower?
I became involved in 2017 when Nora Rosemore approached me about being involved in creating the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Programme. I believe strongly in mentorship, professional support networks, and creating opportunities for women to connect and learn from one another. In nine years, the Women in Hydropower Mentorship Programme has grown in both participation and has a huge global presence.
Hydropower is a relatively small industry, and having a network of women across the globe who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the profession is incredibly valuable. I also wanted to contribute to helping younger women feel more confident navigating their careers and developing leadership skills.
Why are such initiatives so important?
These initiatives are important because representation and support matter. Women currently make up a small percentage of the hydropower workforce, and programmes like Women in Hydropower Mentorship Program help foster connection, mentorship, and professional development.
They also create safe spaces for discussing topics that are not always openly addressed in professional settings – things like confidence, communication, leadership, work-life balance, difficult conversations, and career advancement.
Mentorship programmes help women realise they are not alone in their experiences and that there are many paths to success in this industry.
Do you have any advice for younger or more inexperienced women making their way through the profession?
Be curious, ask questions, and don’t underestimate the value of communication and relationship-building skills. Technical expertise is extremely important, but your ability to collaborate, listen, resolve conflict, and communicate effectively will often set you apart.
Also, do not be afraid to take on challenges outside your comfort zone. Growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable. Some of the most valuable experiences in my career came from difficult projects, difficult conversations, and situations where I initially doubted myself.
Finally, seek out mentors and supporters—but also recognise that mentorship can come from many different people and experiences.
Is there any advice you wish you’d been told earlier on in your career?
I wish someone had told me that you do not have to have all the answers immediately to be effective or respected. Confidence often develops through experience, preparation, and simply being willing to engage even when you feel uncertain.
I also wish I had understood sooner the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining balance. It’s easy to become deeply invested in your work and lose sight of personal time, relationships, and self-care. Long-term success requires sustainability, both professionally and personally.
Any other comments?
One of the things I value most about the hydropower industry is the people. Over nearly four decades, I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredibly smart, dedicated, and passionate professionals who care deeply about their projects and communities.
I also believe strongly that industries improve when we bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and leadership styles to the table. Programmes like Women in Hydropower Mentorship are helping create those opportunities and ensuring the next generation of women entering the industry feels supported and empowered to succeed.
