Western Power's high-achieving women took out big accolades at the inaugural WA Women in Energy Awards at the WA Museum on Friday, with two winners and finalists in all three categories.
Senior Strategic Planning Engineer Shadi Aria won The Changemaker award for her determination to make the energy sector more equitable, inclusive, and representative of the communities it serves. Trained as a civil and structural engineer, Shadi spent eight years designing high-voltage substations and transmission lines in Iran, where she experienced firsthand the professional barriers faced by women in technical fields. That experience has defined her approach to gender equality and inclusive leadership at Western Power, which she has carried through her role as Co-Chair of Western Power's Gender Equity Employee Network.
Acting Head of Distribution Energy Transition Megan Allan won The Trailblazer award. As one of the people charged with delivering our contribution to Western Australia's clean energy transition at a distribution level, Megan leads a number of programs that are reshaping how energy is generated, managed and shared across the state's main electricity network. Megan and her team’s work in the energy sector is nation-leading and designed to deliver outcomes that will benefit Western Australians for decades to come.
Western Power’s Control Room Team Leader Joss Rawlins was also a finalist in The Catalyst award, which recognised quiet achievers who uplift others and create lasting impact.
Western Power Acting CEO Gair Landsborough said the finalists were a testament to the incredible skill set and dedication of women across the energy sector – but particularly at Western Power.
“I think it’s very telling that we had a finalist in every category of this year’s awards. It’s great to see our staff’s hard work and dedication recognised in the industry,” Mr Landsborough said.
“Our business is full of incredible female leaders and subject matter experts, and it was great to see the work of Shadi, Megan and Joss highlighted on Friday night.
“We're looking to the future – building the network infrastructure needed to support decarbonisation while delivering safe, reliable power every day.
“The thread that ran through each nomination was the future of women in the energy sector– each finalist’s focus was about more than personal success, but a desire to further the careers and support the aspirations of other women in their field.
“While historically the field has been male-dominated, I’m pleased to say in recent years that has been changing. We’re working hard to ensure that Western Power is an employer of choice for a diverse workforce; with the benefits of flexibility, training and upskilling, and initiatives targeted at keeping our high achieving staff in the field and excelling.
"Thank you to WA Women in Energy for their continued advocacy, support and promotion of women in the energy sector.”