About StepUp
StepUp is a volunteer run non-profit organization that focuses on advancing gender equity, diversity and inclusion in the energy management industry to achieve a breakthrough in energy management.
Founded in 2019, we achieve our mission by bringing about cultural workplace change through senior level participation of both men and women in our field trips, professional development and networking events, and connecting members through an online community. Our industry events are a source of best practices and knowledge sharing on issues of diversity and inclusion. We actively promote knowledge building, discussion, learning and connection.
Based in and around the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada we intend to expand our network and events across the country.
StepUp's Approach
Board of Directors
Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs at the Independent Electricity System Operator.
Vice President of the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Energy Services Professionals.
Coaches community-minded, emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds through Girls on Boards, with FORA: Network for Change
Vice President, System Operations & Station Services at Hydro One
20+ Years Leading Utility Operations. 2021 Catalyst Honours Champion for work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Professional Engineer and MBA from Schulich School of Business.
Cynthia Chan
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer at Elexicon Energy
10 years of financial leadership experience in the energy sector
Extensive international experience in professional practice, healthcare, and not-for-profit organizations
Pallavi Balakrishnan
Corporate Secretary
Senior Manager, Investment Strategy at Ontario Power Generation
Over 5 years in banking and accounting before pivoting into clean energy
MBA, CFA
Cathy Zheng
Director of Outreach
Project Director from CZ Consulting
15+ years of regulatory consultation, energy management, net-zero GHG emission project management, funding/incentive program management experiences.
EMBA from Rotman School of Management
Jerome James
Director of Partnerships
Energy Management Specialist at ONxpress Transportation Partners
10+ years working within the energy sector. Passion for energy reduction within the transportation industry.
Board of directors member for the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers.
Emily Cormier
Director of Communications
Sustainability Lead, City of Sault Ste. Marie
PMP. 13+ years of energy and sustainability experience in the Public, Private, Non-Profit, and Indigenous sectors.
One of 100 Canadian women featured in the 2022 Canadian COP27 Pavilion Women Leading Energy Transformation Series.
Lenore Vanessa Robson
Director of Events
Vice President, People, Culture & Strategic Policy at the Ontario Energy Board
Innovation & Leadership CAMPUT Award for developing the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
Co-Chair of the OEB’s Power of Giving campaign.
MBA, Chartered Professional Accountant.
Teri French
Director at Large
EVP, Safety, Operations and Customer Experience and previously VP, Forestry Services, LDC Integration at Hydro One.
More than 25 years leading large scale operational functions. On the Board of Directors for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA)
Mohamed Soliman
Director at Large
Asset Class Manager at Enbridge
15+ Years in the Energy Industry with experience in operations, engineering, project management and asset management. Mentors internationally trained engineers navigating career transition through Mentoring for Change.
Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional and MBA Candidate with Boston University
Nik Schruder
Director at Large
Program Director, Indigenous & Remote Communities Canada, CLEAResult
Accomplished Professional Engineer with Deep Knowledge of the Energy and Housing Sector and the Regulatory Environment
Proud Member of the Métis Nation of Ontario and Toronto’s LGBTQ2+ Community
Nancy Mitchell
Director at Large
Senior Program Manager at the Diversity Institute
Leader of EDI research across Canada with the Diversity Institute and globally with the UN. Developer of tailored EDI strategies for organizations across Canada.
Masters Degree in Political Science with a Graduate Collaborative Specialization in Women and Gender Studies.