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.
Lenore Vanessa Robson
Vice Chair
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.
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.
Mohamed Soliman
Director of Sponsorship
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.
Jerome James
Director
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.
Teri French
Director
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).
Nathalie Chabert
Director-at-Large
Senior Director, Head of Risk at Northland Power
15+ years international experience in the Energy industry, leading global Risk Management functions in Utilities and IPPs.
Certified FRM
Daliana Cobin
Director, Events
Counsel at Torys LLP
Experienced legal advisor and advocate, providing robust regulatory and compliance guidance to clients in the energy sector.
Fifteen years of experience in the sector in various regulatory roles, including five years as the Director of Regulatory Applications and Business Support at Toronto Hydro.
Eric Muller
Director of Partnerships
Director of Policy for Ontario at Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
16 years in the Canadian clean energy sector across public, private and non-profit organizations. Leadership in Public Policy, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations.
Bilingual Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs (MPIA)
Robert Reinmuller
Director-at-Large
VP Transmission System Planning and Large Customer Accounts Hydro One
Over 30 years of experience in Energy, leading grid operations, engineering, planning and customer teams.
Licensed Professional Engineer, Senior IEEE member and MBA
Emma Schwab-Pflug
Director of Communications
Manager, Innovation Policy and Streamlining at the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines
20 years in energy sector. Experience leading transformative initiatives, spanning consumer programs, pricing, planning, and integration of new technologies.
Certified PMP, M.A., BA