Career mentoring for women in the solar energy industry

Nadyne is the Operations Manager for a well-renowned solar Installation company based in Central Victoria. With a background in electrical aircraft maintenance, as well as having completed two apprenticeships (and being a qualified chef!), her field of knowledge and tenacious personality have naturally projected her into leadership roles.

As a neurodivergent queer woman, Nadyne is an advocate for diversity, and is passionate about building support networks that have not previously existed in the industry.

Karolina is a dynamic professional with a diverse background, excelling as a bridge between various industries or/and academia. With expertise in business development and a PhD in materials for sodium-ion batteries, she thrives in driving innovation and growth, notably within the energy storage sector in Australia.

Karolina's talent for challenging limiting beliefs and thinking creatively enhances her ability to uncover individual uniqueness, paving the way for mutually beneficial opportunities for both employers and employees.

Her passion for personal development and mental health translates into her work, evidenced by her certification as a breathwork instructor. She genuinely enjoys being part of the renewable energy sector and is eager to assist new industry members or those seeking upskilling in their onboarding process.

Lauren is a Business Development Manager for an Australian wholesale distribution company operating out of southeast Victoria. Originally from Queensland, she has progressed through her career in the renewable sector with a determined can-do attitude.

Through her professional relationships with clients across Victoria, Lauren has come to learn the importance of listening and open communication to reach desired outcomes. Education is vital - and as a queer woman of colour, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all participants in the industry.

Astrid is an experienced consultant working in the commercial and industrial solar PV sector. She has over 14 years of experience, is an accredited solar system designer and more recently, an entrepreneur.

Helping clients achieve the best possible outcome, while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving landscape in a professional, ethical and amicable manner is what gets her out of bed in the morning.

Astrid’s focus areas include design, modelling and analysis, innovation, business development, and project management.

Christine Kennedy is a passionate CFO who has led her family orientated company, Total Solar Solutions Australia. As a solar retailer, business owner and wife to an installer, Christine has a broad understanding of the day-to-day challenges of the solar industry.

Christine is passionate about supporting women to grow professionally and personally and loves seeing the confidence that comes with the encouragement and advice she provides. She sees immense value in engaging with others and values the diversity of thought involved in collaboration.

She is enthusiastic about helping others in the community and is also a founding member of ‘Australian Women in Solar Energy’ (AWISE), mentors female electrical apprentices through the WAVE program run by the Electrical Trades Union and is a member of Solar Victoria’s Industry and Consumer Reference Group.

Bobbi has been in the solar industry since 2007, and a business owner since 2009. Bobbi is based in Wodonga and a partner in Solar Integrity. Over those years she has worked in sales, marketing, health and safety, and manages the day-to-day running of a business with all the trials and tribulations the industry has to offer.

Compliance on safety, government rebates and human resources is a big part of Bobbi’s role. She often shares her knowledge within the business with staff but through the community and industry.

She has been deeply involved in community energy and several groundbreaking trials across northeast Victoria. Bobbi also has several roles within the industry. She is a Board Member of Australian Women in Solar Energy and Solar Accreditation Australia. She sits on Solar Victoria’s Industry and Consumer Reference Group and is often invited to participate in round tables on industry issues including training.

Leila is a trade qualified electrician with over 20 years industry experience. She has built her career with product knowledge and sales solutions. Leila’s areas of expertise include electric motors, generators, solar inverters, and energy storage systems.

Her time in remote Australia inspired a love of alternative energy solutions, off-grid and microgrids. This inspired her to empower everyday Australians and businesses to reduce carbon emissions through education and innovative technology. She is currently the Australian Channel Manager at Selectronic Australia.

Sophie is CEO of Electrify Victoria and Geelong Electric Vehicle Chargers and has been working in the solar industry since February 2019. She is also a founding Director of Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE) and sits on the Smart Energy Council’s Smart Transport Working Group. Sophie is a SAA Accredited Designer (PV Grid Connect and Battery) and CPA.

Sophie is passionate about demystifying solar for consumers and moving Victoria closer to its renewable targets through the electrification of our homes, businesses and vehicles. Sophie loves problem solving and tailoring each homeowners’ individual needs with the best solution for them.